Tree Medicine - Balmacaan Guided Walk

Join Woodland Trust for Scotland for a guided walk around Balmacaan Wood to explore the medicinal powers of trees such as Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir.

On your way, you will also meet the European "Goddess Tree", before emerging through ancient Oakwoods. With amazing views, giant trees, outstanding wildlife, and ancient ruins. What might you discover on your wander?

Balmacaan Wood has three main routes - up through native broadleaves and pine to the Iron Age fort on the cliffs, a loop through ancient Oakwoods, and in-between, the 18th Century arboretum.

Woodland Trust for Scotland will be walking through the arboretum to meet the " monster trees" - massive Giant redwood, Douglas fir, Noble fir, Western and Lawsons cypress. There are Badger sets in here, as well as surprising native fungi, all sorts of woodland songbirds, and a glorious broadleaved Lime tree. Throughout the walk, you will hear stories about the identification, origins and traditional uses of all these trees. We will then return through the stunning oakwoods and wildflowers.

This event is free but booking is essential!

**Meeting Point**

Please meet at the Loch Ness Hub & Tourist Information Centre in the centre of Drumnadrochit (IV63 6TX). Anna, the Guided walk leader, will be waiting at the entrance by the blue information board. We will then walk from the hub to the entrance of Balmacaan Wood, about 1km (0.6 miles) south.

You can find out more about Balmacaan and how to get there here: Balmacaan - Visiting Woods - Woodland Trust

Parking

Public parking is available at the main Tourist Hub car park in the village centre, where the group will meet at 10.30. Where possible, please car-share or use alternative parking if there are limited spaces at the Hub. This is particularly likely given the Market on the Green will be happening on the same day.

Access

There is a mix of surfaced and unsurfaced paths at Balmacaan, all of which have steep sections and terrain to navigate.

Walks usually take 2-2.5 hrs and are tailored to visitor preference.Please contact Anna, the guided walk leader, if you have any special requirements on Lochsandmountains@gmail.com.

Facilities

There are no toilet facilities on site, the nearest facilities are at Loch Ness Hub, in the centre of Drumnadrochit, where the group are setting off from.