Apologies in advance for a lengthy posting.
I thought I had settled on an itinerary for visiting (mainly) the West highlands of Scotland. After reviewing a number of Fodor postings and reading books and articles, I have, yet again, revised my thoughts.

We were to spend some time at Loch Ness (despite postings advising against) probably at Foyers before basing ourselves at Glenfinnan for most of our 7 days (by Loch Shiel) which would allow us to strike south towards Mull or north towards Skye. We had considered Mallaig or Kyle of Lochalsh, but these get rather a poor review from the books.

But having read further (especially previous postings)it would seem that Plockton might be a better base, allowing us to still visit to visit Skye and also enabling us to visit Gairloch and the Loch Torridon area.

My preference is for sea as opposed to Loch but wondered if anyone else had a view as to the best base ? Plockton v Glenfinnan or indeed Mallaig of Kyle of Lochalsh for exploring the best of the area?

Oh, and one final question is the OLD FORGE PUB (down the road from Mallaig) really worth what seems like a real effort to reach?

I personally think Plockton gives you more options and is a pretty village to boot. Glenfinnan is a lovely setting but I'd put higher value on Plockton's accessibility both to Skye and the NW Highlands. I don't think you can really go wrong with either choice, though.

I could have sworn I posted a lengthy answer to this a couple of days ago

I did. It's on your other thread, which I've just topped.

And to your supplementary, no, don't go to Knoydart for a pint. A weekend yes; a pint, no.

Sheila
I looked at your topped thread, which provided some very useful information; but I was asking more specific questionslockton or Glenfinnan as a base for exploring the highlands? Or, even Mallaig or the Kyle of Lochalsh?

Glenfinnan is very pleasant, but there is a bit more to Plockton - I suppose a base should have access to shops/amenities etc,Plockton has more (not many!), Glenfinnan is a quiet place.
The loch Plockton is on is a big one-you can hire boats there.
Glenfinnan's loch (is that loch sheil?)is narrow loch, a lot smaller.
At the risk of causing you a nervous breakdown, I remind you that Oban is a busting fishing port with ferries to many islands & the most amenities on the NW coast - may be too far south for you.Ullapool is probably too far north, but if not, consider it.

OK, bustling.

I was pretty specific. NOT Mallaig or Kyle..

After that, the problem is as I said in the other post, the sea lochs. Not to mention, what is the Highlands.

As I said before, if you want to do both islands choose Arisaig or south. However, if the only options are plockton or Glenfinnan, Glenfinnan

Thank you all for your advice. I think I will go for Plockton, on the basis that it will allow me to explore Gairloch and the area, and I can save Mull for a later holiday. Thank you once more
Steve