The Balmeanach Wind Farm Track runs through the Glen Vik Askill wind farm to Upper Edinbane. The track was built during the construction of the wind farm and is currently used for maintenance and recreation. We walked from the Balmeanach end of the track and found it very accessible indeed. In fact we would like to think anyone of any ability could enjoy a walk, push, cycle or propel along this track.
Location of the Balmeanach Wind Farm Track.
Take the minor road signed for Balmeanach from the A863 Sligachan -Dunvegan road. The turning is approximately 4 miles north of Struan. Follow the single track road through the Balmeanach township for about 1.5 miles until you reach the end of the tarmac road surface. On your right is a space to park a couple of vehicles. Park here and head towards the cattle grid and gate at the start of the tree line. To the right of the cattle grid is a light metal gate tied shut with some rope. Sarah accessed the track via this gate with no problems, please shut it again behind you. It is a wide gate so any size of wheelchair or pram would get through here with few if any problems. Now you are on the wind farm track.
Walking the track.
The wind farm track is now in front of you winding away into the distance. The track is wider than the single track road you have just driven on. The surface comprises of compacted gravel and plainings. It was used by the construction traffic so is well compacted and fairly free of potholes. Sarah found her rollator went rather well despite it only having very small wheels. Usually bumpy surfaces are her nemesis but this is one she didn’t struggle with at all. This first part of the track slowly rises up hill. It is a long slow hill with many flat sections in between the rises. This stops you getting too tired too quickly. It is nice and safe on the track as the only vehicles that use it are maintenance vehicles which don’t come up that often. There is good visibility on the track and plenty of space for vehicles and pedestrians to pass if you did come across each other.
The initial part of the Balmeanach wind farm track that we walked was along the tree line of a conifer plantation. A culvert ran alongside the track and then reed beds to the forest floor. It was a haven for wildlife in the summer sun. We were lucky enough to see dragonflies, butterflies, moths, bees and a giant wood wasp. Up ahead through the trees we got tantalising glimpses of wind turbine blades but they remained out of our reach. On the way back down the track the summit of MacLeod’s Table South was peeking through the misty clouds.
Accessibility of the Balmeanach Wind Farm Track
We can only vouch for the small part of the track we walked on but accessibility was great. Kids, and adults could ride their bikes along here. It was safe for our slow pace with a rollator. Therefore a wheelchair or pram with larger wheels than us should have no problem over the surface at all. And, not being a public road it is quiet and more importantly safe from traffic. The full length of the track through to Upper Edinbane is approximately 5 miles/8kilometres. It should be possible to go the whole way if the battery life of your wheelchair or mobility scooter will get you that far, but the way back to your car is the way you came. Make sure you leave enough energy to get back.
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