Applecross

Our most recommended things to do in Applecross

From Inverness: Torridon, Applecross, & Eilean Donan Castle

From Inverness: Torridon, Applecross, & Eilean Donan Castle

This tour focuses on the most beautiful and varied landscapes of the Highlands. You leave Inverness and head north over the Beauly Firth towards the dramatic landscapes of the northern Highlands. You may stop for views and photos before arriving at the exceptionally beautiful viewpoint for Loch Maree. You head down towards the Loch to Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve Visitor Centre for a short break. From here, you take the single-track road through one of Scotland’s National Nature Reserves. Your driver-guide tells you about the woodland regeneration in the area and may give you a chance to get a view over the area and enjoy a close look at the native pine trees. You now travel through the imperious landscape and dramatic geology of the Torridon mountains. As you reach the west coast, the road ascends and gives you incredible views across the Torridon Range, down over the Loch, and out to sea. In the scenically situated town of Sheildaig, you have a refreshment before taking on one of the most beautifully twisting roads in Scotland. This road may be the most photographed road on the famous North Coast 500 route. In Applecross, there’s plenty of time for a relaxing lunch and maybe a little walk along the waterfront. You take the shorter but even more dramatic road out of Applecross, the famous Bealach na Bà (Pass of the Cattle), and if the weather allows, you stop for viewpoints at the top and bottom of this dramatic road. At Loch Duich, you find Eilean Donan Castle*, situated on a small island accessed by bridge. You can visit the castle or simply enjoy the view from the visitor centre, which has a café, shop, and toilets. The journey back to Inverness passes the Five Sisters of Kintail Mountain range, historic Glenshiel, Loch Ness, and the Great Glen. You arrive in Inverness in the early evening.

Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Day Tour

Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Day Tour

We depart early in the morning and begin our small group day tour from Inverness to Applecross using the lower part of the North Coast 500 route, crossing the beautifully scenic Black Isle before stopping in the village of Lochcarron. Enjoy the views across Loch Carron and perhaps pick up a bite to eat, before we continue on to Achintraid. The small village enjoys views over Loch Kishorn and a magnificient mountain range on the opposite shore. We then continue our journey, climbing upwards through dramatic landscape over the Bealach na Ba (Gaelic for Pass of the Cattle) which is also known as the Applecross Pass. The road is the third highest in Britain at over 2000 feet; we’ll pause for photos at the summit, so have your camera ready for those jaw-dropping views across Raasay and the Isle of Skye! We then begin our descent to Applecross. Located on a beautiful bay, Applecross is full of natural wildlife, perfect for nature lovers! You may see otters, red kites, deer and perhaps pine martens! We’ll stop here for plenty of time to explore Applecross Village. We then leave Applecross and begin our return journey to Inverness, with a relaxing drive along the banks of Loch Torridon, and through the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve. This nature reserve is one of the oldest in Britain and is home to plenty of wildlife; you may even spot a golden eagle! Travelling on, our Applecross tour will make brief stops at the villages of Shieldaig and Kinlochewe on our way back to Inverness. Shieldaig is a small fishing village founded in 1800 and takes its name from the Viking word síld-vík which means “Herring Bay”. We pause here to admire the scenery and get some refreshments before moving along Loch Torridon and on to Kinlochewe. From here, we leave the NC500 route and head homeward bound to Inverness, where our Applecross tour ends.

Isle of Skye and the Highlands 5-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Isle of Skye and the Highlands 5-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Day 1 You head north over the Firth of Forth to the charming highland village of Dunkeld. From here, you head into the Cairngorms National Park and the ancient pine forests of the Rothiemurchus estate. After lunch, you enjoy panoramic views of Loch Ness as you travel down to the banks of the famous loch, and the village of Dores where you can do some “Nessie” spotting Then it’s onto the shores of Loch Broom where you spend two nights at Ullapool. Day 2 Today, you explore the far northwest Highlands and the mountains of Assynt. This area is famous as being the first crofting area to be bought by the local crofters, the Assynt Crofters’ Trust. You’re immersed in the history of the area and visit the 15th century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, once the stronghold of the MacLeods of Assynt. The day is full of amazing views of some of Europe’s oldest landscapes, the stunning white sand beach at Achmelvich Bay, and the traditional fishing village of Lochinver. You spend the night in the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool. Day 3 You head south to take in the drama of the River Droma’s 60m plunge into the Corrieshalloch Gorge. From here, you travel past the mountains of the Beinn Eighe nature reserve and along the picturesque coastline of Loch Torridon. After your lunch stop in Applecross, you take one of the highest and most exhilarating roads in Scotland, Bealach na Ba. In the afternoon, you stop in “tropical” Plockton, where you can see palm trees growing alongside Loch Carron and take time to enjoy its sheltered serenity. Then it’s over the sea to Skye and the delightful harbour town of Portree. Day 4 Today is a flexible day on Skye; and your driver-guide ensures you take a unique route that suits the weather, the local events, and your group's interests. You can travel north to the Trotternish Ridge and beyond. Here you find the geological wonders like Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the stunning mountain pass of the Quiraing. Or your guide may take you back in time and teach you about the legends and clan culture surrounding the 13th-century home of the Clan MacLeod, Dunvegan Castle. You return from to Portree in the evening. Day 5 Travel south from Skye and visit the famous stronghold, Eilean Donan Castle. Continuing east through the rugged mountains of Kintail, you drive down through Glen Garry past Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and onto Fort William for lunch. In the afternoon, you explore spectacular Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. You then start your journey towards Edinburgh.

North Coast 500: 3-Day Small-Group Tour from Inverness

North Coast 500: 3-Day Small-Group Tour from Inverness

Day 1: Set off from Inverness and begin your journey on Scotland’s ‘Route 66’. It’s an epic drive with loads to squeeze in. Just make sure you have plenty of space on your camera. Heading for Ullapool, we spend the first day weaving through the North Coast 500’s winding roads. Your driver-guide will take you to towering mountains, banks of shimmering lochs, and the shores of beautiful beaches. We reach the scenic port town of Ullapool in the late afternoon. *From November to March, Applecross may be inaccessible due to bad weather and daylight timings. Day 2: Today, the scenery gets progressively more beautiful, rocky, and mountainous. As you travel north, your driver-guide will take you to some of the most beautiful sights in Scotland. Your itinerary depends on the weather and your guide’s expert tips, but you may have a chance to venture into the deep Smoo Cave, wander the ruins of Ardvreck Castle, and gaze at gorgeous white beaches. You stop for lunch in a Highland village and spend the evening in the beautiful town of Thurso. Day 3: Today, get plenty of opportunities to explore cosy fishing villages, epic cliffs, and ancient Neolithic sights. In the morning you will have a chance to visit a fine Scottish Highland Whisky distillery. The road leads you further south, where you have a chance to stop for lunch. Continue on your epic North Coast 500 route southwards where you can enjoy the green valleys and sea views as you travel to Dunrobin Castle. You have time to explore the stately home, learn about the Dukes of Sutherland, and find out how it has been used as both a school and a hospital. Finally, you will arrive back in Inverness in the early evening to finish your tour.

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Our most recommended things to do in Applecross

From Inverness: Torridon, Applecross, & Eilean Donan Castle

From Inverness: Torridon, Applecross, & Eilean Donan Castle

This tour focuses on the most beautiful and varied landscapes of the Highlands. You leave Inverness and head north over the Beauly Firth towards the dramatic landscapes of the northern Highlands. You may stop for views and photos before arriving at the exceptionally beautiful viewpoint for Loch Maree. You head down towards the Loch to Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve Visitor Centre for a short break. From here, you take the single-track road through one of Scotland’s National Nature Reserves. Your driver-guide tells you about the woodland regeneration in the area and may give you a chance to get a view over the area and enjoy a close look at the native pine trees. You now travel through the imperious landscape and dramatic geology of the Torridon mountains. As you reach the west coast, the road ascends and gives you incredible views across the Torridon Range, down over the Loch, and out to sea. In the scenically situated town of Sheildaig, you have a refreshment before taking on one of the most beautifully twisting roads in Scotland. This road may be the most photographed road on the famous North Coast 500 route. In Applecross, there’s plenty of time for a relaxing lunch and maybe a little walk along the waterfront. You take the shorter but even more dramatic road out of Applecross, the famous Bealach na Bà (Pass of the Cattle), and if the weather allows, you stop for viewpoints at the top and bottom of this dramatic road. At Loch Duich, you find Eilean Donan Castle*, situated on a small island accessed by bridge. You can visit the castle or simply enjoy the view from the visitor centre, which has a café, shop, and toilets. The journey back to Inverness passes the Five Sisters of Kintail Mountain range, historic Glenshiel, Loch Ness, and the Great Glen. You arrive in Inverness in the early evening.

Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Day Tour

Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Day Tour

We depart early in the morning and begin our small group day tour from Inverness to Applecross using the lower part of the North Coast 500 route, crossing the beautifully scenic Black Isle before stopping in the village of Lochcarron. Enjoy the views across Loch Carron and perhaps pick up a bite to eat, before we continue on to Achintraid. The small village enjoys views over Loch Kishorn and a magnificient mountain range on the opposite shore. We then continue our journey, climbing upwards through dramatic landscape over the Bealach na Ba (Gaelic for Pass of the Cattle) which is also known as the Applecross Pass. The road is the third highest in Britain at over 2000 feet; we’ll pause for photos at the summit, so have your camera ready for those jaw-dropping views across Raasay and the Isle of Skye! We then begin our descent to Applecross. Located on a beautiful bay, Applecross is full of natural wildlife, perfect for nature lovers! You may see otters, red kites, deer and perhaps pine martens! We’ll stop here for plenty of time to explore Applecross Village. We then leave Applecross and begin our return journey to Inverness, with a relaxing drive along the banks of Loch Torridon, and through the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve. This nature reserve is one of the oldest in Britain and is home to plenty of wildlife; you may even spot a golden eagle! Travelling on, our Applecross tour will make brief stops at the villages of Shieldaig and Kinlochewe on our way back to Inverness. Shieldaig is a small fishing village founded in 1800 and takes its name from the Viking word síld-vík which means “Herring Bay”. We pause here to admire the scenery and get some refreshments before moving along Loch Torridon and on to Kinlochewe. From here, we leave the NC500 route and head homeward bound to Inverness, where our Applecross tour ends.

Isle of Skye and the Highlands 5-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Isle of Skye and the Highlands 5-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Day 1 You head north over the Firth of Forth to the charming highland village of Dunkeld. From here, you head into the Cairngorms National Park and the ancient pine forests of the Rothiemurchus estate. After lunch, you enjoy panoramic views of Loch Ness as you travel down to the banks of the famous loch, and the village of Dores where you can do some “Nessie” spotting Then it’s onto the shores of Loch Broom where you spend two nights at Ullapool. Day 2 Today, you explore the far northwest Highlands and the mountains of Assynt. This area is famous as being the first crofting area to be bought by the local crofters, the Assynt Crofters’ Trust. You’re immersed in the history of the area and visit the 15th century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, once the stronghold of the MacLeods of Assynt. The day is full of amazing views of some of Europe’s oldest landscapes, the stunning white sand beach at Achmelvich Bay, and the traditional fishing village of Lochinver. You spend the night in the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool. Day 3 You head south to take in the drama of the River Droma’s 60m plunge into the Corrieshalloch Gorge. From here, you travel past the mountains of the Beinn Eighe nature reserve and along the picturesque coastline of Loch Torridon. After your lunch stop in Applecross, you take one of the highest and most exhilarating roads in Scotland, Bealach na Ba. In the afternoon, you stop in “tropical” Plockton, where you can see palm trees growing alongside Loch Carron and take time to enjoy its sheltered serenity. Then it’s over the sea to Skye and the delightful harbour town of Portree. Day 4 Today is a flexible day on Skye; and your driver-guide ensures you take a unique route that suits the weather, the local events, and your group's interests. You can travel north to the Trotternish Ridge and beyond. Here you find the geological wonders like Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the stunning mountain pass of the Quiraing. Or your guide may take you back in time and teach you about the legends and clan culture surrounding the 13th-century home of the Clan MacLeod, Dunvegan Castle. You return from to Portree in the evening. Day 5 Travel south from Skye and visit the famous stronghold, Eilean Donan Castle. Continuing east through the rugged mountains of Kintail, you drive down through Glen Garry past Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and onto Fort William for lunch. In the afternoon, you explore spectacular Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. You then start your journey towards Edinburgh.

North Coast 500: 3-Day Small-Group Tour from Inverness

North Coast 500: 3-Day Small-Group Tour from Inverness

Day 1: Set off from Inverness and begin your journey on Scotland’s ‘Route 66’. It’s an epic drive with loads to squeeze in. Just make sure you have plenty of space on your camera. Heading for Ullapool, we spend the first day weaving through the North Coast 500’s winding roads. Your driver-guide will take you to towering mountains, banks of shimmering lochs, and the shores of beautiful beaches. We reach the scenic port town of Ullapool in the late afternoon. *From November to March, Applecross may be inaccessible due to bad weather and daylight timings. Day 2: Today, the scenery gets progressively more beautiful, rocky, and mountainous. As you travel north, your driver-guide will take you to some of the most beautiful sights in Scotland. Your itinerary depends on the weather and your guide’s expert tips, but you may have a chance to venture into the deep Smoo Cave, wander the ruins of Ardvreck Castle, and gaze at gorgeous white beaches. You stop for lunch in a Highland village and spend the evening in the beautiful town of Thurso. Day 3: Today, get plenty of opportunities to explore cosy fishing villages, epic cliffs, and ancient Neolithic sights. In the morning you will have a chance to visit a fine Scottish Highland Whisky distillery. The road leads you further south, where you have a chance to stop for lunch. Continue on your epic North Coast 500 route southwards where you can enjoy the green valleys and sea views as you travel to Dunrobin Castle. You have time to explore the stately home, learn about the Dukes of Sutherland, and find out how it has been used as both a school and a hospital. Finally, you will arrive back in Inverness in the early evening to finish your tour.

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What people are saying about Applecross

Overall rating

4.9
(84 reviews)

Graeme W. was an outstanding driver/guide. We got excellent lessons on the history of the Highland clans and we got to see amazing scenery. The bed and breakfasts we stayed at were very comfortable and convenient, with great full breakfasts. This tour was a highlight of our trip to Scotland.

That was one of the best trips I have had! Claire was an amazing tour guide! We visited all the places and even more than that! Just loved the trip and would recommend it to everyone!

Great way to see the highlights of Skye and the Highlands. Driver Graeme was very knowledgeable about the history of the area and had an abundance of stories to share.

The scenery was magnificent and our guide was very knowledgeable and informative. Thoroughly enjoyed the tour.

Claire was perfect. She is kind and the views were unbelievable. great