Coral Beaches, near Culduie

THE APPLECROSS PENINSULA


Summary :	An enchanting short walk on an ancient path to two beautiful coral beaches.
Terrain :	The walk to the northerly beach follows an excellent path but the path to the southerly beach is very boggy towards the end.
Grade :		Distance :	5km/3 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	1 – 2 hours
Start :	Parking on the minor road from Culduie to Ard-dhubh	Grid ref :	NG712401
Map :	View an OS map of the route Buy Explorer 428 - Kyle of Lochalsh	Ascent :	170m
GPS Route/ Waypoints :	Open this walk in QUO 2 Tell me more Open this walk in GPX format (compatible with Memory map etc)	Open in Virtual Highlands Tell me more Open this walk in Google Earth Tell me more
Pronunciation and meaning :	Press play button to listen Tell me more
Public Transport :	None[Click for timetables - choose Area 5]

1. Driving south from Applecross to Toscaig, take the turning on the right for Ard-Dhubh. Park on the left side where there is a footpath signpost; there is space for a couple of cars just past the sign. Follow the wide, well made footpath across the moor. It passes through some attractive beechwoods as it rounds a stream.

2. Beyond, the path reaches a signposted junction; each branch leads to a different coral beach. Take the right hand branch first, signed for 'Ard Ban'. This path soon reaches a picturesque section where it is built up alongside the Poll Domhain bay.

3. Further on it bends left to reach Ard Ban, a collection of three old cottages by a coral beach. The white 'coral' sand is not true coral; it is in fact maerl or calcified seaweed; nonetheless it is fascinating to examine, and this is a beautiful spot.

4. Return to the signpost. Reaching the other beach is a little muddy, so you could just return from here; otherwise, turn right. The path passes through another beechwood before reaching a junction with a red sign indicating 'sand beach' to the right. Turn right down the boggy slope to reach the beach, which is even more attractive than Ard Ban. Back on the path, you can also explore the bay around some abandoned and some renovated cottages, before returning back to the start.

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Route profile

Accommodation links for this area:
Hotels in Applecross
Applecross Bed and Breakfast
Self catering cottages in Applecross
Torridon & Gairloch hostels
Campsites in Torridon and Gairloch region