 Heron's Flight Bed and Breakfast |
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Heron's Flight Bed and Breakfast |
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Lochalsh is one of the prettiest parts of Scotland, in my opinion (of course, I am entirely unbiased). It has sea and fresh-water lochs, hills, mountains, villages, sheep, deer, haggis (.... they are rather shy and difficult to spot), rhododendrons, boats, pubs and the friendliest people in Scotland. (I mentioned that I was unbiased, didn't I?)
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While I do think that Plockton is the prettiest spot in the North, I'm prepared to concede that there are many other wonderful areas reachable during a day's driving tour from Plockton. You will probably pass Eilean Donan Castle (next to the village of Dornie) on your drive north to Plockton. It's surely the most photographed
castle in Scotland and well worth a tour, as it is open all year round.
I've just taken a new set of photos myself - this is one of them, taken on a gorgeous day. |
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A visit north to Gairloch to the astonishing subtropical Inverewe Garden is also recommended.
Plockton is only 6 miles from the Isle of Skye. "Over the Sea to Skye" is still the way to go, but via the toll-free Skye Bridge. While the towns of Kyleakin, Broadford, Portree and Uig are pretty, and roundtrip car trips are wonderful, the walking on Skye is also famous and the scenary breath-taking. Be aware though, that the weather can change dramatically and quickly. There's lots of things to see and do on Skye, such Dunvegan castle, the Clan Donald Centre and the otter reserve. The photo opposite is of Trotternish, a view south from the footpath to the Quirain. At the top end of Skye, the Quirain is eerie, gaunt, and dramatic. Yet another must-see (photographed by Harry Henniker) |
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One
of the highlights of any Scottish trip must surely be a visit to a whisky
distillery!
Talisker is located in a tiny village on the western edge of Skye, about 1 1/2 hours gentle drive from Plockton. The whisky is peaty and seaweedy and truly splendid, the distillery tour is interesting and the drive spectacular. Don't miss it! (photograph by Stefan Anbratt, used with permission) |
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Drive past the Five Sisters of Kintail (shown in the photo) and over the top to Glenelg (my favourite spot (ed.)) A small ferry still runs during summer, across the narrow Sound to Skye.
Near Glenelg are three brochs. Brochs are Pictish 'buildings', quite common in the North and the Islands, which are fascinating to walk around and through. Their history and purpose are still being argued over by historians. The Glenelg brochs are two of the best examples on the mainland. |
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Drive
up the "Bealach" (Pass of the Cattle), passing Kishorn, to
Applecross, and then follow the round route to Shieldag and back via
Torridon and Lochcarron. This is a wonderful 3-4 hour circular drive
and the views of northern Skye from the top of the Bealach or up the
western side of the Applecross Peninsula are fabulous on a clear day.
Make a day of it and have a great bar lunch in Applecross!
( photograph by Doug Hill, used with permission) |
Here are more links to useful information and interesting web sites. |
