📌 Balmacara, Highland
★★★
The scrubby hill between Balmacara and Reraig on approach to the Skye Bridge is unnamed on O.S. maps but offers extensive views along the straits of Loch Alsh and Kyle Akin, separated by the rough slopes of Skye’s Beinn na Caillich. This waymarked circuit takes in the panorama before returning close to the Balmacara Burn. At the start, Balmacara Square is a restored 18th century crofting estate. Set around a picturesque pond, it’s now under the stewardship of the National Trust for Scotland and features a visitor centre, art gallery and cafe.
📷 Chronological photo guide
🌍 Location
📌 Start / finish on minor road at Balmacara Square
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NG 807283
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 57.292383,-5.641419
🚌 Infrequent bus stops on A87 at Balmacara turnoff to southwest, with footpath link (also waymarked in blue)
🚗 Car park
📝 Key info
▶ 4 km / 2 mi | ▲ 140 m | ⌛ 1.5 hr
Features: 🏠 Balmacara Square & pond; 📷 Loch Alsh viewpoint
⬤ Moderate | Clear paths, tracks & minor roads with some ascent. Mostly waymarked.
Download file for GPS➡️ Anticlockwise circuit: start, Balmacara Square & pond – follow main road south – turn left onto track after 400m – Loch Alsh viewpoint to east – turn left at track junction, 🧭 NG 815284 – start. Route waymarked in blue & on map here (Skye View Trail, omitting far western section)
🥾 On our last visit
Wildlife: A newly-fledged chick running about on the path higher up.
Weather: Rain for ascent, fizzling out then mostly overcast. Fog on hills, tending to lift, 15°C.
June 2023
