Lochalsh Line Is One of the Most Scenic Train Recommended Activities in Plockton Comes Calum's Seal Trips the Shortest of Walks)
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The Falls of Glomach (2) are reputed to be the highest falls in the country and can be accessed via Dorusduain (while the walk is moderate it is advisable to leave plenty of time as it is roughly 2.5 miles uphill). Conveniently situated by the Glen Shiel road is the Jac-O-Bite Restaurant (3) – don't let the exterior fool you, the restaurant may have the appearance of a road-side diner but has attracted excellent reviews. Also nearby Shiel Bridge is Glenshiel Ponytracking (4) (suitable for children aged 6 and above). Day trips around & about Lochcarron There are also several sights to see on the road over to Glenelg. The Bernera Barracks (1) are a relic of the Hanoverian period dating back to around 1717; one of four barracks constructed in the Highlands following the initial Jacobite risings. Glen Shiel is also the location of one of the major battles of the 1719 Jacobite uprising and in the aftermath of the '45 uprising Charles Stewart (a.k.a. Bonnie Prince Charlie) spent part of the summer hiding in the Glen. Lochcarron Community Development Company aims to revitalise the community to ensure its long term economic, social, cultural and environmental sustainability by managing community land and assets for the benefit of the community and the public in general. More information; [email protected] twitter @kirktonwoodland www.lochcarroncommunity.com This information leaflet is one of a series produced by Lochcarron Community Development Company. Published by LCDC. (c) 2015 www.lochcarroncommunity.com photographs & Artwork by Vicky Stonebridge written by Fergus Hendry Welcome to this part of South West Ross. This leaflet is Some of the sights of picturesque village of Plockton may already Nearby Plockton you will find Duncraig Castle (18), first built an introduction for visitors to some of the things to do be familiar to you having been featured prominently in both the in 1866 by one Sir Alexander Matheson – the castle is and see on day trips from Strathcarron Railway station. TV series Hamish Macbeth and cult classic The Wickerman. The accessible both via road and Duncraig train station although it village is located about a mile from the train station adjacent to is also possible to walk to the village from Plockton (a very the Off The Rails (11) restaurant. High up on the list of picturesque walk with stunning views over the loch, albeit not The Kyle of Lochalsh line is one of the most scenic train recommended activities in Plockton comes Calum's Seal Trips the shortest of walks). Also near to Duncraig, you will find journeys in the world. With fantastic views over Loch Carron, (12)which runs daily from the April to October period – the Craig Highland Farm (19)– a 17 acre conservation site the train stops at several smaller villages (including the oft skipper Calum Mackenzie will take you on an hour-long tour of featuring a wide array of animals including Llamas and favoured tourist destination of Plockton) before terminating in Loch Carron aboard the Sula Mhor with guaranteed money back Peacocks. Kyle – the largest settlement in the Lochalsh area and the main if there are no seals. crossing point to Skye. Within Kyle itself, the glass bottomed The village of Dornie is probably most notable for the presence Seaprobe Atlantis (1) offers boat trips around the loch with of Eilean Donan Castle (20); a picturesque castle which the appears frequently in postcards (as well as acting as the opportunity to see underwater flora and fauna as well as HMS Scottish Headquarters of MI6 in the Bond thriller The World Is Port Napier, a WW2 shipwreck voted one of the best dive sites Not Enough). Within the village of Dornie itself The Clachan in the UK. Lochalsh Leisure Centre (2) contains a swimming (21)is a traditional Highland pub which also serves food. Teas pool (incl. sauna + steam room) and a gym. There are a wide and Coffees can also be bought at the wonderful Schoolhouse variety of establishments serving food in Kyle, to mention but a Gallery (22), in Dornie Village, this is well worth a visit for the few Buth Bheag (3) and The Seafood Restaurant (4) both range of unusual locally produced art and gifts. specialise in seafood, the Waverly Restaurant (5) serves a For Arts and Crafts the corner of Harbour Street you will find variety of locally sourced dishes while Hectors Bothy (6) is a Plockton Studio (13)– an Arts Gallery (also selling crafts and cafe/fish and chip shop. books) open 7 days a week over the summer period. If hunger strikes, there are several places in Plockton you can go Eilean Bàn (7) is an island situated at the foot of the Skye to for food. On the seafront is Plockton Hotel (14) and further Bridge which attracts a wide range of wildlife (including along Plockton Shores (15)-which also features Plockton porpoises, seals and otters) and tours of the island can be Stores should for groceries etc. Moving back towards the booked through the Bright Water Centre (8) in Kyleakin entrance of the village you will find Plockton Inn (16). If fast which is open Monday to Friday over the tourist season (Easter food is more suited to your mood, JJ's Chip Shop (17) is to end September). Also in Kyleakin itself is Castle Moil (9) – located a short distance from the Inn headed towards the the ancient seat of the Mackinnon Clan which now lies ruined harbour. (but well worth a visit nonetheless). Heading in the other direction from Kyle, Balmacara Estate (10) is a large woodland area operated by the National Trust for Scotland; a great stop for those wanting to stretch their legs. The village of Glenelg is located in the south of Lochalsh and is accessible via the Ratagain road from Sheil Bridge. The Glenelg Brochs (23) are an incredible sight and have been kept in excellent condition considering their age. Nearby the Brochs is the Wagon Cafe (24)– a small but charming cafe which serves great coffee. The community-run Glenelg Ferry (25) is the last manually operated turntable ferry in Scotland and offers a connection to Kylerhea (on the Island of Skye) between Easter and Mid-October. .