Garve to Duirinish

This is a small village which is the start of the road to Ullapool. However, buses leave from Inverness and Dingwall if you plan to make the journey and these are better connections if coming from the south. People coming from Kyle can change at Garve or Dingwall for buses to Ullapool.

There are many pleasant walks around Garve. For the adventurous, Ben Wyvis can be climbed leaving from Garve station and returning within eight hours, although it is a much shorter walk if getting there by bus (the Ullapool service) instead. 

Take the track behind the station and then through a low level woodland walk. Make sure to take a good map, food and appropriate clothing as conditions on top of the mountain can get severe even in summer.

Achnashellach Station is the start point for the Coire Lair Horseshoe hill walk. The Coulin forests north west of Achnashellach are dominated by three wonderful hills which form one of the classic walks of Scotland. 

It takes in some great views together with two Munros and of the most impressive Corbetters, the Fuar Tholl at 907 metres above sea level. The walk starts from the station and takes around six to eight hours.

It is a strenuous hill walk and shouldn’t be attempted by anyone inexperienced or unequipped for such a journey.

Strathcarron Station is isolated although there is a hotel. There are several hill walks from near the station to the hills behind the village.

A 10 minute bus journey links the station with beautiful Lochcarron village which is one of our favourite spots in the Highlands with fantastic views, a couple of cafes, and local walks. See DMK Motors' service 702. 

If you want to walk the length of Lochcarron village, which is just over a mile, you could alight at Lochcarron Primary, or if you want to be more central you could alight at the Rockvilla Hotel or Post Office stops.

You could also combine a stay at Strathcarron with a visit to nearby Attadale Gardens which are reached from the next train stop.

Strathcarron Hotel

An historic Victorian railway hotel with on site bar, lounge and cafe/restaurant.

Reviews: 4.3 on Google, 4.2 on TripAdvisor

Attadale Station is a tiny request halt, but well worth getting off if you are a plant lover. This is the location of Attadale Gardens which are next to the station and cover 20 acres.

These gardens are best visited in summer or in the spring when the magnificent rhododendron bushes are in full flower. There is also a sunken garden and a Japanese garden.

A small village with several woodland walks available including a view point with stunning views along the Loch on the hill behind the village.

The picturesque village of Plockton is famous for its palm trees and of course its beautiful location on a sheltered bay. This is a pleasant place to get off and spend some time and is a popular destination for tourists.

Surrounded by rugged hills and benefiting from the Gulf Stream flowing in to its waters, this Highland village really can grow tropical palm trees.

Seal Trips

Calum's Seal Trips offer 1 hour trips during the day from the Main Pier Pontoon or the Car Park Pontoon, as well as two hour evening sailings into Loch Kishorn to see the Applecross mountains, the Bealach na Ba and the Cuillin ridge on the Isle of Skye.

Sea Kayak Plockton

Plockton's sheltered bay is ideal for kayaking. Kayak days are available from beginner to expert, as well as longer expeditions ranging from 3 to 7 days. 

Lilias's Garden Rudha Mor

This family owned garden is located at the north end of the village. You can get in touch to arrange a tour if you wish. The garden is open year round and entry is by donation.

Carn na Frith-aird Viewpoint

A short walk from the north end of the village is this viewpoint with views to Applecross and the Isle of Skye to the west.

Open Air Church

Following the Disruption of 1848, when the Free Church of Scotland split from the Church of Scotland, there were various open-air preaching sites set up as members no longer had access to church buildings. The site at Plockton was unusual in being of a more formal and permanent construction than many. It is located on Innes Street, halfway between the train station and the village.

Coral Beach

About a mile walk from the village is this secluded beach. The 'sand' actually consists of calcified seaweed.

This is a useful stop for the Balmacara Estate & Lochalsh Woodland Garden (National Trust for Scotland) including walking the coastal path to Port an Eorna.

The Estate is large and also covers the area of Plockton and Kyle so you may wish to use the train to travel within the Estate as well as to it.

The Estate includes the woodland garden and miles of stunning coastal scenery with views across to the Cullin hills on Skye. It is open year round.

Page last updated 15 September 2025