Walking & Swimming
Back Brae
The Back Brae runs parallel and above the main street of the village, and offers stunning views of Plockton Bay, Loch Carron and the Applecross Hills, as well as providing an overview of the village. Take the first right just before the Plockton Inn and head up and round to the right. Carry on until Frithaird, where you can turn right down to the village or turn left and ascend Frithaird Hill (a light clamber), with more great views of the bays on the other side of the plock (peninsula).
Duncraig Castle
To reach Duncraig Castle, head out of the village and take the signed path on the left before you reach the station. This takes you round the top of the bay and onto the undulating shore path on the other side, running at times along the railway line. When you turn inland and head uphill, look out for a style on your left, marked with a blue metal pole.
Turn left here into the woods, otherwise you will still reach the Castle, but by the road. Follow the path through the woods and emerge on the final section of the road, leading to the Castle grounds.
Please note: The castle is privately owned so please respect the privacy of the owners. Walkers are welcome on the paths but there is no public access to the shore from behind the castle.
Television Mast
The television mast at the top of the Crags is easier to reach than may appear. The view is well worth it. Many people drive to a point below before they start the walk, which can be steep in places.
Head out of the village past the station and take the first left marked Achmore and Stromeferry. Head up the hill (Strathie) and over the brow. At the cattle grid at the food, turn right (signed Duirinish and Kyle). Swing round and up to the right, looking for the first turn on your left. Take the left turn here and head up a narrow road until you reach another cattle grid. You can park here (if driving) or carry on further until you reach a wooden gate. Just before the gate is the track heading up to the mast. A twenty minute ascent takes you to one of the finest views in Scotland.
While there are plenty of safe sitting areas at the mast area, the land further on can be very hazardous.
To the Beaches
See below for walks to swimming beaches at Dubhaird and the Coral Beach.
Booklet
In the village shops, you'll come across an informative 16-page booklet , 'Walks around Plockton', by Jan Davies (of The Studio). This contains details of twenty walks in the area, including the above, with a map.
Lochalsh Woodland Garden
Lochalsh Woodland Garden, at the Balmacara Estate and owned by the National Trust for Scotland, is ideal for leisurely walks in a maintained and sheltered environment.
Guided Walks
Ranger guided walks with many different themes, and run by NTS, are available throughout the summer. Contact via Lochalsh Woodland Garden.
Kintail & Lochalsh Walking Guide
An information website on walking in the area. Many detailed walks with maps, times and distance, level of difficulty, etc.
Ian Oxton's Walking Book
Kyle man Ian Oxton has written 'A Beginner's Guide to Hillwalking in South West Ross'. It is available throughout the village and from his website on a donation basis, all proceeds going to MacMillan Cancer Support.
Swimming
Water temperatures in the summer are high enough to permit swimming, especially on a hot day and if you keep active! The kids manage better than most of us.
In the Village
Buckie's Pier, in front of and to the left of the Plockton Hotel, is popular with the village children. The main pier at Rhu can also be used for a swim, as can the pontoon at the car park.
Dubhaird
A short drive and walk will take you to Dubhaird, a gently-sloping sandy cove. Drive to the High School at the station and carry on past the football pitch. Turn right at the top of the pitch, and carry on past the chicken and pig farm on the right. Take the first left before the airstrip and carry on until the road turns right. Park at the caravans.
Carry on down the road past the house on the left and then turn left down the path marked 'beach'. Walk around the stony bay and the foot of the hill until the dry stone wall. Go through the gap in the wall, up over the heather rise, and you will see the cove.
Coral Beach
For the Coral Beach, wide and sandy, drive to the parking point at the caravans, as for Dubhaird. Turn on to the track on the left here and carry on until the track runs out at a boggy area. Cross the boggy area and rejoin the track at the rocks on the far side. Carry on down the gully until you reach the beach.
This route is best in dry weather. Older people or the very young may have some difficulty with the terrain.
Indoors
For the indoor alternative, try the swimming pool at the excellent Lochalsh and Skye Leisure Centre in Kyle. Public swimming is usually from 12:30 through to the evening, but there are also special children's times, aqua-fit classes, ladies only sessions and more, so it is advisable to phone first to check.
01599 534 848
