Duncraig Castle from Plockton

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This truly stunning short circular walk from Plockton leads through fine coastal woodland with picturesque views across Loch Carron, visiting Duncraig Castle.

Terrain

Clear but rugged paths, fair amount of up and down.

Public Transport

Plockton is served by a rail station on the Kyle line.

Start

Plockton. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 6km / 3.75 miles
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Ascent: 180m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG803333

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Walk Description

Stage 1

This walk can be extended to include the ascent of Plockton Crags if desired. Park in the car park at the bottom of the hill in Plockton. Start the walk by walking back up the road out of Plockton. There's a war memorial off the road to the left, and an open air church on the right. This church dates from the time when the Free Church of Scotland broke away from the main Church of Scotland, partly due to the latter siding with landlords during the Clearances.

Stage 2

Before reaching the houses at the top of the hill, turn left off the road onto a footpath (a wooden sign reads 'Footpath to Duncraig Castle' and 'Creagdarroch'). The path crosses some wooden walkways to reach the water's edge.

Stage 3

The next section of path is one of the most picturesque footpaths you'll find anywhere. It continues round the very edge of Loch Carron with great views. After a short distance it climbs slightly to come alongside the railway with a beautiful outlook over Plockton. Further on, go through a gate and through an underpass beneath the railway. Soon the path reaches a junction; turn left here (signed 'Duncraig Castle'). Continue along the footpath, soon crossing a footbridge and passing round the back of an inlet separated from the sea by the railway line.

Stage 4

Pass the ruins of a house, and ignore a path off left to instead stay on the main route, soon climbing uphill. Immediately beyond an old brick chimney the path joins another larger path; turn left here. After a short distance you will reach a pedestrian level crossing over the railway. The onward route onwards does not cross the tracks, but instead turns right just before the railway. It is worth detouring across the railway first though, bearing right to reach a grassy platform with a wonderful outlook over a pine-clad island. Please respect the privacy of the boathouse owners alongside. Retrace your steps back across the railway and then turn down the onward path.

Stage 5

The next section of path heads around the back of another inlet of Loch Carron, almost separated from the main loch by the railway which crosses the inlet on an embankment and bridge. Soon after this the path reaches a minor road. Duncraig railway station is down this road to the left, but our route is to turn right, following the road to Duncraig Castle.

Stage 6

Duncraig Castle was built by Sir Alexander Matheson in the 1860s; following his death the castle went through many uses, latterly as a domestic science college for girls. In recent years the castle has had several owners and has now undergone restoration; it is planned to open as a hotel. The road passes along the landward side of the castle, and then winds past the old stable block. The path from the brick kiln joins from the right; continue up the lane to the main Plockton - Stromeferry road. Turn right along this road.

Stage 7

Continue along the road for three quarters of a kilometre, until you reach a sign reading 'Plockton 3/4 mile' (the second signed footpath to Plockton). Turn right onto this path, which rejoins the outward route at the bottom of the hill. Turn left here to return to Plockton.

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