I’m in no hurry to get going this morning. The road sign has added a helpful description after the name, although – perhaps unhelpfully – it is printed in writing too small for a passing car to easily spot. I thought all was good. When I got back to Strome Ferry several Network Rail Vehicles passed me going up and down the road (presumably to and from the station) so I suspect there may have been some damage or flooding on the track. The spaniel reminds me of my daughter’s crazy spaniel, Lottie. Having found that it had already left Inverness on it’s way to Kyle of Lochalsh. Check my map again. ( Log Out /  Total around coast = 4,347 miles. What a sensible sign. The 1872 Heritage Railway Trail is a 9.8km return walk exploring the railway line between WA’s first ever timber mill, to it’s purpose built jetty in Rockingham. All the beaches we list are rated according to the ages they are suitable for, facilities and whether they are suitable for rainy days or best when the sun is shining. Ah. Close to what? Anyway, I start chatting to the man in yellow wellies. Oh, silly me, “Fear GOD”. Achmore is a one-street village, and soon passed through. The humour and good interaction with our children made for an enjoyable hour+. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. I was very pleased to find that footpath from Duncraig to Plockton, squeezed between the railway and the coast it was very nice. Eilean Donan Castle Perhaps the most iconic castle in Scotland. Tomorrow will be a longer day. Since I’ve moved to Manchester, I spend a lot of time looking after Lottie while my daughter is at work, and have totally fallen in love with her. "In my entire career, I haven’t seen anything like this — so many disparate interests coming together around a common need … Attractions near Duirinish and Drumbuie Coastal Walk: (2.13 mi) Plockton Seal Trips (2.15 mi) Plockton Harbour (3.04 mi) Kyle Line (Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh) (2.07 mi) Sea Kayak Plockton (7.23 mi) Skye Jeep Tours; View all attractions near Duirinish and Drumbuie Coastal Walk on Tripadvisor $ In the morning I went to Eilean Donan castle and then decided to do this walk later in the morning and into the afternoon in the hope the rain would ease (it didn’t) but at least most of the walk even the road bits is in woodland so I was partly sheltered from the rain. Luckily, the cattle keep munching their grass and totally ignore me. The views from this harbour are truly breathtaking. I keep hoping to find a path to take me along the shore, but there doesn’t seem to be one, so I simply walk around the square and rejoin the main road. Fish? Spectacular walking, hiking and mountain biking can be explored, from low-level coastal walks, … I don’t want it to hurt itself, nor do I want to prevent its mother from returning. Hang on. Such glorious views. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. But the electricity was dodgy and the water from the taps ran brown (a fact that is hidden by the dim lights, and that I only discovered on the morning after I’d drunk a whole glass before bed!) After a late and leisurely breakfast, I pack up the The Beast, and then walk slowly down to Strome Ferry along the road. I stayed in Plockton and walked on the same path that you did – and also wondered what one is supposed to do if a rock falls on your head. I wake up to scattered clouds and a blue sky, and a wonderful view from my campervan looking down over Loch Carron. I watch a group of people embark on a little boat, and then stand and take more photographs of the beautiful view. It being Sunday only two trains run in each direction. Famously, it has palm trees. Common grazings? I’ve stayed there the past couple of nights, in a cosy little lodge right on the shore of the loch. The coastal scenery here is some of the best in Scotland, with an impressive series of sea caves, arches and blow holes to enjoy before you get to the Bullers of Buchan itself. I even went back another time to do more photography but sadly the cattle were out of the village second time around. I was hoping there might be a path from the end of the road round to that beach behind the airport marked on the map but there wasn’t so I headed back to the station. I’ve always thought that when I get too old and doddery to walk, I might travel around the UK by train, going along all the branch lines and visiting remote stations. Races are held throughout the fortnight. [Actually, I’m lucky there are trains running on Sunday at all. This exciting 11-day walking tour of the islands also includes a walk-in amongst the otherworldly landscape of the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye on our last day, culminating with an overnight stay in the picturesque coastal village of Plockton back on the mainland. I had hard Plockton was rather nice and it certainly seems that it is. It is always worrying when there is nobody else there on the platform or the bus stop when you alone have reserached and concluded that transport is due. They’re water meadows, I guess, because the road is about to swing round and cross over a river via a bridge. I love it and hoped you’d include a picture of that. There are no pavements, and I haven’t been looking forward to this section. Ah, there’s the castle ahead. But the road sign combines the two words into one: Stromeferry. The tide has come in and patches of sunshine are lighting up the distant hills. There is a classic walk on Hoy to the stack following the coastal path uphill from Rackwick and returning by the same route. My map shows a vague footpath running from Drumbuie, across some fields, to a nearby railway station. And you get your money back if the trip is unsuccessful. The picturesque village of Plockton on the Balmacara Estate makes a super pit stop on the west coast. And I must also “Work hard; be honest.” Maybe it was some sort of workhouse? There it is. But the road to Portneora is a dead-end. He saw this spot earlier and couldn’t resist camping here. Look at those sweet little calves. Keep on walking. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. The path is fairly level and ends at wildlife hide. © Provided by Wanderlust Publications The fishing … Of course, I say “no, I don’t mind”. The road climbs gently up a hill, and I’m beginning to leave Kyle behind. So I walk down a narrow path, pass under a railway bridge…. Sorry to hear about your accident. At the end of the village, my road rejoins the main road, which passes over the river via an impressive stone bridge. I have stayed at the pub in Plockton- langustine out of this world. Playing a major role in WA’s development through timber exportation around… Oh, no, the middle one is definitely a bull. [This walk was completed on the 13th July 2019]. I turn back from the station and walk along the track. The last place I walked on the coast with a station was Thurso and that is a long way around from Plockton (and the station not very useful for walking the coast as the line then immediately goes inland). Attractions near Duirinish and Drumbuie Coastal Walk: (3.41 km) Plockton Seal Trips (3.45 km) Plockton Harbour (4.86 km) Kyle Line (Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh) (3.31 km) Sea Kayak Plockton (11.56 km) Skye Jeep Tours; View all attractions near Duirinish and Drumbuie Coastal Walk on Tripadvisor Hi Ruth. I’m glad they’re on the other side of the fence. Past a Masonic Lodge, a converted chapel and a Red Cross Centre. … I’m somewhat disappointed to discover it’s not a real castle after all, but a Victorian stately home. I went up the Plock of Kyle first before starting the walk. Plockton is gorgeous. “The Jewel of the Highlands.”. Hope you have a lovely walk this weekend. Round the bend, and the road slopes downhill. Well, I’m definitely on the right road. From the station, I was planning to follow the road down to the shore, to a place called Portneora, where I was half-hoping I might find a coastal footpath. I’ve used Duncraig station – when writing Remote Stations. Thank you Paul. (I rarely get a chance to be a step ahead of anybody!!). I reach the road, where a sign points the way back down to the station. It’s the end of the line. I wonder how many people use that platform? Duirnish station is indeed quite far from the village but someone did get off there on the way back to Kyle of Lochalsh so it does get some use. https://www.duncraigcastle.co.uk, 14th July was a beautiful day, which we spent in Applecross. I walked up to the castle to see if I could get some water to clean it and the chap there very kindly gave me a lift to Broadford Hospital in the Isle of Skye, the nearest A&E. See more ideas about scotland, scotland travel, travel. [Actually, I’m lucky there are trains running on Sunday at all. Not exactly the tropical coconut palms I was expecting, but New Zealand cabbage palms (I look up this fact later on Wikipedia). Here’s hoping that’s true . There’s the railway line, passing over a bridge and close to the shore. When I reached the shore I checked again and now it was 25 minutes late. My mum will love this blog post when I tell her about it. The purpose of the trips is revealed by the next sign. I’m drawing closer to the village now. To where? Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. A sign welcomes me to the Balmacara Estate, which I find a bit confusing, as I’ve already passed through Balmacara. I wade on, cursing the Scottish notion of a footpath, before I discover…. Time for a snack too. On a bend in the drive, I find another old building. One of the cows started to run towards me. I begin to pass silhouettes of animals stuck onto trees. Sadly, at the time of writing this (March 2020), Duncraig castle is still shut. They charge past me, return, and then come past again – laughing and shouting, and wildly excited. Enjoy beach side rambles and cliff top strolls; fill your lungs with fresh seaside air on a wander through and above some of our most astonishing scenery. Photograph: Jon Gibbs/Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery ... taking in the view of the village and its stunning coastal setting. High spots: Plockton (of course) and discovering the beautiful village of Duirinish, Miles walked today = 7.5 miles Ah, no. Attractions near Duirinish and Drumbuie Coastal Walk: (3.41 km) Plockton Seal Trips (3.45 km) Plockton Harbour (4.86 km) Kyle Line (Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh) (3.31 … The next village is just below me… I check my map… Drambuie. I better leave. Often the train comapnies franchise agreement will dictate the minmum number of trains that can be run (and where they stop). FREE IF NO SEALS. My theory is that maybe some days we have an underlying illness or infection which is so mild we don’t notice it normally, but when it comes to exercising only then does it start to affect us, making mild exercise like walking harder, and hard exercise impossible… am I talking rubbish? The fully catered and guided trip is based at a waterside inn in the sleepy village of Plockton, and daily walks include forest and coastal hikes that have Skye, Applecross and Torridon as their backdrop. With the sun in my eyes, photography is difficult, and the place would look much nicer with the tide in. Should be doing it in July (assuming we are allowed to go anywhere by then!). The sign above the door catches my eye. Scenic coastal wildlife walk high above the sea. Well done for finding a coastal footpath at Drumbuie. This trail follows the old coastal footpath to Kyle of Lochalsh (3 miles) and provides a very pleasant alternative to the main (busy) road. Attractions near Duirinish and Drumbuie Coastal Walk: (2.13 mi) Plockton Seal Trips (2.15 mi) Plockton Harbour (3.04 mi) Kyle Line (Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh) (2.07 mi) Sea … [This walk was completed on Sunday, 14th July 2019]. At Strome Ferry, high on a slope overlooking Loch Carron, I find an ideal parking spot and set The Beast up for the night. This must be Duirinish, I guess (my map doesn’t give the place a name). The platform is already crowded with people waiting to board for the return journey. By the time you see one coming, it’s too late. I walk past a warning sign for visitors. The slope on either side of the road is steep. You certainly got good weather for this walk. Such a sleepy place. A sharp drop down towards the loch on my left. I set off across a field, which gets progressively muddier and turns into a bog. Someone seems to have tried to make some sort of tiny harbour but good luck getting a boat under that railway bridge. So I’m going to ‘wild camp’ tonight. Gosh, I had (almost) forgotten how stunning this area is. I wonder how ruined it will be and whether there is public access. Unlikely to be stupid! At the time they were all congregated around the telephone box and it looked as if they were queuing up to telephone home! Locally landed seafood and Plockton brewed ale can be enjoyed all year round in several nearby award-winning inns and restaurants. Nairn Dunbar Golf Club. This is, Maria’s story: scary encounter with an unsettled cow, Cheryl’s story: blocked footpaths and a ruined walk. This leads onto Bank Street, a secluded lane of whitewashed cottages, with their gardens overlooking the water on the other side of the lane. The entrance is an impressive arch, but the church itself… well, looks like an old grassy quarry, to be honest. https://glasgowgallivanter.com/2019/11/18/plockton-duncraig-castle/, Yes, I’m still following your fascinating and often amusing blog! This is a rough, stony track and can be … Well, ok then! Another sign catches my eye (it really is a day of signs today!). Plockton, Ross and Cromarty, Scotland. It even provides the address and phone number of the owner. What a delightful place. Local golf courses clubs in plockton-ross-shire. See our Current Ads & Offers Get an Address or Phone Number Delivery It’s a funny place to have a station because, apart from the cottage, there is nothing else around. Hi Eunice. Past the school, and down to the little station. This was the day we arrived in Dornie and, as I’ve said before, I kept an eye open for you all week. My window looked out over the island with fir trees, and I didn’t realise that Plockton was so close, just hidden from view around the corner. Like pictures of bulls on field gates, are they meant as a warning? “Please do not let me follow you as I will get lost.”. Not exactly busy (there are sheep meandering along the tarmac) and with great views. If the nights are clear, you might even be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights. The television series Hamish McBeth starring Robert Carlyle was filmed in Plockton. Email. I’ve never tasted it, but I love whisky, so perhaps I’ll love it. So, perhaps not surprising, they usually have vacancies. I’m breathless from rushing up the hill, not wanting to miss the train, and am disconcerted to discover I’m the only person on the platform. ( Log Out /  Eilean Donan Castle Perhaps the most iconic castle in Scotland. When I was younger I did athletics, 400 metres in particular, which is probably the highest energy-output distance of all – i’d get my heart rate up to 240bpm. S too late following you waiting to board for the return journey very pleasant walk and! Me nervous to be underwhelming public access I pause to quickly reconnoitre the path this world unexpected delightful. Do not let me follow you as I emerge from the station, the... Below me… I check my map… Drambuie my own little accident though falling. To wander about and enjoy it Beast waiting patiently for me little café, and soon. 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