Applecross, Highland, Scotland

Overview

Tucked away on Scotland’s dramatic northwest coast, Applecross is a jaw-dropping peninsula and a village so charming it’ll make your heart do a Highland fling. This remote jewel nestles along the Inner Sound, staring defiantly at the majestic Isles of Skye and Raasay. Yeah, it’s about a 90-minute haul from Inverness, but who’s counting when you’re heading to a place they call "The Sanctuary"? That’s A’ Chomraich in Gaelic, a nod to its ancient monastery roots. With a tiny population that’s big on spirit and a growing stream of North Coast 500 pilgrims, this place is a tranquil haven of raw, untamed beauty. Think dramatic mountain passes that'll make your knuckles white, seafood fresher than a North Sea breeze, and landscapes so unspoiled you'll feel like you've stepped back in time. Whitewashed cottages hug Shore Street, while the epic mountains and shimmering lochs are screaming for you to hike, kayak, and spot some seriously cool wildlife. If your spirit craves nature, history, and a pace of life that actually lets you breathe, Applecross is your Highland hideout.

Top Attractions

Applecross Village (Shore Street)

Picturesque whitewashed cottages, quaint shops, Heritage Centre & stunning Skye views.

Bealach na Bà (Pass of the Cattle)

Britain’s 3rd-highest road (2,053 ft), thrilling hairpin bends & panoramic vistas. NC500 legend!

Applecross Heritage Centre

Small museum showcasing 9,000 years of local history, from Mesolithic to Iron Age.

Loch Torridon & Shieldaig Drive

Scenic coastal drive to Shieldaig village, sea loch views & golden eagle sightings.

Sand Archaeological Site

Major site with Mesolithic remains, one of Scotland’s earliest settlements. Coastal walk access.

Unique Stories & Facts

• The Sanctuary's Secret: Gaelic name A’ Chomraich means “The Sanctuary,” from a 7th-century monastery by St. Máel Ruba.
• Pass of the Beast: Bealach na Bà, once a drovers' route, is UK’s steepest road climb (20% gradient!).
• Boat or Bust: Only accessible by boat until the 19th century; coastal road from Shieldaig completed 1975.
• Community Spirit: The Applecross Trust, a community charity, owns and preserves the estate.
• Whispers on the Wind: Isolation fostered a unique dialect, tales of smugglers & shipwrecks.

Best Travel Seasons

Popular Activities

• Scenic Drives from Heaven (or Hell!): Tackle Bealach na Bà or the gentler coastal road from Shieldaig.
• Hiking & Walking Your Boots Off: Trails around Applecross Bay, Sand’s site, or Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve.
• Kayaking & Boating Adventures: Paddle Loch Torridon or Inner Sound with Mountain & Sea Guides. Spot seals, dolphins, otters!
• Wildlife Spotting Extravaganza: Red deer, golden eagles, pine martens, minke whales, basking sharks.
• Gone Fishin': Charter boats for sea angling (cod, haddock) or fish for trout in local lochs (permits via Applecross Trust).

Famous Feasts Nearby (Sharing Platters Galore!)

Applecross isn't about AYCE buffets; it's about insanely fresh, epic sharing platters that feel like a king's feast!

• Applecross Inn (Applecross, 0.1 miles): Legendary seafood platters (crab, langoustines, mussels) with bay views.
• Kishorn Seafood Bar (Kishorn, 15 miles): Piled-high platters of local oysters, scallops, prawns in a cozy setting.
• Plockton Inn (Plockton, 18 miles): Family-style seafood boards with fresh catches & live music in summer.
• Torridon Inn (Torridon, 20 miles): Hearty Highland sharing plates (venison, seafood), perfect post-hike.

Casinos Nearby (~30 Miles)

Forget about it! You're in the wild Highlands. The only gamble here is if you'll see a minke whale or if the midges will carry you away. Nearest casino is in Glasgow (180 miles). Stick to the scenery!

Oddities Nearby (~30 Miles)

• Applecross Aromatics (Applecross, 0.2 miles): Quirky shop with handmade glycerine soaps & Highland honey balms.
• Applecross Community Fuel Station (Applecross, 0.3 miles): UK’s first unmanned 24/7 petrol station (opened 2010).
• Clachan Church & Cross-Slab (Applecross, 0.5 miles): Historic chapel with a 7th-century cross-slab from St. Máel Ruba’s time.
• Corriehalloch Gorge (near Ullapool, 25 miles): Dramatic 45m deep gorge with a swaying Victorian suspension bridge.
• Torridon Visitor Centre (Torridon, 20 miles): Interactive exhibits on local geology, wildlife & ancient pinewoods.

Haunted Tourism Nearby (~30 Miles)

• Clachan Church Graveyard (Applecross, 0.5 miles): 7th-century site with reports of eerie mists & whispers of monks.
• Applecross House (Applecross, 1 mile): 17th-century estate with tales of ghostly Jacobite figures.
• Lochcarron Old Kirk (Lochcarron, 15 miles): Locals claim faint bagpipe echoes on foggy nights from this 19th-century churchyard.
• Shieldaig Lodge (Shieldaig, 12 miles): Victorian hunting lodge where guests report flickering lights & cold spots in the library.
• Plockton Inn (Plockton, 18 miles): Unexplained footsteps in this 18th-century inn, linked to its smuggling past.

Local Events & Festivals

• Applecross Highland Games (July): Traditional games, caber tossing, piping, local food.
• North Coast 500 Festival (September): Region-wide event; car rallies, music, seafood feasts, Applecross features.
• Applecross Bay Regatta (August): Sailing/rowing competition, community stalls, live music.
• Samhain Festival (October): Celtic-inspired bonfires, storytelling, local crafts, celebrating Highland heritage.
• Torridon Walking Festival (May): Guided hikes around Loch Torridon & Beinn Eighe (20 miles away).

Lodging Options (From Cozy Inns to Wild Camping)

Hotels & Historic Inns

Applecross Inn (sea views, award-winning food) or Shieldaig Lodge (Victorian charm, 12 miles).

B&Bs & Friendly Hostels

Spindrift B&B (Skye views), The Majestic Jewel B&B, or Hartfield House Hostel (budget NC500 stop).

Vacation Rentals & Glamping

Airdaniar Cottage (coastal views) or Duirinish Pods (Plockton, hot tubs, 18 miles).

Camping & Caravanning

Applecross Campsite (sea views, heated huts, $15-$30) or Torridon Campsite (nature-focused, 20 miles).

Dining (Local Cuisine Highlights – Prepare to Drool!)

Seafood Nirvana (Applecross Inn)

Langoustines & crab plucked from local waters, served with Inner Sound views. Unmissable!

Venison Victory (Torridon Inn)

Hearty Highland venison steak from local estates (20 miles away). A true taste of the wild.

Scallop Sensations (Kishorn)

Kishorn Seafood Bar's pan-seared scallops – a Wester Ross delicacy (15 miles).

Highland Honey Bliss

Applecross Aromatics' heather honey. Drizzle on scones at The Walled Garden café.

Traditional Comfort (Plockton)

Plockton Inn’s cullen skink (smoked haddock soup) – a cozy Scottish classic (18 miles).

Travel Tips

• What to Pack: Waterproof layers, sturdy hiking boots, midge spray (summer!), binoculars, camera for Bealach na Bà.
• Safety: Low crime. Bealach na Bà is treacherous in snow/ice – CHECK WEATHER! Watch for deer on roads.
• Accessibility: Some ground-floor rooms (Applecross Inn, Spindrift B&B). Uneven paths. Campsite huts accessible. Call ahead.
• Connectivity: NO mobile reception in most areas. Applecross Campsite offers Wi-Fi. Carry cash (some shops are cash-only).

Nearby Destinations Within 30 Miles

• Shieldaig (12 miles): Postcard-perfect village on Loch Torridon, cozy pub, eagle-watching.
• Lochcarron (15 miles): Quaint village, weaver’s shop, views over Loch Carron.
• Plockton (18 miles): "Jewel of the Highlands," palm trees, seal-spotting boat tours.
• Torridon (20 miles): Hiking hub, Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, Torridon Mountains.
• Kyle of Lochalsh (25 miles): Gateway to Skye, Eilean Donan Castle nearby (30 miles).

Recommended Duration of Stay

2-3 Days (The Perfect Highland Hit): Explore Shore Street, drive Bealach na Bà, enjoy a seafood feast. Perfect for couples or history buffs.
4-5 Days (The Deep Dive): Kayaking, hikes in Beinn Eighe, day trips to soak in the soul of the Highlands.

Target Travelers

• Adrenaline Junkie Drivers: You live to conquer roads like Bealach na Bà. The views are your trophy!
• Nature Lovers & Wildlife Warriors: Hikers, kayakers, and anyone with binoculars glued to their face. Red deer, eagles, otters, oh my!
• Seafood Connoisseurs & Foodie Explorers: If "fresh langoustines" makes your heart beat faster, this is your pilgrimage.
• History Buffs & Culture Seekers: Ancient monasteries, archaeological sites, and tales of old Scotland will captivate you.
• Peace Seekers & Scenery Soakers: Anyone needing to escape the rat race and recharge in a place of raw, unspoiled beauty.

Keywords for SEO (Get Found, Get Wild)

Applecross Scotland, Bealach na Ba, North Coast 500, Highland seafood, Wester Ross, remote Scotland, Applecross Inn, Scottish Highlands travel, Loch Torridon, Shieldaig, Applecross camping, hiking Scotland, A Chomraich.

Listen to Our Podcast Episode!

"Applecross: Secrets of the Sanctuary & The Pass of the Cattle" - Your audio adventure to the edge of Scotland.

Suggested Podcast/Blog Topics

• "Bealach na Bà: Conquering Scotland's Most Notorious Pass (And Living to Tell The Tale)"
• "Applecross Inn: More Than Just Seafood – A Highland Institution"
• "A’ Chomraich: Uncovering the Ancient Secrets of Applecross Sanctuary"
• "Beyond the NC500: Why Applecross Deserves More Than a Drive-By"
• "Midge Season in the Highlands: A Survivor’s Guide to Enjoying Applecross"