the area

The Gaelic name for Applecross, A' Chomraich, means The Sanctuary. Wandering down to the shore past wild orchids and irises, you have a great chance of spotting dolphins, porpoises, seals and otters, as well as the elusive sea eagles that patrol the shoreline of Applecross.

Believed to be one of the earliest settled parts of Scotland and also one of the most breathtaking, Applecrosse is attractively isolated and was accessible only by boat until the early 20th century. For many years after that, the only road access was over Scotland's highest road, the Bealach na Ba ('Pass of the Cattle'), reaching 626 m (2,054 ft) at the top (go steady in winter!). In 1975 the settlement was also connected via a stunning coastal road which travels around the edge of the peninsula through Shieldaig and Torridon.

Applecross is immersed in the natural elements, with it’s wind, waves, mountains and big skys it has an abundace of wildlife, flora and fauna, coupled with the history of the area, there is something for everyone.

useful to know

  • The well stocked Applecross Village Shop & Post Office is 1/4 mile away and offers welcome food packs for your stay.

  • The doctors surgery is almost on the door step.

  • For the ‘big shop’ the best plan is to stop off in Invernes or Fort William (depending on your route choice of A9 or A82 through Glencoe) or, to book well in advance for a Tesco delivery to the house or a Morrisons delivery (select click and collect) to the village hall which is less than a mile away.

  • Strathcarron is the nearest railway station, and from there, access is by car. The nearest public airport is 87 miles away in Inverness.

  • There are no electric car charge points in Applecross. We can help you by arrangement.

Landscape

Towering mountains, glittering lochs, interesting woodlands and golden beaches - Wester Ross’s dramatic landscapes and natural beauty will really take your breath away. With welcoming people, a unique culture, romantic castles and a fascinating history, it's no wonder that it was named as one of National Geographic's 'Best of the World' destinations for 2023 and also named one of the top regions in Lonely Planet’s coveted ‘Best in Travel 2019’.

Appplecross sits in the North West Highlands Geopark, an area of over 2,000 square kilometers, known for its striking example of different rock geologies. Starting at 3 billion years old, the Lewisian Gneiss is the oldest rock in Europe. It’s also home to the earliest evidence of life to be found anywhere in Europe. But the geopark is not just about incredible science. It’s also about beauty. Think pure sandy beaches, rocky mountain ridges, atmospheric rock caves, grass, peatland, moors and forest. Then there’s the wildlife; the seabirds, eagles and sealife, and also the evidence of creatures that once walked this land, hidden deep in caves.

In the summer when the sun barely dips below the horizon, the long days offer plenty of time to explore the area and take it all in.

Wildlife

Many native Scottish animals can be found near Cuillin View House.

Birds
Tawny and barn owls, white tailed, golden and sea eagles, great skua, arctic tern, great spotted woodpeckers, song thrush, bullfinches, golden plover, skylark, merlin, greenshank, dunlin, red and, occasionally the rarer, black grouse, dotterel, and rock ptarmigan.

Mammals
Stags, red deer, pine martens, otters, water voles, red squirrels, blue hare, foxes, rare wildcats, pipistrelles, Daubenton's bats.

Deer management takes place on hill land and ensures that populations are in balance with the habitat. Extensive common grazing mens that sheep and ckickens roam free. It’s not unusual to look out the window and see a new neighbour!

Marine Life & Reptiles
We have common seals near the shore as well as basking sharks, minke whales, porpoises, and bottlenose dolphins. Adders can also be found here.

Conservation

Applecross Community Company and Applecross Estate Trust manages vast swathes of woodland and is planting over several sites to restore native broadleaf trees and enhance the remnants of ancient native woodland still in evidence. There is also a plan to improve access and amenities; expanding the forest school and nursery activities within the woodland, improve biodiversity and showcase archaeological features – from iron-age round houses to an 18c. township. Applecross has an important cultural, religious and natural history as well as widespread archaeological evidence of pre-bronze age human settlements.

Applecross Community Hydro is a Community Benefit Society which has been formed by local people to fundraise, construct and operate a 90kw community hydro scheme. The hydro scheme will generate clean, low carbon electricity from Allt Breugach, a burn which flows from the hills behind Shore Street into Applecross Bay. Surplus income from the scheme will go to Applecross Community Company to be spent on projects identified through consultation with the community.

For 20 years, the Applecross Estate Trust has run a stocking programme to protect Atlantic salmon and sea trout populations in the Applecross River. With fish counts rising, the initiative has ensured the survival of healthy native stock.

Dark Skies

The dark winter nights bring with them the perfect setting for seeing blankets of stars. Be prepared for shooting stars, satelites and planets as you relax in the evening.

Being in the northern latitudes, Applecross is the perfect place in the UK to experience the dancing aurora. You can’t book them but if the conditions conspire, you’ll be in the right place to see them!