Balmacara Bay, Woodland and Gardens

The walk begins on the northern shores of Loch Alsh, which divides mainland Wester Ross from the eastern tip of the Isle of Skye. The island's broken horizon, rising to Beinn na Callich, dominates the bay. To the left lies the narrow strait of Kyle Rhea, and to its right Kyleakin, where ferries crossed daily until the Skye Bridge opened in 1992.

Between the road and the shore rise the wooded slopes of Ard Hill (where MacKenzies once lit tar barrels to rally the clan with the war cry "Tulloch Ard"). Passing Balmacara House (built by Sir Hugh Innes and later used by Navy divers and tenant Isaac Lillingstone), the route continues to Lochalsh House, where Lillingstone introduced native and exotic trees alongside rhododendrons, ferns, primulas, fuchsias, bog plants, and a national collection of bamboos.

From a viewpoint beyond Lochalsh House, surrounding mountains sweep down to the sea loch (a haven for seals and otters). Further along the shore stands a monument to Colonel Donald Murchison, loyal factor to William MacKenzie, 5th Earl of Seaforth, who risked his life during the 1715 and 1719 Jacobite Rebellions to collect rents for his exiled master.

The woodland and shore along the bay attract a huge variety of birds. Tracks of pine martens and wildcats have been discovered here, and towards dusk roe deer visit the lower forest.

Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.