Once you have navigated the winding single-track road, you deserve a breather.
Head to the Applecross Inn for fresh seafood served indoors or at the outdoor seating area, with views over to the Isle of Skye.
Location & Getting There
Applecross sits on the far west of its own peninsula, facing Raasay and Skye across the Inner Sound. Most drivers arrive the exciting way, over the Bealach na Ba; a gentler coastal road loops in from Shieldaig for anyone skipping the pass. Either way it feels genuinely remote, one of the most cut-off communities on the mainland.
What to See & Do
The Applecross Inn is the heart of the village and a NC500 institution — langoustines, crab and hand-dived scallops landed a stone’s throw away. Beyond the plate, there are sandy bays to walk, dark skies for stargazing, and the slow pleasure of watching the light change over the water. It is a place to arrive and stay put for a night rather than dash through.
Best Time & Tips
- Book a table and a bed at the Applecross Inn well in advance — it is popular
- Arrive via the Bealach na Ba, leave via the coast road for variety
- Fuel up beforehand; services are minimal
- Stay for sunset over Skye if you can
Where It Fits on the Route
Applecross is the reward at the foot of the Bealach na Ba and the first proper overnight temptation on the west coast, before the route curls north to Shieldaig and Torridon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Applecross famous?
For its remoteness, the dramatic Bealach na Ba approach, and the Applecross Inn, whose fresh local seafood draws NC500 travellers from across the route.
Do you have to drive the Bealach na Ba to reach Applecross?
No. A longer, gentler coast road connects Applecross to Shieldaig, so nervous drivers or large vehicles can avoid the pass entirely.
