From the moment we laid eyes on Plockton, Scotland it was clear we had arrived at a truly stunning location. Idyllically perched on the shores of Loch Carron and surrounded by the hills of the Scottish Highlands, the Village of Plockton is an absolute gem!
The best things to do in Plockton, Scotland are enjoying the enchanting landscapes, discovering the historic village and tasting the local fare.
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The quaint town, which is known as the Jewel of the Highlands, stretches for one mile from end-to-end and has about 500 residents. Being rather small, many visitors wonder if Plockton is worth visiting.
We certainly believe that it is, even for just a few hours. So we are highlighting the top Plockton attractions so that you can easily plan your trip!
Planning a Trip to Plockton, Scotland
Whether stopping by for lunch while discovering the Highlands or staying in town for a couple of days, there are a few travel details to consider before setting off.
In addition to planning what to see in Plockton, you also need to consider how to get there, where to eat and what to pack. Later in the article, we share all the specifics you’ll want to know for your vacation.
Visiting more of Scotland? Start with our Tips For Visiting Europe and then dive into our detailed guides that will help you plan all your travels!
- How To Spend 3 Days in Edinburgh
- The Best Scottish Food To Eat
- What To Do in Inverness and The Highlands
- Things To See on Isle of Skye
- One Day in Glasgow
- Tips for Walking the West Highland Way
- What To See on the East Coast of Scotland
- Things To Do in Portree
Organize your Plockton Trip
As you make your plans for what to see and do in Plockton and Scotland, staying on top of the details is essential! We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner to track important information for your itinerary.
14 Best Plockton Things To Do
Now that we have covered some of the basics, it’s time to get to the Best Plockton, Scotland Things To Do!
#1 Stroll along Harbour Street
Tracing the shoreline, Harbour Street is the main thoroughfare through the heart of town. The curving street is lined with historic terraced houses to one side and an open view of Plockton Bay to the other.
In the bay, sailboats bob in the water and islands sit just offshore. On the opposite coast, under the craggy mountains, stands the grandiose Duncraig Castle (which we talk about more a bit later).
Travelers looking for souvenirs should pop into one of the shops on Harbour Street that sell locally made products. Top picks are Hidden Treasures, Lochalsh Knitters Workshop and the Plockton Craft Shop.
Top Tip: Keep an eye out for the palm trees – an odd sight in Scotland – that grow along the coastline. These New Zealand Cabbage Trees were planted in the 1960s and thrive in the moderate, wet conditions.
#2 Explore the Aird a’ Mhorair Peninsula
The Aird a’ Mhorair Peninsula marks the northern end of Harbour Street and exploring the area is a fun Plockton activity. Protruding into the bay, the small peninsula is home to the Plockton Village Hall, town library, main pier, playground and a handful of houses.
The Village Hall, which sits at the corner of Harbour Street and Cooper Street, hosts events and markets throughout the year. It is worth popping inside to see what is going on (plus, they have free toilets).
Cooper Street extends from Harbour Street to the Main Plockton Pier. You are free to walk out onto the pier for better sea views – and it’s a good place to spot jellyfish in the water, too.
Travel Tip: Another not-to-miss neighborhood stands on the south end of town, where Harbour Street merges onto Bank Street. The white terraced homes with brightly painted trim feature manicured sea-facing gardens.
#3 Climb Up to the Carn na Frith-Aird Viewpoint
One of the best things about Plockton is the sublime views – and there is no better place to take in the astounding vistas than at the Carn na Frith-Aird Viewpoint. A short, inclined trail over rocky terrain quickly takes you to an open plateau.
At the summit, there are phenomenal 360-degree views of the surrounding lochs, islands and mountains.
On a pedestal, a map indicates regional points of interest (such as the Applecross Mountains, Isle of Skye and the Cuillin Mountain Range). There is also a bench where you can rest, relax and savor the scenery.
Those who make the trek up to Carn na Frith-Aird Viewpoint should wear proper shoes (no flip flops!) – as the terrain is rocky in some places and can be boggy in others.
Travel Tip: The route up to the Carn na Frith-Aird summit is not mapped correctly on Google. However, the trail is marked with a signpost (which is tagged on our Plockton map below).
#4 Take the Scenic Brae Track Route
One of the interesting things to do in Plockton is to ramble along the elevated Brae Track. The route runs parallel to Harbour Street, but is perched above it, behind a row of houses.
The tree-lined lane offers trekkers glimpses of the lake and town from a unique vantage point.
Interesting Fact: Scenes from the 1990s television show, Hamish Macbeth, were filmed in Plockton – many from the Brae Track.
#5 Stand in the Plockton Open-Air Church
Dating to the mid-1800s, this unique sight offers a glimpse into the history of the village (and Scotland). When the Free Church of Scotland split from the national church in 1843, parishioners needed a new place to worship.
Since no church was available, locals transformed a natural alcove into an outdoor, open-air chapel.
Today, visitors can still walk through the archway in the stone wall into the space where services were once held. With a bit of imagination, you can picture the scene as it once was.
Top Tip: The Plockton War Memorial stands on a hill across from the church entrance. Topped with a Celtic Cross and featuring a carved Scottish Lion, the memorial is dedicated to the soldiers who died during the World Wars.
#6 Trek to Duncraig Castle
The Duncraig Castle, a gorgeous 19th century estate, sits on the shore opposite of Plockton Village. While beautiful from afar, it is absolutely stunning up close.
You can easily reach the castle via a shoreline trek. Note, however, that entering the castle is off limits, as it was sold to a private owner in 2022.
The trail begins via a wooden-planked boardwalk, then follows the shore of Loch Carron, offering spectacular views along the coastal woodland route.
Good shoes are necessary, as the land around the trail is used by livestock (so watch where you step!) and the trail can be mucky in places. Find more trail info.
Pro Tip: Travelers visiting Plockton by train from Inverness can disembark at the Duncraig Train Station (be sure to let the conductor know, as it’s not a regular stop). After gawking at the castle, pick up the trail and walk into town.
#7 Set Sail to Search for Plockton Seals
Seals, dolphins, eagles and otters all make their home near the shores of Plockton. In order to get a better view of the wildlife, visitors can set sail in search of the creatures.
In fact, a top thing to do in Plockton is to join Calum’s Seal Trips for a wildlife spotting tour.
The 1-hour boat cruise aboard the Sula Bheag features astounding scenery, amazing wildlife and on-board chats. Throughout the summer, the boat departs multiple times a day – including a special sunset sailing.
Calum and his team have been running tours for years, so they know the prime places to find the seals. In fact, they have a seal guarantee: No seals and your trip is free!
Travel Tip: While joining a Calum boat tour is an excellent way to see wildlife and learn more about the region, active visitors can opt to paddle around in a kayak. Guided expeditions explore the waters surrounding Plockton on an unforgettable journey.
#8 Walk to a Plockton Island at Low Tide
The tides in Scotland are drastic – and at low tide, the islands close to the shore become accessible on foot.
Eilean nan Gamhainn – Cattle Island in Gaelic – sits just 300 feet from Harbour Street and the main visitors parking lot. The Loch Carron tidal island is covered in shrubbery, but there are a few trails and a couple of picnic tables.
#9 Learn the History of Plockton
Founded as a fishing village in the 19th century, the town gained prosperity in the Herring trade. Later, the building of the railway had a major impact and the town began attracting tourists.
Today, you can learn a bit more about Plockton history at the Visitor Center. Here there are informational plaques and displays provided by the Plockton Historical Society and the National Trust of Scotland.
Top Tip: It’s a good place to pick up area maps, too!
#10 See the Plockton Hairy Cows
Highland Cattle – or Coos – are massive yet adorable creatures. With their long hair and pointed horns, the cows are a symbol of the Highlands.
Old land rights allow the local crofters (small farm holders) to let their cows loose in the village streets, which can be quite amusing to visitors.
We were not lucky enough to spot any coos on our trip, but we certainly saw evidence that they had been there recently!
Travel Tip: Can’t find any cows in Plockton? Head to the nearby hamlet of Duirnish where Highland cows freely roam.
#11 Relax on Coral Beach in Plockton
This crescent-shaped shoreline oasis offers sea views and is a perfect picnic spot. On exceptionally sunny summer days, visitors and locals (and sometimes even the cows) descend on to Coral Beach to soak up the rays.
Top Tip: The west-facing beach is about 1.5 miles from the center of town and is fairly easy to get to on foot – although the last section requires climbing over a few rocks.
#12 Sip a Local Libation at the Plockton Distillery
Whisky is the well-known Scottish specialty, and you can sample an array of local and regional beverages at the Plockton Distillery.
They offer something for every taste – from whisky tastings to gin flights and creative Plocktails to a selection of craft brews from the local Plockton Brewery.
Travel Tip: Plockton Tasting Room offers spirits for sale – and not just by the bottle. Patrons can fill bottles of various sizes to take home!
#13 Feast on Plockton Seafood
Plockton Prawns (also known as Langoustine) are caught fresh daily by the local fishermen. Other seafood delicacies are Scottish oysters, Shetland mussels, clams, fish and Cullen Skink (a smokey fish soup).
Plockton restaurants pride themselves on serving the freshest seafood from boat-to-table. We highlight some of the best spots for seafood (and other bites) later in the article.
#14 Attend a Plockton Festival or Event
Attending one of the events in Plockton can be a fabulous way to experience the village. While there are festivals in Plockton throughout the year, the biggest is the summer sailing regatta.
The two-week event features sailing competitions – as well as music and dancing in the streets.
The Real Ale and Gin Festival in May, the Coigach Half Marathon in autumn and the Wester Ross Dark Skies Festival in winter are other spectacular Plockton events to attend!
More Things To Do around Plockton
Our list of Best Things To Do Plockton covers the top attractions in the heart of the village. However, there are quite a few things to do near Plockton, too!
Eilean Donan Castle
Highly regarded as one of the best castles in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle is just 11 miles from Plockton.
The stone castle sits on a small island where three lochs converge – and is connected to the mainland by an arched bridge.
Kintail National Scenic Area
The mountainous region to the southeast of Plockton is designated as the Kintail National Scenic Area.
The Five Sisters of Kintail are a distinct mountain range featuring 3 peaks over 3,000 feet (and are thus classified as Munros). The Falls of Glomach – one of the highest waterfalls in the UK – is another top point of interest.
Isle of Skye
Dramatic and striking, Skye is one of the most beautiful islands in Scotland. Located 30 miles from Plockton (and connected via bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh), Isle of Skye can also be reached by ferry from Mallaig or Glenelg.
Hiking and adventuring are top activities on the island – and we feature all the best things to do in our Guide to Isle of Skye.
Plockton, Scotland Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Map of Plockton below.
Plockton Travel Tips
Now that you know what to do in Plockton, we have a few more tips to help you plan your perfect trip. We’re including what to eat, when to go, how to get there, where to stay and what to pack!
Where To Eat in Plockton
As a small town, there is not an abundance of choices for dining out. However, what is lacking in quantity is certainly made up for in quality! We are highlighting a few of the best places to eat in Plockton.
Travel Tip: If you want to dine at a specific Plockton restaurant, it is best to check opening days and hours – and make an advance reservation, if possible.
The Shores Plockton
A welcoming restaurant with well-plated meals of seafood and seasonal produce, The Shores is modern, yet cozy place to eat in Plockton.
The Harbour Fish Bar
A classic take away stand serving platters of fish and chips, The Harbour Fish Bar is a great option for a quick meal in Plockton.
There are a few picnic tables at the stand, but we recommend eating along the wall facing the sea or at the waterfront public picnic tables on Harbour Street.
Off the Croft
A takeaway stand just outside the village and just past the train station, Off the Croft is a favorite local spot for absolutely delicious burgers.
The menu includes Highland Beef, Venison or Lamb burgers – as well as sausages and fish and chips.
The Plockton Hotel and Beer Garden
From seafood to steaks to classic pub fare, the Plockton Hotel serves comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
We highly recommend stopping by – if only for a drink in the waterfront beer garden that offers superb views!
When to Visit Plockton
Summer is, without a doubt, the best time to go to Plockton. You can enjoy long days and a good chance of sunshine. Plus, it’s the time of year with the most events.
While the autumn sees far fewer visitors, it can be a wonderful time to go to Plockton. While the weather can be unpredictable, the fall foliage is astounding.
Winters in Plockton tend to be cold, rainy and dark, making it the least favorable time to go. Springtime visitors, however, are often rewarded with few crowds and pleasant enough weather. Although, it will rain – it is Scotland, after all!
How To Get to Plockton
Getting to Plockton is half the fun – as the scenery surrounding the village is outstanding!
While there is an airport in Plockton, it is for general aviation, not commercial flights. The Inverness Airport is closest if you’re looking for flights to Plockton, Scotland.
Travel To Plockton by Car
Visitors with a car can easily get to Plockton from cities and towns around Scotland and the United Kingdom.
One of the biggest benefits of driving to Plockton is the freedom to explore the nearby sights and attractions along the way.
The downside for many international travelers, however, is adjusting to driving on the left side. Those who prefer to rent a car should read our Top Tips for Car Rentals before making a reservation.
Train to Plockton
Plockton is served by ScotRail on the Kyle Line, which is one of the most scenic train journeys in Scotland! The route extends from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh and both can be reached by direct bus from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Plockton Day Trip from Inverness via Train
We opted to use the train for our day trip to Plockton from Inverness. The train station in Plockton is located a short walk from the town center.
As we mentioned above, you can request to disembark at Duncraig and walk into Plockton via the shoreline path. The ride takes about 2.5 hours each way and there are multiple departures per day.
Where To Stay in Plockton, Scotland
While the village may be tiny, there are a few excellent options for accommodation in Plockton, Scotland. We are sharing a few of the top picks – but before making that reservation, use our tips for Booking Hotels at the Best Price.
The Haven Guest House
A charming hotel on Innes Street, the Haven Guest House offers comfortable rooms in a historic, stone building. The owners are welcoming and accommodating and the breakfast gets top marks!
The Plockton Inn
A lovely little hotel, Plockton Inn boasts recently renovated rooms in an ideal location. It is highly rated for being clean and spacious and guests love the delicious, cooked breakfasts.
Cottages in Plockton
Those with a car can opt to stay outside of the town center in one of the quaint cottages. Airbnb is a good resource for finding vacation apartments. Just be sure to read our Top Tips for Airbnb Guests.
What To Pack for a Plockton, Scotland Trip
Our final tips for visiting Plockton are all about what to pack in your backpack or suitcase. So grab your FREE Packing Checklist and let’s get you to Scotland!
Sturdy Shoes
The best way to get around Plockton is on your feet – so be sure to pack (or wear) a good pair of shoes for your trip.
I like to wear everyday trainers for exploring and Kris prefers trail shoes. Find more advice and reviews in our article, Best Shoes for Traveling.
Layered Clothing and Scotland Weather Gear
Plockton, Scotland weather is unpredictable! Make sure you are prepared for whatever comes your way with layered clothing.
A waterproof rain coat is always a good idea when visiting Scotland – and a travel umbrella can help to keep you dry, too.
Travel Camera
Plockton, Scotland is breathtaking! To ensure you capture the true beauty of the town, we recommend using a real camera – like the DSLR Canon Rebel that we travel with.
Not only is it easy to use, but it’s also fairly priced – making it one of the best cameras for budget travelers.
Day Bag
Whether taking a day trip to Plockton or settling in for a few days, you will want to carry a good day pack for exploring the Highlands.
We use these small backpacks – but you can find more styles in our article, Best Day Bags for Travelers.
UK Trip Insurance
Travel doesn’t always go as planned…but insurance may help recoup some of the costs incurred when luggage goes lost or someone becomes ill. Check the rates and coverage at World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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