APPLECROSS - Go on a clear day to enjoy the wonderful views - we prefer to go over the Bealach and back along the coast. There are lots of easy walks on the Applecross Estate and the Applecross Heritage Centre is worth a visit

GAIRLOCH has the Gairloch Heritage Museum. A little further on at Poolewe are the famous Inverewe Gardens (NTS) - free entry with English National Trust cards. There is also a swimming pool at Poolewe

DIABAIG - Pretty fishing village along the coast from Torridon with lovely views

LOCHCARRON - Lochcarron Weavers has a shop on the road to Ardaneshkan. To the east of the village is the Smithy Heritage Centre and Attadale Gardens are worth visiting

KYLE OF LOCHALSH AREA - Eilean Donan Castle, Balmacara and Lochalsh Woodland Garden (NTS), and the pretty village of Plockton. There is a swimming pool at Kyle

SKYE highlights include Dunvegan Castle, Talisker Distillery, Armadale Castle and Raasay.

FURTHER AFIELD - Strathpeffer, Inverness, Culloden Battlefield (NTS), Cawdor Castle, Loch Ness, Findhorn Community.
The House of Bruar is a good place to have a break if travelling along the A9.

 

SCENIC DRIVES
Maybe you just want to take in the majestic surroundings or get inspiration for artistic or photographic protects.
The following circular routes make enjoyable trips.

APPLECROSS - Chose a clear day. Drive out of the village in the direction of Lochcarron. At Tornapress turn Right and take the spectacular Bealach Na Ba  Pass road. The view from the summit is marvelous in all directions with wonderful vistas towards the Cuillins on Skye. Descend down to Applecross and then take the Applecross coast road back to Shieldaig. The late afternoon sun on the Torridon Mountains is a memorable experience.  About 45 miles

ULLAPOOL - Drive up Glen Torridon to Kinlochewe. Turn Left towards Gairloch. Follow the A832 around the coast going through Poolewe, Aultbea, Laide, Gruinard and eventually Dundonald. Continue on this road, now travelling inland. Just before you eventually join the A835 you will pass Collieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve (NTS). At Breamore Junction turn Left and it is about 10 miles to Ullapool.
On the return journey stay on the A835 at Braemore Junction until Gorstan where you then turn Right onto the A832. From here continue home via Achnasheen and Kinlochewe.About 150 miles

GLENELG - Drive to and through Lochcarron, Turn Right onto the A890 to Strathcarron and continue on this road until it joins the A87. Turn Left towards Eilean Donan Castle and continue on to Shiel Bridge. Then turn Right to Ratagan and over the pass to Glenelg. The Glenelg Inn is a good stop for lunch.  A little further on the road you can explore the 2000 year old Glenelg Brochs. In summer a small ferry crosses from Glenelg to Kylearhea on Skye. Take this, and you can return to the mainline by the Skye Bridge and Kyle of Lochalsh.   About 100 miles