NC500 – Applecross

Applecross is nestled on the western edge of the Scottish Highlands and is one of the most spectacular stops on the NC500 route. Access is via the iconic Bealach na Bà, a historic mountain road from the days of cattle drovers, winding dramatically up to nearly 630 meters in elevation with steep hairpin bends and open views of the Isle of Skye and the surrounding islands. The road itself is an experience and is considered one of Europe’s most impressive drives. Down by the coast, the landscape opens up into wild beaches, quiet bays, and rugged rock formations, where the Atlantic continuously shapes the shoreline. Applecross is ideal for hikers seeking true Highland nature: trails lead through heather-covered hills, past small waterfalls, and up to viewpoints where sea, mountains, and sky meet undisturbed. The area's remote location creates a rare tranquility, free from mass tourism, and offers a strong sense of the original Scottish Highlands. Applecross isn’t a destination with many attractions – it’s the landscape, the silence, and the feeling of being far away that make it unique.