Plockton - Duncraig Castle - Plockton
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 5.5 kms | 03:00 (hrs:mins) | 170 metres | Explorer 428: Kyle of Lochalsh, Plockton & Applecross |
Description
Start this walk either by taking the train from Inverness to Plockton and begin from the railway station or by taking a car and parking on Bank Street and starting from the village itself.
Walk up the hill out of Plockton, past the open air church, and further up the hill turn left onto a footpath which is signposted 'Footpath to Duncraig Castle'. The path takes you alongside Loch Carron and the breathtaking views (see adjacent picture) across to Applecross begin to emerge from here. The route then runs adjacent to the railway line and then underneath it. When you reach a junction shortly after this, follow the signpost reading 'Duncraig Castle'.
On reaching an old brick kiln, the footpath connects to a larger path, turn left here and after a while you'll come across a level crossing for the railway. Turn right to go off to the side of this rather than crossing the railway and carry on along the path heading inland and uphill. Look out for a stile on the left, marked with a blue metal pole. Turn left here following the path through woodlands to emerge on the final section of the road, leading to Duncraig Castle grounds.
The route then passes the front of the Castle and then links with the Plockton to Stromeferry road. Continue along the road until a sign reading 'Footpath to Plockton' is reached. Turn right onto this footpath, which takes you back to Plockton and the walk start.
Access Info
The route starts either in the village or at Plockton railway station. For railway timetables visit the First Scotrail website. Scottish Citylink run bus services (service 915/916) from Glasgow's Buchanan Bus Station to Kyle of Lochalsh (and on to the Isle of Skye) and there is a Postbus service (119) which operates from Kyle of Lochalsh to Plockton. The Postbus is a request service - to book call Kyle of Lochalsh post office on 01599 534246.
Additional Info
Duncraig Castle was built by Sir Alexander Matheson in the 1860's. Matheson served as the Member of Parliament for Ross & Cromarty and was also instrumental in bringing the railway connection as far as Kyle of Lochalsh - a big thing for the rural community in those days. Following his death the Castle went through many uses however was bought and restored by the Dobson family in 2003. The Castle has featured in a BBC TV series - 'The Dobson's of Duncraig'.
More Info
Duncraig Castle now offers accommodation and is available for weddings, conferences and filming purposes. Please respect the castle owners privacy. Walkers are welcome on the paths but there is no public access to the shore from behind the Castle.
