The cottage is close to the small village of Duirinish (see photo) which is 3 miles from picturesque Plockton, and 4 miles from Kyle of Lochalsh on the west coast of Scotland, and is about 80 miles from Inverness and Fort William. The cottage is one of three set in crofting fields
From the cottage there is a stunning coastal walk (see photos) with views looking over to Skye ,Raasay and Applecross. There is always the chance of seeing otters,seals and dolphins and many sea birds.
Nearby Points of Interest
- Plockton (3 mi)
- This attractive small village with its houses and gardens clustered along the sheltered bay has a number of good hotels and restaurants which are deservedly popular and serve excellent seafood. It is advisable to make reservations during the holiday season and at weekends all year round .
It is possible to hire sit upon kayaks in the village. There are local music nights in the bars. There are a number of walks round the village including one to Duncraig Castle .
- Balmacara Square (3 mi)
- These restored buildings are the centre for walks on the Balmacara Estate managed by the National Trust for Scotland. Also close by are the Lochalsh woodland gardens. There is an information centre (April - September) and cafe.
From here you can walk through ancient woodlands , round remote inland lochs or climb up to the Radio Mast for a fantastic view of Plocton and the coast. (see photos)
- Kyle of Lochalsh (4 mi)
- This small town was once the busy ferry port to Skye , the crossing is now a spectacular road bridge. The controversial toll charge was abolished by the Scottish Parliament.
The town has 2 banks , a post office ,several hotels and cafes, a very good butchers and a large supermarket and a petrol station and garage.
There is an information office in the car park where you will also find an award winning public toilet.
From the jetty you can take the Seaprobe Atlantis for a wildlife cruise.
- Attadale gardens (13 mi)
- These privately owned gardens (open April- Oct) are beautifully laid out along the glen and include fine plant collections and sculptures. There are walks in the surrounding countryside. They can be reached by rail from Station Cottage - tell the conductor you want to get off at Attadale.
- Isle of Raasay (20 mi)
- This island accessible by a Caledonian -Macbrayne ferry from Sconser on Skye has many great walks including the ascent of the extinct volcanoe Dun Caan .Raasay House offers many outdoor activities and good food.
Nearby Activities
- Walking - The Five Sisters of Kintail (16 mi)
- The Five Sisters of Kintail are a spectacularly beautiful range of peaks connected by a fairly narrow ridge on the north and west sides of Glen Shiel, at their western end rising 1000m from the valley floor in one continuous climb. Although there is nothing technically difficult, this is a fairly tough walk with a very steep climb to get onto the ridge, and then a long ridge walk with a significant amount of additional ascent.
- Skyak Adventures (7 mi)
- Welcome to Skyak Adventures, offering courses, training and expeditions for all, from complete beginners to experienced paddlers, on the beautiful Island of Skye and the surrounding area. We specialise in sea kayaking, led by trained experts including the renowned Gordon Brown. All of our coaches are at least BCU Level 4 sea kayak specialists and live for their time on the water with you.
- Calum's seal trips (3 mi)
- This ever popular cruise on Loch Carron leaves from Plockton. Famously free if no seals but Calum always finds some for you.
Some evenings there are music nights and there is a bar on board.
- Sea Kayaking (16 mi)
- The National Trust for Scotland at Kintail runs various kayaking courses from taster days to 3 and 4 days expeditions, all equipment is provided
- Boat trip to Loch Coruisk (27 mi)
- This loch in the heart of the Cuillin Mountains is wild and magnificent and can be reached by boat from Elgol.
There are a number of boats including the Bella Jane. The drive to Elgol is worth doing as it passes through some fantastic scenery with views of the mainland mountains. The village shop serves food and drinks and there is also a cafe overlooking the harbour.
Local Events
- Plockton Regatta (3 mi)
- Held every year .Monday 23rd July - 4th August
- Loch Carron Highland Games (13 mi)
- Always held on the 3rd Saturday in July on the Attadale Estate.
- Traditional music (3 mi)
- Local musicians play in the Plockton Inn on Thursday evenings.
- Skye Highland Games (35 mi)
- 8th August
Local Amenities
- Pharmacy (4 mi)
- Kyle of Lochalsh
- Co-op grocery store (4 mi)
- This large supermarket has a good selection of wines and beers and an ATM and is on the approach road to the Skye Bridge
- Health Centre (4 mi)
- New Lochalsh Health Centre
Duirinish station
(0.0mi, 0.0km)
The cottage is on the famous Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh line. Request that the train stops at Duirinish , then walk down the garden.Plockton
(3.0mi, 4.8km)
Drive from Plockton towards Kyle of Lochalsh. In Duirinish village turn right after the Craft Shop ,drive through the crofting fields , the cottage is next to Duirinish station. Please note that most Sat.Navs take you to Duirinish village not the cottageKyle of Lochalsh
(4.0mi, 6.4km)
Travelling from Kyle towards Plockton ,turn left immediately before the craft shop in Duirinish. Drive through the crofting fields to the cottage next to Duirinish station. Please note that most Sat.Navs take you to Duirinish village not the cottage .Inverness Airport
(81.0mi, 130.4km)
From Inverness airport , drive to Inverness. You the have the option of driving via the Kessock Bridge, Garve , Achnasheen , Strathcarron, Achmore .
Alternatively you may wish to drive to Drumnadrochit and along the banks of Loch Ness to Invergarry and thence to Kyle of Lochalsh
Both routes take you through the Highlands and both are very scenic.
Hire cars are available at Inverness AirportMallaig
(30.0mi, 48.3km)
Mallaig can be reached by train from Glasgow or Fort William on the famous West Highland Line . It is possible to travel on the Jacobite steam train .
From Mallaig take the Caledonian MacBrayne car ferry for the short crossing to Armadale . From here buses go to Broadford and Kyle of Lochalsh .
During the summer if you are coming this way by car it is advisable to book your car onto the ferry . We recommend the coast road from Arisaig to Mallaig - white sands, blue seas and views of Eigg .