Tours from Inverness – Applecross Explorer
Although Applecross may not feature on many tourists’ “must see” list, it is for precisely this reason that it is one of our all-time favourite day tours. Here you can escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to an isolated peninsula, where we will explore some of the most dramatic coastal scenery that the Highlands has to offer. This is also a great tour for foodies – with some incredible fresh, local fare on offer including seafood, venison and boar (not to mention the amazing cakes)! As with all WOW tours, please feel free to speak to us about customising the itinerary, free-of-charge.
Tour Highlights
Optional Extras
Price for a full day tour (8 hours)
Two passengers £380
Additional passengers £10 per person
Additional information
- This is a private tour for up to seven people
- For groups of eight or more please contact us for pricing and availability
- Pick-up and drop-off is available from any accomodation in the Inverness area (other areas are available on request but a surcharge may apply)
- This tour can be fully customised to your requirements
- We recommend a 9.30am start in the summer months, but are happy to accomodate your requests for an earlier or later departure time
- Entrance fees and lunch are not included in the tour price
- This tour is available year-round but some attractions are only open in the summer; outwith these times alternatives will be offered
Tour Itinerary
This tour starts from Inverness and, as we head out of the town towards the Black Isle, there is always a good chance of seeing Red Kites flying overhead. The road passes a number of picturesque Highland villages before heading into the wilderness of Strathcarron where we pass wide open moorland, magnificent lochs, ancient Caledonian Pine forests and stunning mountains including Fuar Tholl and An Ruadh Stac (two of WOW’s favourites!).
Our first stop is usually the coastal village of Lochcarron – undoubtedly one of the gems of the North West Highlands. Here there is a chance to take in the sea views whilst enjoying a cup of coffee and some home baking in a fantastic local cafe. For art lovers out there, there are a whole host of tiny art galleries dotted around here, which are well worth a browse when you are in the area.
Our next stop is the ruined Strome Castle, whose tranquil location overlooking the sea belies it’s tumultuous past! As we continue our journey, we descend to Loch Kishorn before heading to one of the day’s highlights; the famous, twisting, mountain track road of the Bealach na Ba. This mountain pass boasts the greatest ascent of any road in Britain as it rises from sea level to 626 metres in just a few miles of hairpin bends, switching back and forth up the hillside with gradients that approach 20%. The journey itself is a fantastic experience, but the view at the top is truly world class! On a clear day you can see Skye and the Cullin mountains, the islands of Rhum, Eigg, Raasay and Rhona and the Ardnumurchan Penisula – it is simple stunning!
As if that was not enough excitement for one day..our next stop is for lunch in one of Applecross’ two highly recommended restaurants. Both the Applecross Inn and the Walled Garden are passionate about local sourcing, offering specialities such as “Applecross Bay dressed crab salad”and “Applecross Estate venison casserole” to tempt your tastebuds. The food here is worth the journey in itself!
The afternoon is spent exploring the Applecross Penisula, and there is certainly no shortage of things to do! We will explore ruined crofting villages, find out about the history of the area and gain an insight into the famously brutal Highland Clearances of the 19th Century. We will also show you the beaches, which we think the Carribean would be hard-pushed to beat; with white sand, crystal clear blue water and zero modern development there are photograph opportunities aplenty (best viewed from the shore, as the water is certainly a bit colder than the Carribean!). For the more adventurous, we will hike to some secluded beaches; luxury.
As we drive along the Applecross Penisula we will probably share the road with sheep, Highland cows and even the occasional wild boar! We often pop in to visit a local weaver; he hand makes all of his textiles on a traditional loom and displays some cosy knitwear for sale. There is also a chance to pick-up some freshly smoked salmon (including speciality hot smoked salmon) in the village of Shieldaig – simply delicious!
Our journey back to Inverness takes us through the spectacular Torridon mountains where we get views of two of Britain’s most iconic peaks – Liathach and Beinn Eighe – before heading onto Kinlochewe and the fantastic view at the top of Glen Docherty (it’s so good the BBC often use it on their morning weather forecast!). Our day ends back in Inverness, where your memories start..this is a tour which many of our guests tell us they will never, ever forget.