Balkello Community Woodland

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.

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.

Walking trails

Balkello Community Woodland route card (PDF)

Walking

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.

¼ miles / 0.6 km

Allow ¼ hour

Walking

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.

1 miles / 1.7 km

Allow ½ hour

More information

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.

Walking

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.

1 ½ miles / 2.4 km

Allow 1 hour

More information

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 and access

Viewpoint

Walking

Parking

Picnic area

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 at Kirkton of Auchterhouse playing fields, 4 minutes drive from the Community Woodland. There are plenty of places to eat in and around Dundee.

Car parking information

There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.

More about parking

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.

Using SatNav?

DD3 0QY is the nearest postcode.

Get directions