Balmacara Square has a thriving population and many of the buildings have recently been restored. There is also a tranquil pond in the centre of the village with ducks and grassy banks for picnics. The far side of the village also houses a craft shop, Scottish Crofters Foundation http://www.croftingfoundation.co.uk and Antique Maps of Scotland shop http://www.caledonianmaps.co.uk

The peninsula of Loch Alsh in Wester Ross is under the ownership of the National Trust for Scotland (http://www.nts.org.uk) which aims to preserve and conserve the area and its habitat for future generations to enjoy. There are several walking trails to explore in the area amongst native woodland and open moor land. The Visitor Centre at Balmacara Square has them all on touch screen display and is a good place to start when planning an outing.

The Lochalsh Woodland Garden is situated 3 miles East of Kyle of Lochalsh on the A87 and provides pleasant walks beside the loch amongst a 2 acre woodland garden with mature Scots pine, oaks and beeches as well as collections of bamboo, ferns, hydrangeas and rhododendrons. The 'Rhoddies' collection contains some really interesting specimens and is at its best in Spring.

One of the signposted walks starts on the opposite side of the A87 from the garden entrance. This trail follows the old coastal footpath to Kyle of Lochalsh (3 miles) and provides a very pleasant alternative to the main (busy) road. Views to Kylerhea are stunning.

Eilean Donan Castle, This castle is the most photographed structure in Scotland. It lies near the sea at the edge of the western highlands, not far from Kyle of Lochalsh, and Isle of Skye.