Applecross is not a single village but a peninsula comprising over twenty coastal crofting townships. It has a strong Gaelic history, and its outstanding cultural and religious heritage provides a high concentration of archaeological and historical sites of interest.
The area’s mountains, beaches, woodlands, lochs and rovers offer unparallelled opportunities to see many rarer forms of wildlife, including otters and golden eagles. Getting out on the trails opens up new vistas, and allows you to experience some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK.
There are over 40km of maintained trails, and we have outlined the routes for you below. View the map or follow the links to see a detailed description with distance, difficulty rating and terrain.
All routes are in kilometres and are measured one way. You can view and downbload a free PDF version of the map here.
550m
10 degrees
Easy terrain
Follows the route along the Applecross river (Crossan) as it flows towards the sound.
Clachan Heritage Trail (423m): access route and peaceful approach to Clachan Churchyard and the monastic base of St Maelrubha from the existing estate road. The Heritage Trail leads to the Heritage Centre, positioned next to the church yard.
Sea Path link (625m): the Sea Path link runs from the Heritage Centre to meet the Sand Path at Cruary. This section is positioned along an exposed west-facing slope. On reaching Cruary, walkers have access along the Sea Path, one of the old access routes used by North Applecross residents before the arrival of the main road.
1.5km
40 degrees
Rough terrain
This woodland and river route starting from Home Bridge is a looping extension of the River Walk, and continues along the course of the River Crossan and one of its tributaries (Allt Beag). Access from Home Bridge is via a narrow footbridge. To return to the starting point descend the track between Keppoch and Applecross House (500m).
2km
15 degrees
Rough terrain
This old track is not suitable for cars. Linking with the Smiddy Walk abd Archaeological Trail to the south, and with the walks associated with Applecross House to the north, Keppoch Track descends from the Bealach road. It affords fine views of farmland and the bay, and passes a number of features of historic interest including a disused lime kiln and an old ice pond.
1.8km
20 degrees
Rough terrain
Connecting sites of historic interest between Keppoch and Carnach, this route comprises unsurfaced, waymarked tracks through old felled plantation and paths across moorland and farmland. It affords perhaps the best views of the western coastal area of the Applecross peninsula. A booklet exploring the archaeology of the area is available at the Applecross Village Shop & Post Office, and Hartfield House Hostel.
3-4.5km
25 degrees
Rough terrain
Affording panoramic views of the north coastal area, the Ardheslaig to Kenmore path is rugged but well-defined throughout. The track between Cuaig and Arrina is only marked by cairns and waymarkers, and represents the route once taken to school by the children from Cuaig township.
15km
25 degrees
Rough terrain
The long, popular walk to Kenmore follows a low-level mountain track. The alternative route to Inverbain diverging from this after 7km follows a significantly poorer and now ill-defined line. Both these trails represent old coffin routes used by burial parties from the northern townships heading for the burial ground at Clachan Church.
5.5km
20 degrees
Rough terrain
Prior to the construction of the coastal road, the trail to Sand was part of the main thoroughfare connecting the people of the southern townships with those of the north and beyond. The route provides spectacular views to Raasay and Skye before descending to the beach at Sand itself.
2km
30 degrees
Rough terrain
Driving south from Applecross to Toscaig. Pass Culduie, and before you get to Toscaig there is parking off the road at the junction with the right turn for Àrd-Dhubh. Walk along the Àrd-Dhubh road for a short distance until you reach a wooden footpath signposted Coille Ghillie and Ardbain on the left.
Follow this track, which passes through moorland and native birch woodland, alongside the water and the resident colony of seals. The track comes to a fork: left to the old ruined township of Coille Ghillie and right to the township of Ardbain. Both routes lead to truly breathtaking white coral beaches with clear turquoise water.