Balnain

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Find peace at Balnain

If you'd like to get away from the crowds hoping for a glimpse of the Loch Ness monster, Balnain is for you. The trail here offers a good long spell of peace and quiet amidst the trees.

Take a look at our guide map to the Great Glen (PDF 5.8MB) to explore Balnain and other forests in this stunning area.

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Life's essentials

You'll find toilets and places to eat in Drumnadrochit, on the shores of Loch Ness, or Cannich, near Glen Affric.

Walking trails

Loch Meiklie View Trail

A long circuit through the varied conifers of Glen Urquhart Forest with a magnificent viewpoint overlooking Loch Meiklie. A fine long walk or great off-road cycle ride. 

Wide, firm but uneven gravel surface throughout. Long fairly steep slope for half a mile. Includes one gate.

5 ¼ miles /
8.6 km
Allow
3½ hours

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Cycling trails

Mountain biking trails

The Affric Kintail Way, a new long distance route linking Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness to Morvich on the west coast, passes through Balnain.

A few years ago there was a ‘North Shore’ mountain bike park here. This is now closed and the trail structures have been removed. You are still welcome to ride along the forest tracks.

Contact: Inverness, Ross and Skye Forest District

Address: Tower Road, Smithton, Inverness

Postcode: IV2 7NL

Telephone: 0300 067 6100

Email: invernessrossskye@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

How to get here

Balnain is on the A831 between Loch Ness and Cannich. The car park is at grid reference NH 449 298.

Using SatNav?

IV63 6TJ is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

Buses run along the A831 between Drumnadrochit and Balnain. Check Traveline Scotland for details.

Nearby places

Just above Loch Ness, Craigmonie has spectacular views of Urquhart Bay, and you can walk to a waterfall at Divach. Glen Affric, with its beautiful native pine forest, is 10 miles (16 km) to the north.