Balmacara Estate

Balmacara Estate Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Balmacara Estate, Tourist Information Center, Lochalsh Woodland Walks, Balmacara.

In June we welcomed the Inverness Botany Group to Balmacara again, and this time our survey efforts were focused on Kirk...
25/08/2025

In June we welcomed the Inverness Botany Group to Balmacara again, and this time our survey efforts were focused on Kirkton Meadow.
Prior to 2010 this grassland had been grazed by sheep, resulting in a short sward developing. Creeping thistle and soft rush were also abundant and there was very little in the way of biodiversity. Since then, the meadow has been reseeded with a species-rich mix and with hard work and patience, the grassland has slowly recovered. Our most recent survey carried out by the Inverness Botany Group showed there to be more than 115 different species of plant in the meadow. Highlights included Northern Marsh Orchids and Narrow Buckler-fern, a very local plant in West Ross.

🌲 Path Update Following Storm Floris 🌲We’ve been working hard to clear up after Storm Floris, responding to reports and ...
13/08/2025

🌲 Path Update Following Storm Floris 🌲
We’ve been working hard to clear up after Storm Floris, responding to reports and removing fallen trees from our paths. Thanks to everyone who’s reached out so far!
Unfortunately, a few areas are still affected:

Plockton – Brea Track:
A large tree is currently blocking
the path along the Brea track in Plockton village. While we advise avoiding this route for now, the crofter whose land the tree has fallen on has kindly removed a section of his fence to allow walkers to pass behind the tree. Please do not attempt to climb over or under the tree. We’ve arranged for a contractor to remove it as soon as possible.

Balmacara square:
There is still a tree down next to the carpark near the Steadings Gallery, and again we will be getting a contractor in to remove it.

Kyle to Scalpidh Path:
Two trees are hanging down over the path (approximate coordinates: 57.282781, -5.696047). We’ve created a temporary route that bypasses them—we recommend using that detour for your safety.

If you come across any other fallen trees or hazards, please let us know and we’ll do our best to respond quickly.

We’re will be operating with a small team after tomorrow—just myself (the apprentice ranger) out in the field, and Eilidh in the office—so we really appreciate your patience and understanding.

‼️Just another tree update‼️ regarding the tree fallen under the bridge near Balmacara square. While Tadhg MhicLeòid An ...
07/08/2025

‼️Just another tree update‼️ regarding the tree fallen under the bridge near Balmacara square. While Tadhg MhicLeòid An Fhilidh has done a fantastic job clearing it, there is still a very large section left (at least 1500kg) balanced on three legs. Please NOBODY ATTEMPT to remove this, it’s safe where it is and will be removed soon!

Thank you Tadhg MhicLeòid An Fhilidh for clearing our path! 💪It’s still windy out there so stay safe everyone!
07/08/2025

Thank you Tadhg MhicLeòid An Fhilidh for clearing our path! 💪

It’s still windy out there so stay safe everyone!

🌬️ Storm Floris Update – Fallen Trees Across the Estate 🌳Hi everyone,We hope you all made it through Storm Floris safely...
06/08/2025

🌬️ Storm Floris Update – Fallen Trees Across the Estate 🌳
Hi everyone,
We hope you all made it through Storm Floris safely and without too much trouble.

Unfortunately, the strong winds brought down a number of trees across the estate, and several paths have been blocked. We've already managed to clear quite a few, including:

Two trees near the Reserve under Coille Mhor
Around six along the Kirkton to Reraig path
Two at the start of the Gunsite route between Balmacara and the Forestry

That said, there are still a few trees we’ve yet to tackle, including:

Two on the path between Balmacara and Loch Achaidh na h-Inich
Three that require a contractor’s help: one near the Gallery in Balmacara Square, one on the Brae track in Plockton, and another under the Balmacara square bridge on the track running along the river.

We’re working as quickly as we can, but bringing in contractors may take a little time — we’re aiming to have these cleared by September . Apologies for any inconvenience in the meantime.

🙏 A huge thank you to everyone who’s been in touch to report fallen trees — your help makes a big difference! With such a large area to cover, we really appreciate your eyes on the ground.

If you do come across a tree blocking a path, please send us a photo along with coordinates if possible — it really helps us plan and prioritise.

🪓 And finally, if you spot a small tree or branch you feel confident removing safely, feel free to go for it — and help yourself to the firewood as a thank-you!

Thanks again for your support and patience — stay safe out there!

31/07/2025

Happy World Ranger Day! Have a look at some of the work our brilliant rangers do to protect the special places in our care – from islands and mountaintops, seabird cliffs and coastlines, gardens to castle estates, our rangers play a hugely important role in conserving landscapes and habitats across Scotland

Success! That’s the cows successfully moved up to the Gunsite 🐮 They were very well behaved and were expertly herded by ...
23/07/2025

Success! That’s the cows successfully moved up to the Gunsite 🐮 They were very well behaved and were expertly herded by Iain, Nina and Helena ☺️ Also, thank you patient drivers!

IMPORTANT UPDATE: We are moving the cows tomorrow through Balmacara between 8-10am. We are moving them from the ‘Reserve...
22/07/2025

IMPORTANT UPDATE: We are moving the cows tomorrow through Balmacara between 8-10am. We are moving them from the ‘Reserve’ (area near the start of the Collie Mhor path on the Balmacara side) to the ‘Gunsite’ which is positioned along the path that runs from Reraig to Balmacara. If possible please avoid these paths during this time or at least keep dogs on a lead.

Between Two Islands - Exhibition by Alexis Avlamis and Karen Davies - Open now at the Steadings GallerySpecial event tom...
11/07/2025

Between Two Islands - Exhibition by Alexis Avlamis and Karen Davies - Open now at the Steadings Gallery

Special event tomorrow, 12th July, from 2pm - Greek and Scottish treats!

25/06/2025
Some images shared by Neil Henderson on a recent visit to Strome Castle. Neil said it's absolutely stunning
17/06/2025

Some images shared by Neil Henderson on a recent visit to Strome Castle. Neil said it's absolutely stunning

The species-rich meadow at Kirkton is growing nicely as the temperature rises here in Lochalsh.  In the last couple of y...
12/06/2025

The species-rich meadow at Kirkton is growing nicely as the temperature rises here in Lochalsh. In the last couple of years we have started to see numerous Northern Marsh Orchids appearing in the grassland. It has taken almost 15 years from reseeding with the species-rich mix in 2009 to see these wonderful plants growing here. Prior to 2009 this was a rush infested acid grassland with very little by way of biodiversity value, now it hosts well over 50 species of plant and a growing range of bird species are also being recorded there. All testament to hard work and patience and giving nature a chance to recover.

Address

Lochalsh Woodland Walks
Balmacara
IV408DN

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Balmacara Estate posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Balmacara Estate:

Share