1st November 2023
Hiking and Hill Walking in the Northern Highlands
Using Balnagown as a Base
There is no greater way to get to know a country than to walk it, step by step, and mile by mile. It gives you a richer and more profound understanding of place, of people and of history, and like no other experience it affords you the opportunity to be shaped by that landscape. If you want to really know a country especially Scotland, then walk it.
Hill Walking and Hiking in Scotland
Scotland is one of the best countries in the world to go hiking in. To a Scot hiking would be a rather grandiose term, and you will find that the Scots, as masters of the understatement, would refer to it as hill walking, be it mountain, Munro, or range. The nation is all geared up for it, and there is no greater example of this than the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Under Scot’s Law everyone has the right to be on most land and inland water for recreation, education, and travel provided that they behave responsibly.
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code provides detailed guidance on these responsibilities. Any visit to Scotland would be considered incomplete without a bit of a dander, so get your maps out, and put your boots on. For more information: www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot
In the Heart of Balnagown Estate
Balnagown is a fantastic base for some excellent walking both on the estate and off. Guests are free to wander around the core estate and make use of the 10 miles of paths, taking in the King James Bridge, the lochs, woods, gardens and, of course, the castle. Just off the core estate but still very much part of Balnagown we would encourage you to take in Ballchraggan Wood and the old Marybank Church. The old Church is a fascinating site both in location and in its history. It is believed to date back to pre-Christian times as a place of religious worship.
Walking in Easter Ross
The estate spreads over the two magnificent counties of Ross-shire and Sutherland with the heart of Balnagown being based in Easter Ross. Easter Ross does not have the archetypal wild and rugged landscape so often associated with Scotland, but it does have a very special microclimate and an equally breath-taking but softer landscape, rolling hills, forests with incredible viewpoints leading down to rich arable lands and resplendent seas. The best way to get to know this area is to set off on foot. There are routes, and paths to interest everyone and for every ability. There are walks from 40 minutes and 1.25miles, (Tain Hill and Pulpit Rock) to a 147 mile route with 14 stages (John O’Groats Trail).
Here you will find walks that take in historical sites, views, geology, old ways of life, castles, lighthouses, wildlife, and sea life to name but a few. The best site by far to view these walks in more detail is: www.walkhighlands.co.uk
Walking in Sutherland and Caithness
Balnagown is a great base too for those fleet of foot who would like to discover Sutherland and Caithness. The estate itself takes in parts of Sutherland. Eleven of the walks on what the Walk Highlands website considers East Sutherland is within easy reach of Inveroykel, our former Victorian hunting lodge that sits in a tremendous position dominating the local landscape and overlooking the famous River Oykel. It is also located 30 minutes from the base of the extraordinary Ben More Assynt, a Munro and an absolute MUST DO for the fitter and more experienced hill walker. Visit www.walkhighlands.co.uk to learn more.
Sutherland as a whole is a county with three coastlines, rugged glens, peat bogs and few people whilst Caithness has great sandstone cliffs, towering sea-stacks, and fertile soils. Both regions have their share of wonderful walks including some longer and also long distance walks such as the Northern Pilgrim’s Way, the Northern Saints Trails, and yet more of the John O’Groats Walk. The Northern Pilgrim’s Way re-establishes the medieval pilgrimage route between the shrines of St Duthac (Tain) and St Magnus (Kirkwall) whilst the Northern Saints Trail is made up of six circular routes that explore the sites of six Celtic saints.
For more information:
There are, of course, shorter but equally engaging walks such as the Ousdale Broch walk, near Berriedale which is about 2 km. The best site for a list of these www.walkhighlands.co.uk
Assistance
Balnagown would be delighted to help you discover Scotland. Should you need sign posting to local knowledge, where to get the best gear, recommendations for meals en route, or our best walks do let us know. Given advance warning (at least 2 weeks) we will also try to assist you to arrange drop off and collections.