Balkello Community Woodland
Escape to Balkello Community Woodland for serene woodland walks and breathtaking panoramic views from the Sidlaw Hills. A perfect natural retreat near...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Balkello Community Woodland
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Escape to Balkello Community Woodland for serene woodland walks and breathtaking panoramic views from the Sidlaw Hills. A perfect natural retreat near Dundee.
"Astonishing views and gorgeous walks await at Balkello Community Woodland, a true gem for nature lovers. "
🚗 Winter Driving Caution
Snow can make the car park tricky. Winter tires are recommended for Scotland! :snow_cloud:
🗑️ Pack It In, Pack It Out
No bins here! Bring a bag for your rubbish and dog waste. :wastebasket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sidlaw Hills Views
Various viewpoints along the trails
Ascend the hills for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Astonishing vistas await!
Woodland Trails
Throughout the woodland
Explore well-marked paths winding through the trees, offering a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with nature.
Auchterhouse Hill
Accessible from the woodland
A popular nearby hill offering stunning scenery, perfect for a longer hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Leave No Trace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Winter Driving Caution
Snow can make the car park tricky. Winter tires are recommended for Scotland! :snow_cloud:
🗑️ Pack It In, Pack It Out
No bins here! Bring a bag for your rubbish and dog waste. :wastebasket:
🥾 Trail Conditions
Paths can be a bit soupy after rain, so wear appropriate footwear. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Accessing Hills
The woodland is a great starting point for exploring nearby hills like Auchterhouse. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Winter Driving Caution
Snow can make the car park tricky. Winter tires are recommended for Scotland! :snow_cloud:
🗑️ Pack It In, Pack It Out
No bins here! Bring a bag for your rubbish and dog waste. :wastebasket:
🥾 Trail Conditions
Paths can be a bit soupy after rain, so wear appropriate footwear. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Accessing Hills
The woodland is a great starting point for exploring nearby hills like Auchterhouse. :hiking_boot:
⏰ Car Park Closure
Remember the car park gates close at 5 PM sharp! Plan your visit accordingly. :alarm_clock:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Balkello Community Woodland for its beautiful woodland trails and the stunning, expansive views from the Sidlaw Hills. It's a highly recommended spot for walks and hikes, offering a great escape from the city. However, the lack of bins and the car park's early closure at 5 PM are recurring points of concern for some.
"It is the car park to access Sidlaws. Free parking. Negatives closes 5pm (has a gate that can be closed) also ridiculous signs saying there is no pooh fairie- bag you dog pooh & take it home. As a consequence, piles of bagged dog faeces by the sign. Would be better if a bin was present."
Chris Weatherburn
"What can one write about the car park? 😅
It's a good, spacious car park. There are some dining tables around, plenty of well marked woodland paths - perfect place to escape the city! Only 15min drive from Dundee. Just one issue - people should be careful when coming here in snow - I already helped to push 3 cars from this car park! 😅 Winter tyres must be obligatory here, in Scotland.
Sadly, no photos of the car park itself, but the views are astonishing once you walk a wee bit up the hill!"
Tomas Matulaitis
"Gorgeous as always. Beautiful place to walk and explore, with lots of trails up to the hills. Good parking area too. No bins, so be sure to bring a bag for your rubbish, or any litter you spot along the way."
Amelia Maclaren
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Balkello Community Woodland is located near Dundee and is a popular starting point for exploring the Sidlaw Hills. It's about a 15-minute drive from Dundee. For those using public transport, you can catch the 57 bus to Auchterhouse and walk from there.
Yes, there is a good, spacious, and free car park available. However, be aware that it closes at 5 PM and has a gate that can be closed.
Visitors have reported that snow can make the car park and access roads tricky. It's advisable to have winter tires if you plan to visit during snowy periods in Scotland.
While driving is the most common method, you can access the area via public transport. Taking the 57 bus to Auchterhouse is an option, followed by a walk to the woodland.
Yes, Balkello Community Woodland is a popular spot for dog walks, with several reels showcasing dogs enjoying the trails.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee for Balkello Community Woodland. The car park is also free to use.
The woodland itself is generally accessible, but the car park has specific hours and closes at 5 PM, with a gate that can be locked.
No booking is required for Balkello Community Woodland. It's a public access area, and entry is free.
The main restriction is the car park's closing time of 5 PM. Otherwise, it's open for public enjoyment.
While the woodland itself might be accessible, the car park closes at 5 PM, so visiting at night would require parking elsewhere and walking in.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
There are plenty of well-marked woodland paths that are perfect for walking and exploring. Many trails lead up to the surrounding hills, offering stunning views.
Unfortunately, there are no bins provided within the woodland. Visitors are strongly advised to bring a bag for their rubbish and dog waste and take it home with them.
The terrain is generally good for walking, with well-marked paths. However, some sections can be a bit 'soupy' or muddy, especially after rain.
The views from the woodland and especially from the hills above are described as astonishing and gorgeous. You can see the surrounding countryside stretching out below.
Yes, it's a great place for a wander. The woodland paths offer a pleasant experience, and you can easily extend your walk by heading up one of the nearby hills.
📸 📸 Photography
The most rewarding photography opportunities are found as you ascend the hills, offering panoramic views of the landscape. The woodland itself also provides lovely natural light and textures for photos.
Absolutely. The elevated positions on the Sidlaw Hills provide expansive vistas that are perfect for landscape photography, especially during golden hour.
While not specifically a wildlife hotspot, the natural woodland environment may offer chances to photograph local flora and fauna.
A wide-angle lens would be excellent for capturing the expansive landscape views. For woodland shots, a versatile zoom lens would be beneficial.
Any point where you gain elevation on the Sidlaw Hills will offer stunning photographic potential. The views are consistently described as 'astonishing'.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The adventure of walking up the hills, even a short way, can be exciting for children, and the views from the top are a great reward. Tips for Families:
* Snacks & Drinks: Pack plenty of provisions, as there are no facilities on-site.
* Footwear: Ensure children wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, as paths can be uneven or muddy.
* Car Park: Be mindful of the 5 PM car park closure when planning your visit.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
Ascending the Sidlaw Hills offers a sense of accomplishment and breathtaking solo vistas. Solo Traveler Tips:
* Inform Someone: Let a friend or family member know your plans and expected return time.
* Mobile Signal: While generally good, be aware that mobile signal can be patchy in some areas.
* Enjoy the Solitude: Embrace the tranquility and the opportunity for personal reflection amidst nature.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Sidlaw Hills from Balkello
The terrain can be a bit uneven and muddy in places, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear is a must. Many visitors use Balkello as a starting point for a multi-hill walk. The views from these higher points are consistently praised as 'astonishing' and 'gorgeous', making the effort worthwhile.
Key Takeaways for Hill Walking:
* Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots.
* Navigation: Trails are generally well-marked, but a map or GPS can be helpful for longer routes.
* Weather: Be prepared for changeable Scottish weather.
Dog-Friendly Adventures at Balkello
When visiting with your dog, remember that there are no bins available. It's crucial to bag your dog's waste and take it home with you to keep the woodland clean and enjoyable for everyone.
Tips for Dog Owners:
* Leash: Keep your dog on a leash where appropriate or if they have a strong prey drive.
* Waste Bags: Always carry more than you think you'll need.
* Water: Bring water for your dog, especially on longer walks. :dog:
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