Applecross, Plockton and the Mainland Lochs
Lochs Torridon & Gairloch
These two deep lochs lie to the north of the settlement Applecross and are well worth the long cruise from Kyle or Plockton. Torridon is surrounded by the Torridon Mountains so is a very dramatic environment with a number of places we can anchor which allow for lochside walks ashore. In Upper Loch Torridon we can anchor near the Torridon Hotel and Inn where you might like to enjoy a drink or follow the well marked paths for a woodland walk.
Just inside the entrance to Loch Torridon is the village of Shieldaig, which is a lovely place for a quiet stroll ashore, visit to a popular cafe or to buy some locally smoked foods.
From Torridon to Gairloch and passing north of Rona we will keep our eyes open for whales, porpoises and dolphins – one of the two best places in which to spot whales in our whole cruising area. Once in Gairloch we can stop for a visit ashore at picturesque Badachro with a chance to visit the pub before anchoring for the night in Loch Shieldaig. Gairloch is also home to the beautifully named Flowerdale – a small harbour with a gallery and Inn, as well as access to a walk in Flowerdale Glen ( yet to be tested from Red Moon!). Gairloch, so far, marks the most northerly point of our cruises, mainly due to time and weather considerations.
visittorridon.com
gairloch.org
lochcarron.org.uk
Applecross & Plockton
On the passage south from Gairloch & Torridon we might make a stop at Applecross. If conditions allow us to stop long enough for a visit ashore, it is a good place to stretch your legs, perhaps have a drink at the Applecross Inn, check out local craft shops or even make a visit to the lovely Walled Garden.
Just south of Applecross are two of our favourite anchorages, one of which has a very secluded feel and there are a range of walks – a short stroll to a coral beach or a longer ramble to visit the Applecross photographic Gallery or even to Applecross itself.
Following the Applecross Peninsula south and then east we will come to Lochs Kishort and Loch Carron. We occasionally anchor in Loch Kishort on its south side but its main claim to fame is that it was the birthplace of the North Sea oil rigs of the 70's – and the dry dock is still in place.
Loch Carron is approached through an attractive winding channel with more castle ruins on view. Loch Carron village is a ribbon settlement on the north shore of the Loch and its attractions include a couple of galleries, a bistro, cafe and at some distance Loccarron Weavers shop.
From Loch Carron it is a short cruise back out, past the resident seals, to the very picturesque village of Plockton. In summer, when the local gardens are in bloom, it is a pretty spot to take a stroll. A drink at the Plockton Hotel where you can sit by the water and look out at local yachts and your own private cruise boat is a very pleasant diversion. There are a couple of gift shops and a cafe which sometimes offers gin tastings.
applecross.uk.com
applecrossgallery.com
visitplockton.com
lochcarron.org.uk
