)
See and Do
You won’t be at a loss for things to see and do around Applecross and this page lists some of the owners' family favourites.
Applecross derives its name from the Gaelic 'A'Chomraich' meaning sanctuary. To this day, Applecross continues to provide sanctuary for those wishing to switch off from the pressures of modern life and relax in the beauty and tranquility of the area. There is something for everybody whatever your interests and the peninsula is rich in culture and history. Wildlife abounds.
Special mention must be made of the 'Thatched House' at Lonbain - our next door 'neighbour'. Although often referred to as the "Black House', this nomenclature is not strictly accurate. It was occupied until 1987 and has remained uninhabited since then. It has been recently acquired and re-thatched by the National Trust for Scotland. Further restoration is planned when funds permit.
Out and About
Beaches
There are several delightful beaches within easy reach of Tigh Ruaraidh. Probably the best known is Sand. Featured in the popular 2009 BBC series “Monty Halls’ Great Escape”, it is just three miles south of the house. A recent archaeological dig by Edinburgh University uncovered evidence of human habitation at a rock shelter by Sand dating back to the Mesolithic period 8,000 years ago.
Sand Beach
Three miles to the north and 400m from the road is a secluded beach at Cuaig. It is reached by a path running alongside the river and is best visited at low tide. It is known in the family as the ‘stepping stone beach’ for reasons which are obvious when you get there!
The 'coral' beach at Ard Ban, five miles to the south of Applecross itself, is well worth a visit if only for the pretty walk along a rough track to reach it. You can always combine that with a visit to Coillieghillie, a small settlement abandoned in the 1930s. Both have glorious views across the Inner Sound to Raasay and the Cuillins of Skye. Otters are frequently seen here.
Walking
You are completely spoilt for choice. Be it gentle woodland strolls through the Applecross Estate, bracing coastal cliff path walks or exploring the magnificent Torridon peaks, there is something for everyone whatever your level of fitness.
Until around 1976 Lonbain was only accessible on foot or by sea. The coast path between Applecross and Shieldaig is still walkable in places, most notably between Applecross and Sand. This stretch affords magnificent views across Applecross Bay and the Inner Sound. The original path has been replaced by the coastal road from Shieldaig but can still be followed in many places.
Detailed Ordnance Survey maps of the area are available in the house together with a list of local walks.
Gardens
The Walled Garden in the grounds of Applecross House is a must for those interested in gardening. It was completely overgrown and restoration has taken place over recent years and is an on-going project.
Further afield, on the south side of Lochcarron, are Attadale Gardens which are particularly worth visiting. There is an interesting number of sculptures in the gardens - a favourite being a bronze of a panther.
About fifty miles north of Applecross, The National Trust for Scotland’s famous garden at Inverewe is an easy day out from the house passing through the magnificent and stunning scenery of Torridon and Gairloch.
Adventure activities
Sea Kayaking, Mountain and Sea Guides: Based in Applecross, run all year round adventure activities in the area.
Torridon Activities: Run similar courses in Torridon which also include archery, clay pigeon shooting and other forms of outdoor pursuits.
Boat trips
Torridon Rib Charter can be booked for exclusive use for up to five people. Gordon Drysdale (son-in-law of Kenny Livingstone who ran Torridon Sea Tours, now retired) offers bespoke charters around the Loch Torridon waters. Please visit www.torridonribcharter.com for further details or contact Gordon on gordon@torridonribcharter.com or telephone 07803 206 303. This is a new venture established 2017 so, as yet, we have no reviews. Though if it is run along similar lines to T.S.T., I don't think you would be disappointed.
Further afield
For interesting days out, we can recommend visiting Plockton, Eilean Donan Castle and Isle of Skye to the south (all within about 1.5 hours’ drive). The Isle of Raasay is also worth a visit and can be reached by car ferry from Sconser on Skye.
To the north of Tigh Ruaraidh, Torridon and the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve are about an hour’s drive away.
Eating out
Applecross is fortunate in that it has two exceptional places to eat at and both are highly recommended.
The nationally acclaimed Applecross Inn is famous for its fresh seafood - locally caught lobster, prawns, crab and squat lobster (not at all like lobster - more a smaller, sweeter prawn). People come great distances for the fish and chips. Local venison makes a regular appearance on the menu.
The Potting Shed in the Walled Garden has gained an enviable reputation for the outstanding quality of their ingredients. Most of the salads, herbs and vegetables are grown in the walled garden. Again, fresh local seafood makes a regular appearance on the menu. Indeed when lobster is available it has more than likely been caught in the sea right outside Tigh Ruaraidh’s kitchen window that morning!
Walled Garden and Potting Shed
Fishing
There are many lochs on the Applecross Peninsula where brown trout can be fished. Sadly, there has a been a decline in sea-trout and salmon fishing in recent years, so presently there is no fishing on the Applecross River. If you wish to fish for salmon, you can do this over on the River Carron on the Attadale Estate.
Golf
The nearest golf course is a delightful 9-hole course at Lochcarron. Further afield, Gairloch also has a spectacular 9-hole coastal course. Strathpeffer is the nearest 18-hole course most suited in parts to mountain goats, but buggies are available for hire!
Local services
Applecross Village Shop & Post Office is at Camusteil, nine miles south from the house. Run by Ali and Seonag Brown, Ali will do his best to get you anything you might need. There is a very well stocked Spar shop in Lochcarron (24 miles). Shieldaig (17 miles) also has a small village store.
Tesco run a daily delivery service from Dingwall - you just have to book a slot and it will be delivered to the house.
The butcher from Gairloch, Allan Morrison, visits once a week. Orders can be taken which he will deliver.
Fresh fish can be delivered on a Tuesday. Murdo (Fisherman's Kitchen - 01599 534002 ) comes over from Kyle. Most of his fish is locally caught, sometimes just that morning, so it is not always possible to guarantee what he will have. You can place an order on Monday -or just ask him to call at the house.
Hot and cold smoked salmon or trout, crab and lobster (when available) plus other smoked fish and some cheeses, are available at the Applecross Smokehouse ten miles north of the house. Run by Derrick and Lorna MacIver, we think their smoked salmon is some of the best we have ever tasted.
Petrol and diesel is available 24/7 from a community-owned filling station in Applecross - payment by debit card only. Fuel is also available at Lochcarron (24 miles - also 24/7 card payments) and Kinlochewe (35 miles, restricted opening).
Doctor
The doctor's surgery is two miles south of Applecross village - nine miles from the house. Contact details in the house.
Where to find more information
The excellent Visit Highlands, Walk Highlands and Applecross websites provide useful information on what is available both locally and further afield. The Applecross Heritage Centre website is a must for more detailed and interesting information about the history and culture of the area.
