Balmacara to Kyle of Lochalsh

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NOTE: Recent tree felling may have altered this route, please follow any signs. A linear walk along a signed path which links Balmacara and Kyle of Lochalsh. The return can be made by bus (timetable permitting).

Terrain

There is a path throughout but the going is fairly rough and boggy at times.

Public Transport

Balmacara is 1km off the A87(T) which is served by Citilink buses.

Start

Old Forestry Commission campsite, Balmacara. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.5km / 2.75 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 183m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG762272

Maps / GPS

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Take the first left turning for Balmacara Square from the A87(T) if approaching from Kyle of Lochalsh, or the second Balmacara Square turning on the right if approaching from Dornie. Just a hundred metres up this road you should see a wooden footpath sign pointing off to the left into the trees; it is possible to park by the entrance to the old Forestry Commission Campsite just beyond on the other side of the road (taking care not to block it). Return to the footpath sign (marked Kyle of Lochalsh 3 miles and Scalpaidh Burn 2 miles) and head up the path.

Stage 2

The path cuts through the trees and then across an open area just a short distance above the main road, before entering more woodland. The trees are mostly conifers at first but there are more native trees further on. When a junction is reached, don't take the main left fork but instead fork right uphill (there is a National Trust for Scotland marker post). The path now heads further uphill and away from the noise of the road. After some distance the trees are left behind (cross the stile) and an open moorland section follows.

Stage 3

The path remains easy to follow and crosses several more stiles, but the going is very boggy in places. Compensation is provided by fine views up Loch Duich and across the narrows to Skye; further on, there is a first glimpse of the Skye bridge. After a couple of kilometres the path slants downhill into a pretty little valley containing the Scalpaidh Burn. There is a four way signpost in this valley; our route continues straight ahead (marked Kyle of Lochalsh - 1 mile).

Stage 4

From here the way lies along an old made pathway through some fine oak and birch woodland. It loses height at first before climbing once more and coming clear of the trees. There is another open section, with pylons just left of the path, and on the final rise there is a fine view of Kyle of Lochalsh, backed by the Skye Bridge and, if it's clear, the Cuillin. The path now descents to enter Kyle past Glenview bed and breakfast. Continue down the street which joins up with Langlands Terrace just where it joins the main road. The centre of Kyle is along the road ahead. If you have had enough, catch a bus back along the A87 to the turn-off for Balmacara. Otherwise, or if you haven't checked the timetable, the best return is back the way you came, which obviously doubles the stated time and distance for the walk.

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