Watch out for the signs for Plock View.
You can drive up to the car park at the top, although the road is not in the best of condition and my little Peugeot was being scratched by the bushes on either side of the road!
Once there the views are wonderful and there are lots of really nice picnic areas with views. The hillside behind Kyle of Lochalsh with a view over the town and over Loch Alsh to the Isle of Skye is very mossy, boggy and surprisingly hard to scramble up… but worth it. Having taken this panorama it was a case of racing the rain back down the hill. At the top of this is the Plock Viewpoint of Kyle, which is another spot that offers panoramic views of the area, and from which more of Skye is visible.
The Plock of Kyle Walk is 1.8M/3km in length and takes 1-1½hrs. This is a very easy walk, passing over an old golf course, and can be a little muddy after rain. The path leads to a viewpoint and interpretation board with views over the town, Isle of Skye and surrounding area. Eilean a Mhal island is prominent in the foreground when looking North West from the Plock of Kyle, like most of the islands on this coast. EILEAN A MHAL is a National Trust for Scotland managed island and supports one of the largest heronries in the district. It is visible from the Plock of Kyle Viewpoint or from the Skye Bridge.
SKYE BRIDGE (Drochaid an Eilein)
It is the most popular way to access the Isle of Skye from mainland Scotland. The bridge opened in 1995 and made the ferry redundant, where waits of up to 4hrs were known. It is actually made up of two spans, with a small island called Eilean Bàn, Gaelic for ‘’White Island’, located in the middle. The island covers 6 acres/2.4ha and originally only had lighthouse keepers and their families as residents, and more recently the home of author and naturalist Gavin Maxwell. A nature trail (disabled access) winds around the island leading to local wildlife and natural heritage. On the island is an award-winning wildlife hide, viewing platform and sensory garden. There is a viewpoint accessible via a gravel path from the car park, offering a view of the Kyle and bridge. The Bright Water Visitor Centre covers topics such as the island of Eilean Bàn’s flora and fauna, lighthouse, history and the life of author and naturalist Gavin Maxwell. Loads of activities for children and local products for sale. Access to the Maxwell museum, guided tours and otter memorial stone can be booked through the Bright Water Visitor Centre in Kyleakin. Opening times vary so check on Ph: 1599 530040, free entry, www.eileanban.org.
Disabled access is not so good, there is a picnic area right off of the car park but it is hemmed in by bushes and there are no views. Lochalsh Woodland Gardens are open. Some areas of Balmacara Woodland are open.
How to get there:
Park in the car park by Kyle Tourist Information Centre. Cross the busy Skye road by the traffic lights and head up Kyle’s Main Street opposite. At the end of the street, turn left where a roadsign indicates a long list of places, including ‘Golf course’ and ‘The Local Viewpoint’. Continue uphill along this road, ignoring all turnings, until it becomes a track – there are several signs for Plock Viewpoint.
