Applecross Map View

Route:
Applecross Peninsula
– Sheildag

An epic roadtrip to explore nature and views from above

Miles: 125   |  Highlight: Bealach na Bà

Route:
Applecross Peninsula – Sheildag

An epic roadtrip to explore nature and views from above
Applecross Map View

Nature at it's finest

Plockton Village

Applecross is one of our absolute favourite spots in the whole of Scotland – it has everything; long sweeping roads, views to die for, coastal air, wildlife galore, mountain passes, utter isolation but also coupled with incredible community.

There are several routes to Applecross from Wildtrax HQ. The quickest at 2hrs7mins takes you north, but the most scenic takes you 30 mins more, headed south along the length of Loch Ness before turning west.

Taking this route, you could make a small detour to the village of Plockton, nicknamed “The Jewel of the Highlands,” where you’ll find out just what life at the Scottish Seaside is all about.

Back on track, be sure to turn off at the junction in Tornapress to take you up to the Bealach Na Bà, or Pass of the Cattle. You can’t miss it, since the sign here serves as more of a warning than a way marker and is rather large! The Bealach na Bà is one of the highest roads in the British Isles, and demands 100% concentration due to its switchbacks, hairpin bends and gradients approaching 20%. All of these things come with a huge pay-off, in the form of one of the most scenic drives in the world.
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Views from Above

Applecross Pass

Reaching a dizzy height of 2053m at the peak, you’ll soon be rewarded with the most incredible views out to Skye, Raasay and Scalpay as you snake down to the shores of Applecross village itself. With little more than a pub, smokehouse and a street of cottages, this is one of the earliest settled parts of Scotland and it feels every bit the same.

Be sure to stop at the Applecross Inn for some local seafood (when we say local, we mean you can see the fisherman on his boat from the window), before taking the road north as it wraps around the winding coast of the peninsula to the picture perfect village of Sheildaig.

Discover the History

The village of Sheildaig was founded in 1800 with a view to training up seamen for war against Napoleon. After his defeat and exile to Elba, the community found itself a new role as a fishing village. There’s a wonderful
book at the bar of Sheildaig Bar & Kitchen which details the characters of this tiny little community – a page to each neighbour, and even some of the local pups feature too. It really sums up what living in a Highland
community is all about – being very much your own, independent unit but serving as part of a bigger piece of the puzzle that is your local family.
If you’re looking to camp up, there are plenty of spots along this route – the problem is more how to pick!

Since it’s coastal, there can be a breeze, so find a sheltered spot if the forecast predicts wind. If you’ve still got more driving in you from here, we’d suggest picking up the route to Ullapool, Achmelvich Beach, Kylesku and durness.

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Views from Above

Applecross Pass
Reaching a dizzy height of 2053m at the peak, you’ll soon be rewarded with the most incredible views out to Skye, Raasay and Scalpay as you snake down to the shores of Applecross village itself. With little more than a pub, smokehouse and a street of cottages, this is one of the earliest settled parts of Scotland and it feels every bit the same. Be sure to stop at the Applecross Inn for some local seafood (when we say local, we mean you can see the fisherman on his boat from the window), before taking the road north as it wraps around the winding coast of the peninsula to the picture perfect village of Sheildaig.

Discover the History

The village of Sheildaig was founded in 1800 with a view to training up seamen for war against Napoleon. After his defeat and exile to Elba, the community found itself a new role as a fishing village. There’s a wonderful book at the bar of Sheildaig Bar & Kitchen which details the characters of this tiny little community – a page to each neighbour, and even some of the local pups feature too. It really sums up what living in a Highland community is all about – being very much your own, independent unit but serving as part of a bigger piece of the puzzle that is your local family. If you’re looking to camp up, there are plenty of spots along this route – the problem is more how to pick! Since it’s coastal, there can be a breeze, so find a sheltered spot if the forecast predicts wind. If you’ve still got more driving in you from here, we’d suggest picking up the route to Ullapool, Achmelvich Beach, Kylesku and durness.
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Directions

    • Leave Wildrax HQ, turning RIGHT onto the A82.
    • Continue for 25 miles along the northern banks of Loch Ness.
    • Turn RIGHT onto the A887 at Invermoriston. Follow this road for 15 miles.
    • The road becomes the A87. Continue for 30 miles.
    • Turn RIGHT onto A980 signposted for Lochcarron, following this road for 14 miles.
    • Cross over the railway tracks at Strathcarron, then a bridge over the River Carron before turning LEFT onto the A896 to Lochcarron.
    • Continue on the road through the village of Lochcarron, for another 6 miles.
    • Turn LEFT at the sign for the Bealach na Bà and drive carefully for 6 miles to the viewpoint. Please note that this route should be avoided in snowy conditions, and the road may well be closed.
    • Continue downwards for another 5 miles to Applecross Bay
    • From Applecross, head north for 25 miles along the coastal road to Sheildaig.
To visit Plockton:
  • Follow as above but continuing on A87 rather than turning right onto A980. Follow signs to Plockton, around 8 miles from the junction.
  • When leaving Plockton, follow signs to Achmore/Stromeferry, which picks up the A890 to Strathcarron. Then continue as above to Strathcarron.

Directions

    • Leave Wildrax HQ, turning RIGHT onto the A82.
    • Continue for 25 miles along the northern banks of Loch Ness.
    • Turn RIGHT onto the A887 at Invermoriston. Follow this road for 15 miles.
    • The road becomes the A87. Continue for 30 miles.
    • Turn RIGHT onto A980 signposted for Lochcarron, following this road for 14 miles.
    • Cross over the railway tracks at Strathcarron, then a bridge over the River Carron before turning LEFT onto the A896 to Lochcarron.
    • Continue on the road through the village of Lochcarron, for another 6 miles.
    • Turn LEFT at the sign for the Bealach na Bà and drive carefully for 6 miles to the viewpoint. Please note that this route should be avoided in snowy conditions, and the road may well be closed.
    • Continue downwards for another 5 miles to Applecross Bay
    • From Applecross, head north for 25 miles along the coastal road to Sheildaig.
To visit Plockton:
  • Follow as above but continuing on A87 rather than turning right onto A980. Follow signs to Plockton, around 8 miles from the junction.
  • When leaving Plockton, follow signs to Achmore/Stromeferry, which picks up the A890 to Strathcarron. Then continue as above to Strathcarron.

Scotland Travel Tips

  • Bug Spray: The west coast of Scotland is well known for it's midges. If you plan on visiting don't forget your insect repellent.
  • Weather: Be prepared for every season & embrace the weather. It's been known to snow in June while hot in February and don't forget your waterproofs!
  • Plan Early: It's always a good idea to plan in advance especially if you're visiting in summer. If you plan to fly up the rates are cheapest when first released and accommodation can get booked up real fast too. 6 - 9 months in advanced is advised.
  • More Time: Scotland is big & beautiful. Don't make the mistake of not factoring in time to stop and enjoy the view. Part of the adventure is the journey and a trip around the Highlands & Islands has many view points to enjoy.
  • Off the Beaten Track: Don't be afraid to explore off the beaten track. You'll discover hidden gems and amazing scenery with the option to unplug and recharge.
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