Loch Kishorn and the Plockton Islands
Arriving at Ardarroch Loch Kishorn
One of the main problems I find with canoeing is finding a suitable site to launch the boat. However I managed to find a good site at Ardarroch which was almost ideal. My Ordnance Survey map was a bit out of date being fully revised in 1955 (and costing 5/6d... is that 26p in new money?) and my launch site was, I think, at the old youth hostel. From there I paddled out past a fish farm and on to Kishorn Island.
Kishorn Island with Bealach na Ba (Applecross road in the background)
I crossed Loch Carron, almost running aground on one of the many rocks and reefs in the area, heading for an old lighthouse which was not shown on my map just at the entrance to Plockton bay.
I turned right at the lighthouse and made my way along the coast with its many islands and reefs. The islands tend to be rocky with no beaches so landing in a skin boat was not so easy but I did manage a coupe of landings. I think the following photo was taken from Eilean na Ba Mor where I encountered at least 20 seals.
Approaching old lighthouse near Plockton
I went on a bit further to one of the few sandy beaches and then headed back to my starting point. I had started at 11 am and returned to my car about 4.30. It was a good day out and I would like to explore the coast from Plockton to Kyle but that will have to be another day.
One of the few sandy beaches I think this one is at Camas Dubh-aird
I returned to this area a few weeks later this time starting at Kyleakin just next to the new (relatively) bridge. Once again I encountered many seals which had the rather alarming habit of coming up behind my boat. I had lunch at Port Cam near Drumbuie. The whole part of this coast is sort of separated from the public by the railway line which follows the coastline from Kyle of Lochalsh to the head of Loch Carron. This makes access a bit difficult. Most of the Islands, coastline and area around Plockton seem to be owned by the National Trust for Scotland. The village of Plockton lies in a very sheltered bay and is noted for its Palm trees and mild climate. It was one of the locations used in making the film "The Wicker Man"
Passing under the Skye bridge
Skye bridge Heading towards Plockton taken from the Skye Bridge
Port Cam with Train in background (difficult to see!) Lighthouse at Plockton
Arriving at Plockton