Where to go, what to do…

Plockton is a busy wee place and you’ll find lots to keep you occupied during your stay.

Plockton Visitor Centre is located on Harbour Street and is a great place to start your sightseeing. As well as offering guided tours (depending on the time of year), you’ll be able to find out more about local events and attractions.

Sailing

Plockton is a idyllic stopover for anyone touring the west coast in a boat. There is always a wealth of yachts and boats moored in the harbour which add to the picturesque coastal setting.

Plockton hold their Plockton Small Boat Sailing annual regatta on the last week of July and the first week of August. Races are held throughout the fortnight. Visitors are very welcome to join in the sailing (and socialising!). The regatta concludes with a concert and ceilidh on the last Friday of the fortnight and on the Saturday there is the Ragamuffin Race followed by dancing on the street.

Walking

While the surrounding countryside boasts countless trails, the villages itself is close to a few great walks to get you started.

The lochside walk to Duncraig castle and the Back Brae walk are two of our favourites and the walk up to the television mast at the top of the crags will reward you with a spectacular view.

For beginners, National Trust for Scotland’s Lochalsh Woodland Garden at Balmacara Estate offers a gentler woodland walk. The traditional crofting estate also has a small visitor centre which is well worth a look.

There are also a couple of places in Balmacara village that are worth a special mention.

Beth’s Cafe, on Balmacara Square serves wonderful home-cooked lunches and amazing cakes and right next door you’ll find a lovely wee shop called Home in the Highlands which is perfect for good quality souvenirs and gifts, homeware, accessories and clothing.

Boat trips

Calum’s Seal Trips

The coast around Plockton is home to some amazing wildlife and Calum has been running seal trips from the village for over 20 years so if anyone can find some seals to view, it’s Calum! You may even see an otter or two for good measure.

If you’d rather go it alone, there are various places where you can hire your own boat for a few hours.

You can also take boat trips from Kyle of Lochalsh and Elgol on The Isle of Skye, where you may see some basking sharks, dolphins, minke whales, sea eagles and lots more wildlife!

Music

The village is a great location for traditional, live music. The Plockton Inn and The Plockton Hotel host very popular musical attractions. There are also ceilidhs and concerts held throughout the summer.

Other places of interest

If you want to go a bit further afield, you’ll find Plockton is the ideal base from which to explore the Isle of Skye and the Highlands.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye has been voted the 4th best island in the world by National Geographic magazine so given that it is only a 10 minute drive from the Sidings, it definitely deserves a place on your holiday ‘to do’ list!

Eilean Donan Castle

Easily one of the most recognisable images of Scotland, and one of the Highlands’ most popular tourist sites, this 6th century castle is a must for any history lover. The castle is open most of the year and has a visitor centre and gift shop

Applecross

Even more tranquil than Plockton, the Applecross peninsula is accessible by only two roads so if you’re in the mood for solitude, this is the place for you. The Bealach pass from the south is the highest road in Britain so you can imagine the views! It’s home to a lovely walled garden and a cluster of small, picturesque villages and the Applecross Inn has some excellent food. If you get as far as Shieldaig, ‘Nanny’s’ cafe on the waterfront is well worth a visit for a coffee and a bite to eat – the lentil and coconut soup is delicious!