Applecross Peninsula in Wester Ross

Applecross, the name of which is a corruption of Apor Crossan (mouth of the river Crossan) is one of the earliest Christian communities in Scotland.  In the year 671, an Irish monk named Maelrubha, from the same monastic background as Columba, arrived on the south western shore of the Applecross Peninsula and two years later, established a monastery.  An area of 6 square miles around the monastery was declared a sanctuary.  On the site of the monastery, there now stands Clachan Church.

In 1850 nearly 3,000 people lived in the scattered townships of the peninsula. Now there are less than 300. The clearances were responsible for much of the depopulation, but lack of local opportunities and work also contributed. The remains of previously thriving settlements can be seen in many areas.

Until 1976, the only road access to Applecross was by the famous Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle), and the only access to many areas of the peninsula was either by footpath, bridle path or sea.  Along the coast of the Peninsula, lighting was by paraffin lamp until electricity was finally introduced after the coast road was built.  Even today, there are a few remote cottages where access is still only by foot or by sea.

The coast road now provides alternative access for those wishing a more relaxing journey to that offered by the Bealach na Ba, the highest road in Scotland.

Applecross bay is one of the largest sandy inlets in the Western Highlands and is ideal for sailing, boating and sail boarding. Kayaking can also be organised locally. The beautiful sandy bay at Sand is popular with tourists, but is never busy.  Sea and loch fishing are available for the angler.

The award winning Applecross Inn offers excellent local seafood as does The Potting Shed Café in the Walled Garden of Applecross House. There is a well stocked village store, post office and filling station.  Fresh shellfish can be purchased from local fishermen.

Wildlife abounds and includes pine martens, otters and red deer. Many varieties of bird life inhabit the peninsula and, for the lucky, and observant, the Golden Eagle may be seen.  Porpoises and occasionally whales can be seen in the Inner Sound.

The scenic beauty of sea and mountains combined is arguably unmatched anywhere in Scotland. The views across the Inner Sound, where the water is influenced by the Gulf Stream, are spectacular - the rugged profile of the Cuillins of Skye, Raasay, Rona and the islands of the Outer Hebrides providing a magnificent panorama.

The north coast of the peninsula gives views over Loch Torridon, where many scenes from the film 'Loch Ness' were filmed, towards the Torridon mountains.

St Maelrubha established Applecross as a sanctuary over thirteen hundred years ago and today it still provides sanctuary for those wishing to escape the pressures of modern life.  The tranquillity of the Western Highlands is evident throughout the peninsula.  For the more adventurous, there is also boating, sailing, kayaking, hill walking and climbing in some of the quietest mountain areas of the Western Highlands.