Plockton

Tucked against the calm waters of Loch Carron, Plockton feels like a secret well kept. Rows of whitewashed cottages and bursts of colour line the waterfront, with the odd palm tree nodding in the breeze - a rare sight in the Highlands. The hills climb up behind the village, giving every walk a postcard view. Ask around, and most folks will tell you: Plockton is as pretty as they come.Plockton’s charm is hard to pin down, but the mild climate plays its part. Palm trees and bright flowers seem almost out of place here, thriving where you’d least expect it. The main road sticks close to the water, boats drifting in the bay while the Applecross hills loom in the distance. You can join a local boat trip to spot seals, then head back for a plate of fresh seafood at the Plockton Inn, where you’ll likely hear a few stories worth remembering.Some will know Plockton from the old BBC show Hamish Macbeth - Robert Carlyle’s Highland cop walked these very streets. Fans still come looking for familiar spots. If you’re touring the Highlands, it’s just a quick run from Eilean Donan Castle and makes a great stop if you’re winding your way to Skye.