Exploring the West Coast with Calum's Seal Boat Trip, Plockton

I had a sudden realisation over the past few weeks that nothing makes me happier on a sunny day than being on, in, or near water. We've been really blessed in the Scottish Highlands over the last few weeks to have had some glorious sunny weather and it's really made me want to head out and about and explore more of our home in Lochalsh.

After a change of plans meant we had a free Saturday on a beautiful sunny day, we decided to head over to Plockton for an hour long harbour tour with Calum's Seal Boat Trips. When I tell you these trips are a local institution, I really mean it. When I told locals that I had never been on one of Calum's tours of Plockton Harbour they couldn't believe I had experienced this local attraction. It's such a highlight of experiencing the waterways around Lochalsh and I couldn't wait to experience it for myself.

When you live on the West Coast of Scotland, harbour seals are one marine animal you see a lot. I remember, when I was little and enjoying a family holiday on the Isle of Arran, we'd head down to Kildonnan in the south of the island to try and spot seals basking in the summer sunshine. Harbour seals are really common all over Scotland, but even still, there's something so exciting about spotting harbour seals just lounging about in the Scottish sunshine.

Another highlight for me of the boat trip was seeing the sights in and around Plockton harbour. One of those was hearing about the island in the bay that inspired J.M. Barrie to create Neverland in the Peter Pan novels. According to local legend, Barrie spotted the whilst riding the West Highland train line to Kyle of Lochalsh, and was inspired. We also spotted Duncraig Castle from the waters, and it was really interesting to learn more about this spot from Calum.

We spent an hour abroad Calum's boat, enjoying the sunshine and explore Loch Carron and the waters around Plockton. For me, as someone who has spent almost five years in the area, it was so fun and exciting to see Plockton from a new point of view. Calum was incredibly knowledable and shared loads of cool facts about the area, which was really fun to hear.

If you're looking for a family friendly way to get out on the West Coast Waters, I can highly recommend taking a visit down to Plockton to go on Calum's Seal Boat Trips. And, of course, it's free if you don't spot any seals.