Balmacara Estate And Lochalsh Woodland

At Balmacara Estate, discover a traditional Scottish crofting estate and experience a mix of history, biodiversity and beautiful landscapes.

Balmacara Estate is a traditional crofting estate covering 2,550 hectares (6,330 acres) on the Lochalsh peninsula. It encompasses croft and farm land, and offers stunning views across the water to the mountains of Skye and Applecross.

The estate is also packed with fascinating archaeological and historic features, including two Scheduled Ancient Monuments – the open-air church at Plockton village and the crannog on Loch Achaidh na h-Inich. Plockton, a planned village dating from 1801, is a designated Conservation Area, as is Balmacara Square, where you can see the estate’s original 18th century steadings, millhouse and ice house.

Visitors can discover more about this secluded, fascinating area at the small visitor centre, where an interactive CD-ROM, guides to the extensive footpath network and other local information are available. There are also craft workshops and a delicatessen shop.

Even the estate’s woodland is a valuable part of Scotland’s natural heritage – a section of the Coille Mhór oak and birch wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area for Conservation.

The Lochalsh Woodland Walk is an attractively designed landscape open to the public throughout the year and is home to an impressive nine species of dragonfly.