Applecross has always been one of the most remote areas of Scotland: access to the village was either over the Bealach na Ba, or by sea right up until 1975 when a new coast road was completed. In 1850 nearly 3,000 people lived on the peninsula in crofting and fishing townships scattered along the west and north coasts, accessible only by foot or by boat. Today there are less than 300 people. As was the case throughout the Highlands, the Clearances accounted for some of the depopulation, but lack of local opportunities and work also contributed: young people moved away to large urban centres with their growing industries. Now ruins of previous communities lie scattered along the coast.

Applecross was second only to Iona as an early Christian settlement in Scotland. In 673 AD the Irish Monk Maelrubha founded this Christian settlement on the land between the river and Beinn A'Chlachain. He declared the surrounding area a sanctuary, and even today, Applecross is known as A'Chomraich (The Sanctuary). For almost sixty years, Maelrubha used it as his base to spread the gospel from Applecross to Lochcarron and into Easter Ross. Unfortunately, nearly every trace of Maelrubha's settlement in Applecross has long since disappeared: Clachan Church now stands on his original site.

Today, crofting, fishing and tourism are the main sources of employment in Applecross, as is the case along most of the west coast. The area is stunningly beautiful, with views across Raasay to Skye and the Cuillins from the village. From the roadside viewpoint at the summit of the peninsula it is possible to see over 50 miles over Eigg and Rhum to Ardnamurchan, the most westerly point on mainland Britain.

Applecross has always been one of the most remote areas of Scotland: access to the village was either over the Bealach na Ba, or by sea right up until 1975 when a new coast road was completed. In 1850 nearly 3,000 people lived on the peninsula in crofting and fishing townships scattered along the west and north coasts, accessible only by foot or by boat. Today there are less than 300 people. As was the case throughout the Highlands, the Clearances accounted for some of the depopulation, but lack of local opportunities and work also contributed: young people moved away to large urban centres with their growing industries. Now ruins of previous communities lie scattered along the coast.

Applecross was second only to Iona as an early Christian settlement in Scotland. In 673 AD the Irish Monk Maelrubha founded this Christian settlement on the land between the river and Beinn A'Chlachain. He declared the surrounding area a sanctuary, and even today, Applecross is known as A'Chomraich (The Sanctuary). For almost sixty years, Maelrubha used it as his base to spread the gospel from Applecross to Lochcarron and into Easter Ross. Unfortunately, nearly every trace of Maelrubha's settlement in Applecross has long since disappeared: Clachan Church now stands on his original site.

Today, crofting, fishing and tourism are the main sources of employment in Applecross, as is the case along most of the west coast. The area is stunningly beautiful, with views across Raasay to Skye and the Cuillins from the village. From the roadside viewpoint at the summit of the peninsula it is possible to see over 50 miles over Eigg and Rhum to Ardnamurchan, the most westerly point on mainland Britain.

Once upon a time it was a run-down old ferry inn, but today the remote Applecross Inn is a fairy-tale location, one of the best-known and most-loved weekend destinations in Scotland. Nestling on the shores of the Inner Sound, the best way to reach it is over the Bealach na Ba, the highest mountain pass in Britain, which rises over 2,000ft in six miles. On a clear day, the breathtaking and unbeatable views from the summit encompass the Cuillins on Skye, Raasay and even Ben Nevis and the Cairngorms.

With just seven bedrooms, the Applecross Inn provides an intimate escape from the rush of modern living (in fact, the original name for the settlement was A'Chomraich, which means the sanctuary), yet the Inn boasts a lively reputation for music and excellent fare based on local produce.

Inhabited from the earliest times, Applecross was a base for early Christianity in Scotland from 673 AD when an Irish monk Maelrubha established a religious settlement here. It has always been one of the most remote areas of Scotland and access to the village was only achievable either over the Bealach na Ba, or by sea right up until 1975 when a new coast road was completed. In 1850 nearly 3,000 people lived on the peninsula in crofting and fishing townships scattered along the west and north coasts, accessible only by foot or by boat. Today there are less than 300 people. As was the case throughout the Highlands, the Clearances accounted for some of the depopulation, but lack of local opportunities and work also contributed: young people moved away to large urban centres with their growing industries. Now ruins of previous communities lie scattered along the coast.

The Bealach na Ba was one of the last of the Parliamentary roads, completed in 1822. Despite its relatively recent completion the best efforts of man with modern technology, the road can be a challenging route at almost any time of year. Until the early 1950s, there was the gravel surface which made maintenance a major task and the winter snows, (which can still block the road in a very short time), were being removed by men using shovels. If adverse conditions persisted the road had to be abandoned, sometimes for weeks at a time and the peninsula was cut off.

Although other parts of Britain may boast steeper sections of road, the Bealach is famed for its ascent to over two thousand feet from sea level in just over five miles. The journey is well worth it, for at the summit the views are truly breathtaking encompassing Raasay and Skye, and even Ben Nevis, the Cairngorms and the Outer Hebrides.

Once over the Bealach, the traveller can rest at the Applecross Inn, a former ferry inn, but now a very popular destination for highlanders and tourists alike, from where one can enjoy more stunning views across the Inner Sound, whilst sampling the Inn’s highly acclaimed cuisine based on local produce.

The Bealach na Ba was one of the last of the Parliamentary roads, completed in 1822. Despite its relatively recent completion the best efforts of man with modern technology, the road can be a challenging route at almost any time of year. Until the early 1950s, there was the gravel surface which made maintenance a major task and the winter snows, (which can still block the road in a very short time), were being removed by men using shovels. If adverse conditions persisted the road had to be abandoned, sometimes for weeks at a time and the peninsula was cut off.

Although other parts of Britain may boast steeper sections of road, the Bealach is famed for its ascent to over two thousand feet from sea level in just over five miles. The journey is well worth it, for at the summit the views are truly breathtaking encompassing Raasay and Skye, and even Ben Nevis, the Cairngorms and the Outer Hebrides.

Once over the Bealach, the traveller can rest at the Applecross Inn, a former ferry inn, but now a very popular destination for highlanders and tourists alike, from where one can enjoy more stunning views across the Inner Sound, whilst sampling the Inn’s highly acclaimed cuisine based on local produce.

Applecross has always been one of the most remote areas of Scotland: access to the village was either over the Bealach na Ba, or by sea right up until 1975 when a new coast road was completed. In 1850 nearly 3,000 people lived on the peninsula in crofting and fishing townships scattered along the west and north coasts, accessible only by foot or by boat. Today there are less than 300 people. As was the case throughout the Highlands, the Clearances accounted for some of the depopulation, but lack of local opportunities and work also contributed: young people moved away to large urban centres with their growing industries. Now ruins of previous communities lie scattered along the coast.

Callakille is one such former crofting township, clinging to a raised beach above the Inner Sound. Whilst today we may stop and look in awe at the stunning views over Raasay and Rona to the Isle of Skye, it is hard to imagine what life must have been like for the crofters who survived by hard work on land and at sea. When the sun is low the outline of the former run rigs – small strips of land cultivated by the crofters – stand out as a testament to the fortitude and hardships of those who have gone before: echoes of the past and past of the area’s rich heritage.

Applecross has always been one of the most remote areas of Scotland: access to the village was either over the Bealach na Ba, or by sea right up until 1975 when a new coast road was completed. In 1850 nearly 3,000 people lived on the peninsula in crofting and fishing townships scattered along the west and north coasts, accessible only by foot or by boat. Today there are less than 300 people. As was the case throughout the Highlands, the Clearances accounted for some of the depopulation, but lack of local opportunities and work also contributed: young people moved away to large urban centres with their growing industries. Now ruins of previous communities lie scattered along the coast.

Callakille is one such former crofting township, clinging to a rocky raised beach above the Inner Sound. Whilst today we may stop and look in awe at the stunning views over Raasay and Rona to the Isle of Skye, it is hard to imagine what life must have been like for the crofters who survived by hard work on land and at sea. When the sun is low the outline of the former run rigs – small strips of land cultivated by the crofters – stand out as a testament to the fortitude and hardships of those who have gone before: echoes of the past and past of the area’s rich heritage.

Applecross has always been one of the most remote areas of Scotland: access to the village was either over the Bealach na Ba, or by sea right up until 1975 when a new coast road was completed. In 1850 nearly 3,000 people lived on the peninsula in crofting and fishing townships scattered along the west and north coasts, accessible only by foot or by boat. Today there are less than 300 people. The Clearances accounted for some of the depopulation, but lack of local opportunities and work also contributed: young people moved away to large urban centres with their growing industries. Ruins of previous communities lie scattered along the coast.

Applecross was second only to Iona as an early Christian settlement in Scotland. In 673 AD the Irish Monk Maelrubha founded this Christian settlement on the land between the river and Beinn A'Chlachain. He declared the surrounding area a sanctuary, and even today, Applecross is known as A'Chomraich (The Sanctuary). For almost sixty years, Maelrubha used it as his base to spread the gospel from Applecross to Lochcarron and into Easter Ross. Unfortunately, nearly every trace of Maelrubha's settlement in Applecross has long since disappeared: Clachan Church now stands on his original site.

In the early 20th century, the Applecross Estate was the main employer in the area, with farm workers, dairymaids, shepherds, gamekeepers, gardeners, joiners, housekeepers, boatmen and ghillies. Those days are now gone: today crofting, fishing and tourism are the main sources of employment, as along most of the west coast.

Once upon a time it was a run-down old ferry inn, but today the remote Applecross Inn is a fairy-tale location, one of the best-known and most-loved weekend destinations in Scotland. Nestling on the shores of the Inner Sound, the best way to reach it is over the Bealach na Ba, the highest mountain pass in Britain, which rises over 2,000ft in six miles. On a clear day, the breathtaking and unbeatable views from the summit encompass the Cuillins on Skye, Raasay and even Ben Nevis and the Cairngorms.

With just seven bedrooms, the Applecross Inn provides an intimate escape from the rush of modern living (in fact, the original name for the settlement was A'Chomraich, which means the sanctuary), yet the Inn boasts a lively reputation for music and excellent fare based on local produce.

Inhabited from the earliest times, Applecross was a base for early Christianity in Scotland from 673 AD when an Irish monk Maelrubha established a religious settlement here. It has always been one of the most remote areas of Scotland and access to the village was only achievable either over the Bealach na Ba, or by sea right up until 1975 when a new coast road was completed. In 1850 nearly 3,000 people lived on the peninsula in crofting and fishing townships scattered along the west and north coasts, accessible only by foot or by boat. Today there are less than 300 people. As was the case throughout the Highlands, the Clearances accounted for some of the depopulation, but lack of local opportunities and work also contributed: young people moved away to large urban centres with their growing industries. Now ruins of previous communities lie scattered along the coast.

Applecross has always been one of the most remote areas of Scotland: access to the village was either over the Bealach na Ba, or by sea right up until 1975 when a new coast road was completed. In 1850 nearly 3,000 people lived on the peninsula in crofting and fishing townships scattered along the west and north coasts, accessible only by foot or by boat. Today there are less than 300 people. As was the case throughout the Highlands, the Clearances accounted for some of the depopulation, but lack of local opportunities and work also contributed: young people moved away to large urban centres with their growing industries. Now ruins of previous communities lie scattered along the coast.

Applecross was second only to Iona as an early Christian settlement in Scotland. In 673 AD the Irish Monk Maelrubha founded this Christian settlement on the land between the river and Beinn A'Chlachain. He declared the surrounding area a sanctuary, and even today, Applecross is known as A'Chomraich (The Sanctuary). For almost sixty years, Maelrubha used it as his base to spread the gospel from Applecross to Lochcarron and into Easter Ross. Unfortunately, nearly every trace of Maelrubha's settlement in Applecross has long since disappeared: Clachan Church now stands on his original site.

Today, crofting, fishing and tourism are the main sources of employment in Applecross, as is the case along most of the west coast. The area is stunningly beautiful, with views across Raasay to Skye and the Cuillins from the village. From the roadside viewpoint at the summit of the peninsula it is possible to see over 50 miles over Eigg and Rhum to Ardnamurchan, the most westerly point on mainland Britain.

Applecross has always been one of the most remote areas of Scotland: access to the village was either over the Bealach na Ba, or by sea right up until 1975 when a new coast road was completed. In 1850 nearly 3,000 people lived on the peninsula in crofting and fishing townships scattered along the west and north coasts, accessible only by foot or by boat. Today there are less than 300 people. As was the case throughout the Highlands, the Clearances accounted for some of the depopulation, but lack of local opportunities and work also contributed: young people moved away to large urban centres with their growing industries. Now ruins of previous communities lie scattered along the coast.

Applecross was second only to Iona as an early Christian settlement in Scotland. In 673 AD the Irish Monk Maelrubha founded this Christian settlement on the land between the river and Beinn A'Chlachain. He declared the surrounding area a sanctuary, and even today, Applecross is known as A'Chomraich (The Sanctuary). For almost sixty years, Maelrubha used it as his base to spread the gospel from Applecross to Lochcarron and into Easter Ross. Unfortunately, nearly every trace of Maelrubha's settlement in Applecross has long since disappeared: Clachan Church now stands on his original site.

Today, crofting, fishing and tourism are the main sources of employment in Applecross, as is the case along most of the west coast. The area is stunningly beautiful, with views across Raasay to Skye and the Cuillins from the village. From the roadside viewpoint at the summit of the peninsula it is possible to see over 50 miles over Eigg and Rhum to Ardnamurchan, the most westerly point on mainland Britain.

Applecross has always been one of the most remote areas of Scotland: access to the village was either over the Bealach na Ba, or by sea right up until 1975 when a new coast road was completed. In 1850 nearly 3,000 people lived on the peninsula in crofting and fishing townships scattered along the west and north coasts, accessible only by foot or by boat. Today there are less than 300 people. As was the case throughout the Highlands, the Clearances accounted for some of the depopulation, but lack of local opportunities and work also contributed: young people moved away to large urban centres with their growing industries. Now ruins of previous communities lie scattered along the coast.

Applecross was second only to Iona as an early Christian settlement in Scotland. In 673 AD the Irish Monk Maelrubha founded this Christian settlement on the land between the river and Beinn A'Chlachain. He declared the surrounding area a sanctuary, and even today, Applecross is known as A'Chomraich (The Sanctuary). For almost sixty years, Maelrubha used it as his base to spread the gospel from Applecross to Lochcarron and into Easter Ross. Unfortunately, nearly every trace of Maelrubha's settlement in Applecross has long since disappeared: Clachan Church now stands on his original site.

Today, crofting, fishing and tourism are the main sources of employment in Applecross, as is the case along most of the west coast. The area is stunningly beautiful, with views across Raasay to Skye and the Cuillins from the village. From the roadside viewpoint at the summit of the peninsula it is possible to see over 50 miles over Eigg and Rhum to Ardnamurchan, the most westerly point on mainland Britain.

Applecross has always been one of the most remote areas of Scotland: access to the village was either over the Bealach na Ba, or by sea right up until 1975 when a new coast road was completed. In 1850 nearly 3,000 people lived on the peninsula in crofting and fishing townships scattered along the west and north coasts, accessible only by foot or by boat. Today there are less than 300 people. As was the case throughout the Highlands, the Clearances accounted for some of the depopulation, but lack of local opportunities and work also contributed: young people moved away to large urban centres with their growing industries. Now ruins of previous communities lie scattered along the coast.

Applecross was second only to Iona as an early Christian settlement in Scotland. In 673 AD the Irish Monk Maelrubha founded this Christian settlement on the land between the river and Beinn A'Chlachain. He declared the surrounding area a sanctuary, and even today, Applecross is known as A'Chomraich (The Sanctuary). For almost sixty years, Maelrubha used it as his base to spread the gospel from Applecross to Lochcarron and into Easter Ross. Unfortunately, nearly every trace of Maelrubha's settlement in Applecross has long since disappeared: Clachan Church now stands on his original site.

Today, crofting, fishing and tourism are the main sources of employment in Applecross, as is the case along most of the west coast. The area is stunningly beautiful, with views across Raasay to Skye and the Cuillins from the village. From the roadside viewpoint at the summit of the peninsula it is possible to see over 50 miles over Eigg and Rhum to Ardnamurchan, the most westerly point on mainland Britain.