Applecross a place for all seasons

The Applecross Peninsular in the Highlands of Scotland is one of my favourite places to visit and photograph. The area from Shieldaig round the coast to Applecross and Toscaig and then over the Bealach na Ba Pass to Kishorn is wonderfully diverse with high mountains, sandy beaches, woodlands, loch and rivers.



Winter at Applecross Bay



The first time I visited this wonderful location was Christmas 2009 when the whole area was under snow for several weeks. Amazingly the Bealach na ba was still passable and the scenery for photography was stunning.

Bealach na ba pass in December

I have just come back from my most recent visit to Applecross and the area is just as lovely in the summertime. For this visit we stayed at the tiny settlement of Arrena on the shores of Loch Torridon in a lovely building which used to be the village post office until the 1950's. http://www.arrina-oldpostoffice.co.uk/


Sunset from the Old Post Office


The views from the house take in the loch and mountains beyond but it is worth climbing the hill at the back of the village for the sunset and far reaching views from the top over Loch Torridon.

Sunset over Loch Torridon from Arrina

One of the best ways to explore the Applecross peninsular is on foot. There are a network of paths across the area and some very useful walking leaflets produced by the Applecross Estate. More information can be found at http://www.applecrosswalks.org.uk/

So if you are visiting the area for the first time with photography in mind where are the best places to go? My selection would definitely include the following locations:

1. Applecross Bay and Milltown Loch
There is plenty to see and do in Applecross and some amazing walks around the estate and over the hills. Be sure to visit the Potting shed in the walled garden for tea and cakes http://www.applecrossgarden.co.uk/

Milltown Loch in December

2. Loch Shieldaig and Shieldaig village
The mountains make a stunning backdrop to this lovely village. Don't miss a walk around the Shieldaig peninsular which affords some stunning views and coffee at Nannys is a must! http://www.nannysshop.co.uk/

Morning light over Loch Shieldaig

3. The Bealach na Ba pass
No visit to the Applecross Peninsular would be complete without travelling this amazing road and the views from the top over to Skye are a must for any photographer.


The Isle of Skye from the Bealach na Ba Pass






































4. Ardbain and Coille Ghillie
Take the walk from Culduie through moorland and woodland to the coral beaches associated with these old townships.

Finally, as a visitor, the photographs in this blog can only ever be a taster for what is on offer visually in this stunning part of the world. In my travels I came across a website by a local photographer Steve Carter whos amazing images really capture the essence of this beautiful place and I strongly recommend a visit to his site. http://www.stevecarter.com/