Applecross

West of Lochcarron at Loch Kishorn, a side road leaves the A896 and heads to Applecross. There are many scenic routes in the Highlands but this one beats them all. The Bealach na Ba ('Pass of the Cattle') is the highest road in Scotland and is often closed during the winter snows. It climbs relentlessly and dramatically through a series of tortuous switchbacks - both spectacular and terrifying in equal measure. The high plateau, at 2,053 ft, is cold and desolate, but from here you have the most stunning views: from Ardnamurchan Peninsula to Loch Torridon, taking in Eigg, Rùm, the Cuillins of Skye, the Old Man of Storr and the Quirang.

The narrow, single-track road then begins its gradual descent to the isolated little village of Applecross, site of one Scotland's first Christian monasteries, founded in 673 AD. The village consists of a row of whitewashed fishermen's cottages looking across to the island of Raasay and backed by wooded slopes. It's a beautifully tranquil place where you can explore beaches and rock pools or enjoy a stroll along sylvan lanes - see Applecross walks for details.

Applecross, the name of which is a corruption of Apor Crossan (mouth of the river Crossan) is one of the earliest Christian communities in Scotland.  In the year 671, an Irish monk named Maelrubha, from the same monastic background as Columba, arrived on the south western shore of the Applecross Peninsula and two years later, established a monastery.  An area of 6 square miles around the monastery was declared a sanctuary.  On the site of the monastery, there now stands Clachan Church.

In 1850 nearly 3,000 people lived in the scattered townships of the peninsula. Now there are less than 300. The clearances were responsible for much of the depopulation, but lack of local opportunities and work also contributed. The remains of previously thriving settlements can be seen in many areas.

Until 1976, the only road access to Applecross was by the famous Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle), and the only access to many areas of the peninsula was either by footpath, bridle path or sea.  Along the coast of the Peninsula internal lighting was by paraffin lamp until electricity was finally introduced after the coast road was built.  Even today, there are a few remote cottages on the Peninsula where access is still only by foot or by sea.

Applecross bay is one of the largest sandy inlets in the Western Highlands and is ideal for sailing, boating and sail boarding. Kayaking can also be organised locally. 

The beautiful sandy bay at Sand is popular with tourists, but is never busy.  Sand is the location of Beachcomber Cottage which appeared in the BBC television programme 'Monty Halls Great Escape'.

The award winning Applecross Inn offers excellent local seafood as does The Potting Shed Cafe in the Walled Garden of Applecross House. There is a village store, post office and filling station.  Fresh shellfish and croft grown vegetables can be purchased locally.

Wildlife abounds and includes pine martens, otters and red deer. Many varieties of bird life inhabit the peninsula and, for the lucky, and observant, the Golden Eagle may be seen.  Porpoises and occasionally whales can be seen in the Inner Sound.

The scenic beauty of sea and mountains combined is arguably unmatched anywhere in Scotland. The views across the Inner Sound, where the water is influenced by the Gulf Stream, are spectacular - the rugged profile of the Cuillins of Skye, Raasay, Rona and the islands of the Outer Hebrides providing a magnificent panorama.

The north coast of the peninsula gives views over Loch Torridon, where many scenes from the film 'Loch Ness' were filmed, towards the Torridon mountains.

CLACHAN CHURCH RESTORATION

 Applecross has a rich built heritage, but Clachan Church is considered by many as the iconic building of the area The present church was built in 1817 on the site of an earlier parish church, and belongs to the Applecross Trust. Much of the significance of the church relates to its position within the Scheduled Area of Applecross’ monastic settlement which is classified as being of national or international significance.

The church is in a fragile condition and requires considerable work to ensure the building is wind- and weather-tight and to prevent further damage. The purpose of the project is to restore the essential church fabric and interior in keeping with its heritage, to improve access to the church and foster appreciation of its significance through suitable interpretation, and to develop sufficient facilities so that it can be used to its full potential by the community

THE BROCH

LIME KILN

LONBAIN THATCHED HOUSE

HEBRIDEAN BARNS

The Hebridean Barns (located next to the Broch and campsite) are a unique resource.  Hebridean ventilated barns of this type are to be found only in the Wester Ross parishes of Applecross, Gairloch and Loch Broom and are becoming increasingly rare. Historic Scotland have indicated that the sites may be of national significance.

WALLED GARDEN

The historic walled garden is being restored from what was previously a wilderness.  Work is ongoing to repair the walls and there is a project planning to restore the glasshouses and coldframes.