Things to Do in Applecross

The visitor to the Peninsula will find many things to do. These may range from simply enjoying the tranquillity of this beautiful and remote area, strolling along the rugged coastline, exploring the ridges of the hills and mountains, watching seals bathing in the waters warmed by the Gulf stream, kayaking or sailing in the Inner Sound or taking part in various local events.

Walking

The peninsula is an ideal area for walking. Old footpaths, which were, until fairly recently, the only means of access to the coastal townships other than by sea, still exist. There are coastal and hill walks for all levels of fitness and experience. The area's network of paths has been expanded and improved and provides walks ranging from leisurely strolls through woodland to more demanding trails through remote areas of coast and glen.

During the stalking season, access may be limited, but the Applecross Estate Trust is a member of the South West Ross Deer Management Group, and welcomes considerate walkers and climbers. During the stalking season, the estate will advise on areas which are safe and which will not disturb the stalk.

Apple X Training provides guided walks suitable for all ages on Tuesdays. The walks start at the Walled Garden car park at 10:30 am and finish about 11:30 am in time for morning coffee at the Walled Garden.

The Applecross Park Fun Run is held every Sunday at 12:30 pm, come rain, hail or occasionally shine.  Participants meet at the Applecross Walled Garden car park for the 5k fun run. This event is free for all to join in and all abilities and ages are welcome.   All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

For the more adventurous

The untouched, rugged coastline and beaches of the Peninsula, and surrounding area, are ideal for exploring by kayak, canoe or sailing boat with exceptional scenery and many places to disembark.

Applecross Mountain & Sea Guides offer expert instruction in sea kayaking in the Gulf Stream warmed waters of Applecross Bay. Courses are available by the week, day, half day or hour. Guided mountaineering courses are also available.

Places to visit in Applecross

The bay at Sand has a beautiful sandy beach with views over the Inner Sound to Raasay, Rona and Skye. Although popular, it is never crowded.  

Applecross Bay is one of the largest sandy inlets in the Western Highlands with views to Raasay and the Cuillins of Skye.

The Walled Garden of Applecross House has been restored and is open to all.

Applecross Heritage Centre where the history of the area from the Mesolithic period to the present day is displayed. The Centre is open from Good Friday to end October, Monday to Saturday from 12 - 4 pm. Spinning demonstrations are available on most Monday afternoons.

Applecross Broch, which featured in the BBC 'Time Team' programme, is located at the campsite.

The historic Clachan Church, which has been renovated under the Applecross Landscape Partnership Scheme.

Applecross Photographic Gallery, where post cards, note cards, and framed local landscapes and wildlife photographs are for sale. Free coffee is available.

Croft Wools shop at Cuaig where a wide range of hand woven, knitted, or felted textiles are available. Also available are local knitting wools and plant dyes.  

The Coal Shed Studio on Shore Street with a wide range of contemporary and unique gifts.

The village shop and Post Office, as well as stocking a wide range of groceries, wines and spirits, also stocks local gifts, souvenirs and post cards.

Angora Ecosse at Doire-Aonar near Shieldaig where finest hand knitted Christening and fashion shawls, stoles and luxury knitwear made from angora and Hebridean wool are available.

Applecross Smokehouse sells a wide range of smoked seafood and cheese in itheir shop at Kenmore. .

Learn traditional skills

Croft Wools at Cuaig offers courses in the traditional crafts of spinning, weaving or dyeing. All equipment is provided, and beginners and improvers are welcome.

Eating out in Applecross

The Potting Shed Restaurant is situated in the restored Walled Garden of Applecross House and offers a wide selection of snacks and gourmet meals. It specialises in locally caught seafood. The restaurant has been awarded numerous accolades.

The Applecross Inn is situated on the seafront and has received numerous awards for it's locally sourced food.

The Junction on Shore Street is a new Cafe Bistro that offers a wide range of snacks and meals.

Places to visit from the peninsula

Most visitors are totally captivated by the scenic beauty of the Peninsula and have no wish to leave. However, others prefer an occasional change of scenery and this section of the site gives details of other places to visit with distances from Shore Street, Applecross.