Walks

There are walks to suit most preferences.  Various lengths of woodland walks are signposted amongst the inner environs of the Applecross Estate, whilst longer hill or countryside rambles can be planned and discussed with us.

One of the shorter strolls leads down to a sheltered bay only two miles along the main road from here, and there is a cave just above the tide, in the cliff, where a woman from the island of Barra came to live many years ago.  She could only exit the cave at low tide, and she made her living from gathering shellfish and carrying them in a creel all the way along the coast to Applecross in order to sell them at the ‘big house’.  She was later given land in the bay in order that she could build a place to live in, and the place is named Re-Aulay. The present owners at Re-Aulay weave and sell their own woollen goods.

Another walk is a picturesque pathway down to an isolated huddle of houses at Coilleghillie, (The boys' wood).  The distance is about three miles return, and there is a spur on the path which takes you to Ardbain, (White point) where there is a small, secluded beach formed from coral sand.

A slightly higher and more testing walk lies along the old hill path between Applecross bay and Sand.  On a good day the extra height affords excellent views across to the Hebrides in the North West, and the nearer islands of Raasay, Rona and behind – the Island of Skye.

Within comfortable driving distance there are many other walks and sites of interest as the geology is very varied.

The Beallach Na Ba

This pass was historically used by drovers to take cattle over the hill but is now a single track road for the more adventurous visitors.  The views from the top are stunning.

Further Afield

Attadale Gardens which were voted the best gardens in Scotland are only 40 minutes drive from Applecross.

Visit Eilean Donan Castle at Dornie, explore the Brochs at Glenelg, sail in a glass-bottomed boat at Kyle, or take a boat trip from the famous Plockton village to see the seals.

Restaurants and cafes

There are excellent eating places available.  Both the Applecross Inn and the Historic Walled Garden Potting Shed restaurant are first class local venues.

For those who enjoy a bar atmosphere – the Applecross Inn is excellent and the chefs have achieved a number of national awards, whilst there are folk band musical evenings on occasion.

The Potting Shed restaurant, shown below, is set within the old Applecross house walled garden.  It is sheltered and spacious and has a very relaxing ambience.  It shares a reputation with the Inn for excellent food.



At the local campsite there is also a cafe known as the Flower Tunnel (a type of conservatory full of beautiful flowers). Guests can enjoy light meals or tea and coffee.

Sheildaig also has a first rate restaurant and the Carron Restaurant and Lochcarron Bistro also serve excellent meals.

Shopping

There is a very well stocked local grocer in Camusteil (Applecross) and a local petrol station.  On the first Friday of each month there is a local producers' market in Applecross village hall where you can buy local produce and crafts.  A mile from Tigh Na Mara is a jewellery maker's workshop, while at Cuaig there is a weaver's shop.  A stained glass studio is near the road in Arrina, and towards Sheildaig, hand spun angora knitwear can be purchased.

Fishing

The most usual fish are mackerel in the bays and pollock on the edges of the seaweed, but occasional catches of other fish such as dogfish and skate are possible from a boat. A few years ago your host caught a large skate which weighed in at 187 lbs. Wild brown trout fishing in the lochs is also available, but it is good manners to contact the local gamekeepers before doing so.  The rivers, however, are under a conservation, salmon and sea trout regeneration scheme.  This has been a costly and time consuming exercise over the last twenty years – with mixed success, but the River Carron over at Lochcarron has responded well and a catch and release programme is in force.  Tickets can be obtained under the direction of the local anglers association.