Hallin Park

Downs, Moorland in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Hallin Park

Knockbreack Primary School There is currently a proposal to build a new community school in Dunvegan, which will replace four existing north Skye schools; Dunvegan, Edinbane, Struan and this one at Knockbreck. — Knockbreack Primary School Credit: John Allan

Hallin Park is a picturesque natural area located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated amidst the stunning landscape of the Highlands, this park offers visitors a unique experience of the region's diverse ecosystems, including downs and moorland.

Covering an expansive area of land, Hallin Park is characterized by rolling hills, open grasslands, and vast stretches of heather-covered moorland. The downs, with their gently sloping hills, provide visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. These areas are adorned with a variety of wildflowers, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors during the spring and summer months.

The moorland within Hallin Park is a remarkable feature, with its vast expanse of heather-dominated vegetation. Visitors can explore the winding paths that traverse the moorland, immersing themselves in the tranquility of this unique habitat. The moors are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including birds of prey such as golden eagles, merlins, and kestrels. Rare species such as the black grouse and red deer can also be spotted in these areas, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

In addition to its natural beauty, Hallin Park offers a range of recreational activities for visitors. Hiking and walking trails provide opportunities for exploration, while picnic areas and designated camping sites allow visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The park is also a popular destination for birdwatching, with various species making their homes within its boundaries.

Overall, Hallin Park in Inverness-shire is an idyllic location that showcases the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of the Scottish Highlands. With its downs, moorland, and abundant wildlife, it offers visitors a memorable and enriching experience in one of the country's most stunning natural settings.

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Hallin Park Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.535243/-6.5987996 or Grid Reference NG2458. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Knockbreack Primary School

There is currently a proposal to build a new community school in Dunvegan, which will replace four existing north Skye schools; Dunvegan, Edinbane, Struan and this one at Knockbreck.

John Allan

One of many ruins

Halistra was at one time very much more populated than is the case today. The Highland Council Historic Environment Record shows more than 18 farmsteads in the area, and 99 buildings plus a number of enclosures. A vast area of land was cultivated in broad lazybeds which has now reverted to heather moorland.

Richard Dorrell

Once cultivated land

This view is from one of many ruined buildings on the lower south-west facing slope of Ben Halistra. In the late 1700s, almost all of the heather moorland in the image was cultivated in broad lazybeds, 4 to 5 metres in width. The patterns of the beds do not show up well in photographs taken from the ground, though aerial photographs show the beds quite clearly.

Richard Dorrell

Allt na Claise Moire

The small river flows through a steep sided gorge here, as it flows down the south facing slope of Ben Halistra

Richard Dorrell

Allt na Claise Moire

Looking up the river into a gorge on the hillside of Ben Halistra.

Richard Dorrell

Lazybeds on Ben Halistra

There is a vast area of hand-dug once-cultivated land on the south facing slope of Ben Halistra, just north of the modern township of Upper Halistra. The land was being farmed in the late 1700s, but was abandoned in the mid-1800s, and has now reverted to heather moorland. The land still shows the distinctive pattern of broad stripes. The stripes show up well in aerial photographs. See also NG2459 : The Farm of Halistra.

Richard Dorrell

Knockbreck Primary School

Carol Walker

Dramatic Sky over Halistra

Taken near the junction of the Trumpan road branches. View toward Halistra beneath a dramatic skyscape.

Hilmar Ilgenfritz

Knockbreck school

Primary school serving the communities on the Waternish peninsula. In the distance can be seen Uig Bay on Trotternish

Gordon Hatton

Ben Halistra

Looking towards Ben Geary, Skye bog churned up by the dreaded mobile phone mast builders.

Richard Webb

Old Settlement at Halistra

The remains of long abandoned houses and field divisions are visible on the moorland above the present day community at Halistra.

John Allan

Old wall on Ben Halistra

John Allan

Burn at Halistra

Flowing towards Loch Bay.

John Allan

Road towards Knockbreck

The building on the left is the primary school. There is currently one multi-composite class in the school. There are presently 10 pupils in P1 – 7 with a further 6 pupils attending Nursery. The school has one teaching member of staff. It is currently part of a two school cluster group with a shared Headteacher. However small the school and however remote the location, the Highland Council think it is worth installing electrically illuminated speed limit signs to warn the local sheep when there may be children on the road.

Richard Dorrell

To where?

One minute you are walking down the road, when all of a sudden the more recent route for the road diverges away from the old route. At least,that is what it looks like with this path lined on both sides with boulders, and slightly raised above the level of the surrounding field.Follow it though and it just disappears into the common grazings. Wonder where it used to go?

Carol Walker

Waternish Free Church in Halistra

John Gifford's Pevsner guide of 1992 notes that this late 19th-century building is "very simple, with segmental-arched windows". There are only two of these windows on the far side wall, and the one on the gable end which lights a gallery covering about a third of the floor space. In late summer 2021 the church has just reopened for worship after a major renovation including repositioning of the entrance - compare with Anthony O'Neil's 2010 view NG2459 : Waternish Church, Upper Halistra, Skye. The new windows on the lean-to extension are still to be installed.

Tiger