Small but diverse, the Plock is a wildlife haven within walking distance of the village of Kyle. With a variety of habitats, a wide range of wildlife can be seen, from otters fishing in the waters of Loch Alsh, to roe deer, sea eagles, herons and more. The wildflowers abound on the meadow, including six species of orchid, and a network of paths and benches mean there’s plenty to explore. Full-accessibility trails take you round beautiful birch woodland with an understory of bluebells in spring, while for the more adventurous, small footpaths lead off in all directions, meaning no two visits to the Plock are ever the same.
A busy events programme runs throughout the year, and visitors and locals alike are very welcome to join in on guided walks, art events and conservation volunteering. Guided walks run from June to September, with art events and volunteering taking place year-round. A small team of staff keep the Plock open to all, carrying out maintenance and ensuring your time here is special.
A viewpoint overlooking the Skye Bridge gives one of the best views in the area. If you’re wanting to linger for longer, seek out some of the picnic benches which are surrounded by edible plants to enrich your picnic or barbecue. If feeling more active follow one of the many trails to see what there is to be seen. And at the end of the day, spend time on a quiet part of the trail to relax away from the busy-ness of everyday life.
Three car parks make accessibility easy: there’s always one on the level you require. Access is via the A87 beside the Toll Office building, where once users of the Skye Bridge paid their toll. There’s electric car charging outside the Toll Office – the hub from which many of our events start from. Alternative access is through the village of Kyle via Heathmount Place (please note this route passes through narrow residential streets), and which leads either to the middle car park and accessibility trails, or to the top carpark and the viewpoint.
Dogs are welcome (although please do pick up after them!) and there’s a wealth of wildlife that makes the Plock its home. In summer, an early visit for the dawn chorus is a bewildering experience, as the warblers, thrushes and others sing their glorious song.
The Plock is a place to slow down, to embrace the wildlife around and to breathe in the gloriously clean air. Please visit our website for more information about what’s on, and enjoy your visit to the Plock.