Image / Flickr
Arrive, drop your bag, then set out with your dog along the harbour and shoreline. This dog friendly Plockton guide brings together short shore walks, woodland trails and gentle hill routes, plus gardens, beaches and boat trips that welcome well behaved dogs. Walk the shore to find seals from the water, wander the paths at Attadale Gardens, or follow a quiet farm track to a coastal cove. Practical notes and timings help you plan half day outings or a full day of roaming, and tips on local tearooms and boat operators keep things simple. Use these suggestions to make the most of Plockton with your dog, whether you want a brisk walk or a slow, restorative day outdoors.
Image / Woodland Trust
Step onto a calm loch-side path and listen for birdsong.
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What to expect
A compact loop of worn paths and grassy banks with a few benches and informal picnic spots. Expect open water with reed margins, brief sightings of ducks and small passerines, and clear sightlines to nearby hills. The terrain is simple underfoot but can be muddy after rain, and sections are exposed to wind.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy shoes and layers, especially if wind or rain is forecast. Bring binoculars for birdwatching and a small blanket for a riverside picnic. Combine the visit with a short drive or walk around Strathcarron, or time it as a calm stop on an NC500 day. If you have a dog, keep it under control near water and livestock.
Image / www.attadale.com
A peaceful lochside garden on the NC500, where planted rooms and sculpture invite slow exploration.
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What to expect
You will follow winding paths through varied garden rooms, with benches and quiet corners to rest. A simple gatehouse welcome hands out a map and points you towards a family-friendly fairy trail and an audio guide. Children enjoy the discovery walks, photographers find plenty of detail and form, and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Surfaces vary, so expect grass paths and some uneven ground.
Plan your visit
Plan to pick up the map at the gatehouse before you set off, it makes navigating the larger grounds easier. There is ample parking including space for campervans, so allow a little time to settle in. Wear sturdy footwear and a waterproof layer, particularly after rain, and bring a small bag if you intend to buy plants. Treat the visit as a relaxed stop on your NC500 route rather than a timed attraction.
Image / Ross-shire Journal
Cross the water, step onto Skye: a short, scenic gateway to the island.
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What to expect
Expect a quick but memorable stop. The drive across feels like a transition, with loch and island views unfolding as you cross. Walkers can use the footpaths either side of the road to linger, and there are good viewing points on the approach to Kyle of Lochalsh and on the Skye side. Weather can change fast, so plan for wind and drizzle as well as clear light.
Plan your visit
Stop at the Kyle of Lochalsh promenade for an overview before you cross. If you want to walk, use the footpaths on either side rather than the carriageway and wear sturdy, windproof layers. Combine the bridge with nearby viewpoints on Skye or the NC500 route, and allow extra time around sunset for photos and to feel the change in light.
Image / Tripadvisor
Sea air, curious animals and a quiet Highland shoreline.
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What to expect
Friendly hosts and an informal farmstead atmosphere. You can meet llamas, cows, ducks and other farm animals, buy fresh eggs on site, and feed birds from hand. Lodges have large windows and small balconies that frame the water, and the farm includes a stretch of beach, a railway bridge and steep, grassy slopes to explore.
Plan your visit
Bring layered clothing, sturdy shoes and binoculars for birdwatching. Check tide times if you want to walk to the nearby small island at low tide. Have some cash or check local payment methods for on-site purchases like eggs and animal feed. If you plan to stay in a lodge, book in advance and mention if you’re travelling with dogs.
Image / Calum's Seal Trips
A short, local boat trip to meet the loch's seals , you only pay if you see them.
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What to expect
You board a small, sheltered boat for a relaxed cruise around nearby islands and skerries. The crew share local stories and wildlife tips, and children often get to steer under supervision. Seals haul out on rocky ledges and beaches, and dolphins or otters turn up from time to time. Expect coastal views, fresh sea air and close-up wildlife moments. Weather can change quickly, so layer up.
Plan your visit
Book ahead in summer and for private charters, especially if you want an evening cruise. Wear waterproofs and warm layers, and bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom. If you get seasick, consider medication or choosing a calm-weather slot. The operator is happy to accommodate families and dogs, and can tailor private trips for groups.
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.
