Plockton

The Village

If this is your first visit to Plockton, you will want to orientate yourself. Here is the essential Plockton on foot  (a PDF file is available for you to print and take with you.)

Out and About

We have described some longer trips on the Wester Ross page. Here are some excursions which will fit into half a day:

  • Eilean Donan Castle at Dornie is a completely restored Jacobite Castle, a journey back in time to the seventeenth century. By yourself, or with a guide, visit the Great Hall, the kitchens and the sleeping quarters. Walk along the old battlements. Also a Visitor Centre and a cafe. (Weddings in the summer.) This is one of Scotland’s premier tourist attractions.
  • Carry on down Loch Duich to Shiel Bridge, turning right up the Ratagan Pass. Incredible views at the top of the Five Sisters of Kintail. On the other side of the summit is Glenelg, tranquil and remote. There is small ferry here to Skye (yes, still possible to go ‘over the sea . . .’). Also an abandoned fort, built by General Wade after the 1745 Rebellion. A good lunch can be had at the Hotel.
  • Carry on out the village for three miles and you will come to the best example of prehistoric brochs on the west coast. It is not known who built these imposing towers but it is believed that they were constructed as a refuge for the local inhabitants against sea raiders.
  • Sandaig is near-by, where Gavin Maxwell wrote ‘Ring of Bright Water’.
  • Taken all together, probably more than half a day!

Wildlife & Outdoors

  • Calum’s Seal Trips of course, and more sea trips in Kyle and South Skye, some focused on seabirds.
  • Craig Highland Farm — a rare breed conservation centre, with unusual types of goats, sheep, pigs, ponies and llamas. Take the kids and you’ll come away with a rabbit, or two. First left after the station, then five minutes.
  • There is a viewing platform for otters and other wildlife at the Bright Water Centre in Kyleakin in Skye, just over from Kyle. (Gavin Maxwell lived here also.)
  • Highland Cattle at Durinish.

Sports

  • Sailing during the season, with craft for small boats and kayaks for hire at Hidden Treasures (Calum’s Seal Trips). The Regatta takes place every year, with races for local clinker-built boats and centre-boards for visitors.
  • A swimming pool and small leisure centre at Kyle.
  • Plockton has a new outdoor bowling green. Guest bowlers welcome.

Walking

  • Excellent walks all around the village. A ‘Plockton Walks’ booklet is available in the shops.
  • We recommend the walks to Duncraig Castle, to the TV mast, to the sandy beach at Dubhaird and to the Coral Beach.