Scotland: Plockton, Lochalsh, West Highlands
Distance: 13km/8 miles
Time: 4hrs
Type: Coastal and woodlands
Where: Circular walk from Plockton via Duncraig Hill (Carn a’ Bhealaich Mhoir).Start/End: Plockton (NG804334).
Terrain: Good paths, tracks and quiet roads, mostly through woodland; climb to craggy summit on good track. No stiles.
Maps: OS Explorer 428; Landranger 24.
The National Trust conservation village of Plockton, which lies around a sheltered bay looking eastward down Loch Carron, is one of the most picturesque on Scotland’s west coast – the “Jewel of the Highlands”, as the tourist brochures proclaim with justification. (It will be familiar to those who watched the TV series Hamish Macbeth, which was filmed here.) Palm-like cabbage trees grow along the shore and small boats and yachts lie moored in the water. Across the bay is Duncraig Castle, a 19th-century stately home, and above it the Crags, on one of the highest of which – Carn a’Bhealaich Mhoir or Duncraig Hill – is a TV mast (which can be seen from the village). It’s a rewarding objective affording wonderful views. Apart from the ascent involved, it’s easy walking on good tracks and quiet roads all the way. The walk also takes in a couple of small, peaceful lochs. For a step-by-step guide, download walk’s Routemaster as a PDF.
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