Arrive, drop your bag, then set out to taste local ales and whiskies. This guide maps easy day trips and short drives from Plockton, highlighting the Plockton Brewery, nearby Skye distilleries and the Isle of Raasay. You will find where to join tours, book tastings, and pick up bottles to take home. Routes suit walkers, road trippers and anyone looking for relaxed, memorable tastings. Expect small batch beers, characterful single malts and cafes that serve simple food made with local produce. Use this as a planner for things to do in Plockton, a list of best distilleries near Plockton, and a way to discover local drinks on the NC500.
Image / 57skyedistillery.com
Small-batch spirits with Skye in every sip.
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What to expect
Tastings are run in the production space, led by knowledgeable hosts who explain the distilling process and the stories behind each spirit. Sessions are friendly and informal, with a mix of gin and finished whiskies to sample. The shop carries core bottles and limited runs, so you can take home something made on Skye. Walk-ins are often accepted, but guided tastings are easiest to secure if booked in advance.
Plan your visit
Book a tasting if you want a guaranteed spot, especially in summer. Allow time to browse the shop after the tasting. Combine a visit with other stops around Broadford so you make the most of your journey on Skye. If you’re travelling with a group, let the distillery know about access or sensory needs; hosts are used to adapting tours for different visitors.
Image / Raasay Distillery
Sleep above the stills, wake to Hebridean sea air.
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What to expect
A hands-on distillery atmosphere combined with comfortable, well-appointed rooms and small-team hospitality. Expect guided tours and tastings that explain the craft, a cocktail bar and a shop stocking the distillery’s gin and single malt, and a restaurant that uses local produce. Many guests praise the friendly staff, the bothies and the quieter island pace: this is as much about the landscape and local stories as it is about the spirits.
Plan your visit
Allow time for the distillery tour and a relaxed meal, ideally by staying overnight. Book tours and dinner in advance during summer, and bring layered clothing for changing island weather. Take a short walk to nearby viewpoints or beaches after your tasting, and pick up a bottle or two from the shop to take home as a souvenir of the island.
Image / Untappd
Small-batch beers with Plockton character
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What to expect
Expect a low-key, friendly visit rather than a formal tasting room. The operation is compact, with small-batch runs and occasional take-home bottles when available. You may meet the brewer and hear a bit about recipes and local ingredients, or find the beers served in nearby village spots.
Plan your visit
Plan this as a short NC500 stop. Combine the visit with a stroll around the harbour or a coastal walk. Don’t rely on a full shop on site, so if you want a specific brew ask locally or check the brewery’s social listing before you go. Bring a reusable bag or cooler if you plan to take beer home.
Image / Tripadvisor
Skye malt made beside the Sound.
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What to expect
Expect a focused, hands-on tour that explains how the whisky is made and how the buildings were restored. Tours finish with a tasting that pairs expressions with notes and, on some experiences, chocolate. The on-site café serves simple dishes and a whisky ice cream made with local produce. There is a compact shop for bottles and gifts, and an outdoor courtyard where dogs are welcome.
Plan your visit
Book a tour in advance to secure a tasting slot, especially in summer. Allow time to browse the shop and to sit in the courtyard after a tour. Dogs are welcome in the shop and outdoor seating, but not in the café interior. Wear layers and a windproof jacket for the outdoor areas. Pair your visit with other stops on the NC500 if you are driving the route.
Image / www.highlandcoasthotels.com
Highland Coast Hotels is a collection of hotels across the Scottish Highlands, from Inverness to the far north coast. Each property sits within the landscape, with warm rooms, honest food and local knowledge at every stop on the North Coast 500. Choose your hotel and start planning your trip.
