Suggested Tours By Rail from Inverness
Tour 5 - Applecross, Shieldaig, Torridon and Achnasheen
Note: as an alternative, this tour can be taken direct from Invergordon Cruise Terminal or from Inverness, thus leaving out the rail journey on the Kyle Line. See Tour 4 for more information.
Starting from the railway station at Strathcarron, we travel through Lochcarron and Kishorn to start the long climb up the famous Bealach na Ba, the Pass of the Cattle (shown below) on the way to Applecross.
Copyright © John McCormack
This is reputedly the highest road in Britain, climbing to an altitude of 2,053 feet above sea level. From the car park at the top there is a dramatic view across the Inner Sound to Raasay and the Isle of Skye.
Copyright © James Mould
Continuing Tour 5, on the far side of the Bealach the road drops down steadily back to sea level, reaching the pretty little village of Applecross, a peaceful haven after the high drama of the Applecross tops.
Copyright © James Mould
After leaving Applecross village, we continue north around the coast road, passing a number of small settlements on the way and many magnificent views across to the islands of Raasay, Rona and Skye. After rounding the northern tip of the peninsula, the views change and we can now see the superb mountain scenery of the Torridon Hills. The view below shows the pretty little village of Shieldaig as seen from the Applecross Coast Road.
Copyright © John McCormack
Eventually we reach the junction with the A896 about a mile from Shieldaig. From there, we an head through Shieldaig towards Torridon. The photo below shows a view of the mountain called Liathach as seen from the foreshore at Annat near Torridon.
Copyright © James Mould
From Torridon we travel through Glen Torridon, Kinlochewe and on to Achnasheen in time for your return train journey to Inverness.
