Trip to Applecross.

The weather all last week was warm and wonderful so we took full advantage and enjoyed a pleasant drive to Applecross on the west coast. On the way we stopped at the Invergarry view point where we got chatting to some people travelling from Skye to Edinburgh. One of them pointed out that Loch Garry actually looked like a map of Scotland even with its own Forth Road Bridge. We passed The Cluanie Inn after about 45 minutes and skirted Loch Duich with the ancient battlements of Eilean Donan Castle reaching out into the loch.Just before Balmacara we turned right onto the A890 to Stromeferry although actually there is no ferry service there. Drove round pictuesque Loch Carron and the head of Loch Kishorn. We turned left on the next road known as the old Cattle Pass which is the highest road in Scotland. Originally the only way to get to Applecross was by boat until the Cattle Pass was built in the 18th Century. This narrow road zig zags spectacularly for about 11 miles attaining a height of 2053 feet where there are breath-taking views of the triangular Cullin Mountains opposite on the Isle of Skye. 

We now began the descent to Applecross Bay and the welcoming Applecross Inn which was packed. The journey had taken us about 102 miles in 3 hours at a pleasant pace. From Applecross there are terrific views over to the Inner Hebrides - the isles of Skye, Raasay and the rocky outcrop of Rona.

The Applecross Inn

After a very good fish lunch and a walk around the sandy bay we took the coastal road back to the settlement of Shieldaig on Loch Torridon. This road was only built in 1976 as an easier alternative to the mountainous Cattle Pass. Travelled across to the east coast and home. The sun was just setting and provided a wonderful conclusion to a great day out. A good day trip from Aspenwood Cottage.