Balkello Community Woodland
Balkello Community Woodland Forest Notices
COVID-19 has changed lots of things we do. And as we re-open the majority of our facilities and welcome more of you back in Phase 3, we need your help to do it safely. Please check what’s open before you travel; enjoy your visit safely by following NHS and Scottish Government guidance; take your litter home with you; and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
At this location:
- The car park is open and normal charges (if any) now apply.
Please bear with us and check back regularly for updates. You can also find more information by visiting our COVID-19 page and our FAQs.
A tranquil woodland nestled next to Dundee
Take time out from the city to enjoy some peace and quiet at Balkello Community Woodland. Just a short trip from Dundee, it's a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy sweeping views of the countryside, the city and the coast.
There's an open grassy area, overlooking small ponds and a spring – ideal for a picnic. If you fancy a longer outing, Balkello is a gateway to the open Sidlaw Hills and on to Glamis.
If you’re looking for mountain bike action, check out this guide to Where to Ride in Tayside and Fife.
Balkello's trees were only planted in the 1990s, but already the young woodland is a real contrast to the open fields around it. Birds sing among the trees and light plays through the branches: come back often and see how the forest grows.
Our map of Balkello Community Woodlands
Walking trails
Sidlaws View Trail
Enjoy the panorama of Balkello Hill, Auchterhouse Hill and Balluderon Hill from the viewpoint on this easy and gentle trail.
Mostly flat with one short, gentle slope. Wide gravel path with a smooth, firm surface and regular passing places.
Allow ¼ hour
Woodland Wander
Wind your way through the young woodland. The native trees planted here are becoming a great home for wildlife.
Uneven grassy surface with some rough, narrow and muddy parts. Moderate slopes with one short fairly steep ramp.
Allow ½ hour
Keep an eye open for wildlife on the trail. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of a vole, frog or toad along the way. Roe deer also make themselves at home among the young trees.
Raven Trail
Get a bird’s eye view from the open slopes of Balkello Hill, which has a sweeping vista over Dundee and the Angus coast.
Uneven grassy surface with some rough, narrow and rocky sections. One long steep slope. Parts may be very muddy.
Allow 1 hour
This trail takes you through the woodland and out onto the open hill below the old quarry. If you’re feeling fit, carry on up Balluderon Hill for spectacular views to the east coast and north to the Angus Glens and the rolling Cairngorms.
Facilities & access
Opening times
Summer (April to September): 8am – 10pm.
Winter (October to March): 8am – 5pm.
The car park is locked overnight. Check the closing time on the car park notice board to make sure you don’t get locked in.
Life’s essentials
The nearest public toilets are in Camperdown Country Park, on the outskirts of Dundee. Dundee also has plenty of places to eat.
Getting here
Balkello forest is off the B954 Muirhead to Newtyle road. At Auchterhouse, turn onto the road to Tealing. Go on for around 2½ miles (4km) and turn left for the forest car park. The car park is at grid reference NO 365 383.
Using SatNav?
DD3 0QY is the nearest postcode.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?