Plockton

With a sunny bank holiday Friday predicted we planned a trip up to Plockton.

Preparation

Flying VFR anywhere in Scotland can be a challenge due to high terrain, fast changing weather and never ending winds. With the weather looking good despite quite a strong Northerly wind we planned our route to Plockton. Plockton is very easy to PPR (prior permission required) and is done by phoning the number which counts a PPR with the automated voice giving you a briefing for arrival. We decided on the route and planned to route to overhead Oban then direct to Plockton which would allow for a good diversion and alternate route up the coast.

Flight

With the wind from the North we were treated to a nice crosswind departing Cumbernauld and then climbed up to 2000ft to route towards Aberfoyle then Oban. Approaching Aberfoyle we climbed up to 4000ft and turned direct to Oban and started crawling along the ground with a ground speed of 70 knots! Approaching Oban we diverted around Ben Cruachan to avoid the potential rotors coming off the hills which allowed us to see a nice rainbow across the dam.

Ben Cruachan Rainbow

After transferring to Oban information we got a basic service and transited their overhead to head further North towards Plockton. Crossing Lismore we could see Fort William and Ben Nevis towering above all the hills with the summit predictably covered in cloud. Continuing further North we passed over small town of Strontian which for a chemistry teacher was very exciting as the town is named after element 38, Strontium.

Loch Linnhe with Fort William at Top

After encountering some turbulence we routed West towards the coast and decided to continue up the sound of Sleat passing over Mallaig with the rainbow following us.

Rainbow over Sound of Sleat

Looking over to the West we could see over to Skye with most of the peaks towering over us. With Loch Ash below we made a turn to the West and Plockton came into view on our right and with the wind coming from the North we knew it would be a runway 02 landing. We had briefed a flaps full landing which allows the barn door flaps to slow us down to 55 knots allowing us to get into the relatively small runway and after a gusty approach we were down the on the ground in Plockton.

Plockton in Distance

Landing

Landing at Plockton the landing fee is £20 if you pay cash and leave it in the box near the hanger. The airfield is around 15 minutes walk to the town and given the weather plus early nights we did not have time to go along. Nature break completed it was time for a snack and given the cold wind we retreated back to the shelter of the plane. We decided on the way back to route directly down the coast and although a bit longer the tailwind would ensure we were doing 110 knots and would be same in terms of fuel. After departure we routed West towards Broadford before turning towards Oban, this gave us an excellent view of Skye.

Overhead Broadford Skye Ahead

With the wind clearing most of the cloud we headed straight for Stirling after overhead Oban and arrived in the Stirling flats just as the sun was beginning to get low.

Loch Lomond

With Stirling in sight and the bridges just visible in the distance we knew it was time to switch back to Cumbernauld and make our approach to runway 25. After quite a gusty landing and crosswind we were on the ground and ready to share the adventure.