Some changing views
from Plockton Cottages |
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| “We think your cottages are really
first-class. The view from the dining area is spell-binding.
. . we had to keep reminding ourselves to eat.” Mr
& Mrs Tait of Durham on Kishorn Cottage |
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| “Jenny, Lachie & I would like
to thank you for our wonderful stay in October. We all agree
that Plockton was the highlight of our holiday. We plan to visit
Scotland in a couple of years and will certainly contact you
for accommodation.” Charlie
Butler, Australia |
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“We are looking forward to our
5th year at Plockton Cottages, where else can you enjoy home
comforts, unsurpassed and ever changing views, spending breakfast
time spotting otters, seals, deer, and numerous sea birds from
the dining table. (Don't forget the binoculars, they are more
important than the breakfast!)”
Roy
& Kate from Billingham |
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| Set
on a sheltered bay of Loch Carron, with sweeping vistas of sea and
mountain, Plockton is a perfect destination for the more relaxed holiday.
Once a thriving fishing community, it is now a National Trust for
Scotland conservation village, its heritage carefully preserved, yet
with the facilities to welcome visitors from all over the world. |
| The
Village |
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Arriving
in the village, you will be struck by the sweeping view -- the bay,
with its scattering of islands, is framed by forested hillside, merging
into the Crags, beneath which sits Duncraig Castle. At the foot of
the bay, the narrow entrance to Loch Carron is just visible. The eye
moves on to ranges which merge in the distance to the Torridon hills.
Finally, the peninsula of Applecross and open sea to the Hebrides
dominates the northern view. |
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The
village itself is centred on Harbour Street, whose seawall protects
the village from the high tides of the bay. Here the gardens look
directly onto the water, separated from the houses by the street.
The warming Gulf Stream allows the palm trees to flourish. |
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The
self-catering visitor will find all they need at the well-stocked
Plockton Stores. Look out also for MacKenzies, a newsagent cum gift
shop (and Rory Campbell's shop in the BBC series, Hamish Macbeth,
filmed in Plockton), the Studio for local and international crafts,
more gifts and maritime curios at Leisure Marine, and local knitwear
at Lochalsh Knitters. |
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There
is a local post office, with limited opening hours. Kyle of Lochalsh,
ten minutes drive away, has a main post office, two banks (RBS and
BoS), a supermarket, a tourist office and other shops and facilities. |
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As
well as Hamish Macbeth, Plockton was also the location for The
Wicker Man, The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries, and more. |
| Eating
Out (or in) |
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Eating
out in Plockton is characterised by fresh local or Scottish produce
— beef, game, fish and seafood — and friendly service. Both the
Plockton Hotel and the Plockton Inn offer a lunchtime and a full evening
menu. Children are welcome and the vegetarian will not go hungry.
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The
Haven Hotel specialises in gourmet Scottish cuisine and is well worth
the extra expense. Off the Rails, at the station, have a more international
flavour in an unusual setting. The Buttery at the Plockton Stores
is open throughout the day for ice-cream, snacks and home baking. |
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If
you're eating in, you'll find a remarkable range of quality foodstuff
at the Plockton Stores, and a good selection of wines, beers and spirits.
Fresh prawns can be bought at the pier from the local fishermen when
they come ashore in the mid-afternoon. On Wednesday in the early afternoon,
a fish van and a butcher's van are in the village for fresh produce.
Traditionally produced cheese and dairy products are available at
the West Highland Dairy, in Achmore, six miles from Plockton. |
| Activities |
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In
July and August, the village hosts the annual Plockton Regatta. Races
are held on most evenings for visiting centreboards and the traditional
(but highly competitive) Plockton clinker boats. Walk down to the
starting line at Rhu and watch the jockeying for pole position before
the gun. |
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There
are plenty of good walking routes in the village and nearby. You will
find a useful guide to local walks in the Plockton shops, which will
also give details of local swimming beaches. There is a swimming pool
and fitness centre in Kyle of Lochalsh. |
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Calum
MacKenzie and Leisure Marine's seal trips are world famous (free if
no seals!) and have featured in a recent BBC Holiday Programme
with 'Barry' from Eastenders. Get details from their booking
office and shop in Harbour Street. Leisure Marine also provide a variety
of small craft for hire, and will tell you about sea and loch fishing.
Cycles are available for hire at the Haven Hotel |
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There
are nine hole golf courses at Kyle and Lochcarron, and riding is available
at Avernish Riding Stables, near Dornie. |
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Plockton
Bowling Club is in the process of seeking funding to construct an
outdoor bowling green which they hope to construct in 2001. |
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Visit
Craig Highland Farm, a rare breeds conservation centre, for unusual
varieties of sheep, goats, ponies, pigs, llamas, etc. |
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For
ideas for a longer excursion, take a look at The
Area. |
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