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Lochalsh is divided neatly in two by the Plockton with its whitewashed cottages waters of Loch Duich. The great mountain and palm trees set around a lovely ridges of Kintail tower above the head of wooded bay. the loch, with the Five Sisters providing South of Loch Duich is the Glenelg one of the most elegant of scenic peninsula, reached over the dramatic Mam backdrops. The main road to Skye runs Ratagan pass. This hidden world offers along the northern side of the loch, some superb wildlife: watch out especially passing Eilean Donan Castle, one of the for otters which are plentiful here. The tiny most romantic in all Scotland, along the road threads its way through superb way. Kyle of Lochalsh is the main scenery, becoming ever quieter and more settlement, but there are picturesque remote as the tiny villages of Arnisdale villages away from the road such as and Corran offer the ultimate escape from Dornie, Duirinish and, most famously, the rat race at the very end of the line. 6 Eilean Donan Castle Lochalsh 1 Corran Herring Path 8 6 Drumbuie coast 18 Scramble along this ancient route Enjoy coast, crofts and hairy coos on a remote coastline on this typical stretch of Wester Ross landscape 2 Sandaig and the Ring of Bright Water 10 7 Plockton and Duncraig Castle 20 Soak up the atmosphere and Plunge through the rhododendrons watch for otters at Gavin Maxwell’s to emerge at the castle facing Camusfearna picturesque Plockton

3 Ardintoul and the Glenelg Ferry 12 8 Plockton Crags 22 Tread softly on this quiet coastal trail Gaze down on the boats and palm for a chance to see otters and seabirds trees of this renowned village from the go about their daily business giddy heights of its crags

4 Dun Totaig from Letterfearn 14 9 Achmore circular 24 Visit an iron age broch with Reward yourself with a home-made views across the water to famous ice cream after exploring the coast Eilean Donan Castle and crags around Loch Carron

5 Balmacara Woodland 16 Take an easy trail around the wildlife-rich woodland of a crofting estate, starting at thriving Balmacara Square

7 8 LOCHALSH

Plockton Crags Distance 9km Time 3 hours Loch Lundie on the minor road between Terrain good tracks and minor roads Duirinish and Duncraig. Walk north along Map OS Explorer 428 Access train from the road away from the loch and, as it Kyle of Lochalsh and Inverness or bus heads downhill, turn right onto a surfaced (62A) from Kyle of Lochalsh to Plockton, track, passing a gate. The track climbs 2km from start through the forest plantations, but a felled area gives excellent views to the The beautiful view east from Plockton is Applecross and Torridon mountains. Keep dominated by the mighty crags across the on the main track as it bends to the right. water above Duncraig. The ascent to the At a junction, turn left onto another track top is surprisingly straightforward and is which dips slightly before climbing out of rewarded with a spectacular view down the forest to reach a gate with stile to the over Loch Carron to the tiny houses and left. The climb continues to the top of a low boats of the village. pass. A footpath ahead leads to Loch Breac The walk can either be started from an Eich, which makes a peaceful picnic spot Plockton by following the Duncraig Castle and is a popular if remote fishing location, walk (see p20) and then the road to Loch but to reach the viewpoint keep with the Lundie: this adds around two hours to the track as it swings left and rises steeply to total time. Otherwise, there is a small the transmitter mast at the summit. There parking layby approximately 100m north of is a cairn to the left, whilst the edge of the 22 PLOCKTON CRAGS

Plockton seen from the top of the crags

Loch Achaidh na h-Inich. Follow the road to the right past the loch and then on crags can be reached by crossing the boggy through the settlements of Achnahinich ground in front of the mast. To the north, and Achnandarach, with more good views the hills of Applecross rise in majestic tiers over to Skye. On reaching the main road, of sandstone; further round, Plockton looks turn right and follow the edge of Loch like a toy village whilst over the sea the Isle Lundie to return to the start. If walking of Skye fills much of the horizon. back to Plockton, continue to the junction Return down the track to the T-junction with the Stromeferry to Plockton road and in the forest and turn left. After a gate, turn right and then left on the next the track passes through more forestry footpath, where the Duncraig Castle before reaching a surfaced road near walk is rejoined. 23