This straightforward walk combines woodland, riverside, and seafront as it passes through the grounds of Applecross House. The walk begins and ends at the beautiful Walled Garden which has a cafe / restaurant. Many variations are possible as there is a wide range of signed paths across the estate.
Good paths and tracks throughout.
Bus 3 times a week from Inverness.
Car park at Applecross Walled Garden.
Park at the car park at the Applecross Walled Garden - which is signed from the public road. The garden itself is a beautiful place to visit - and at the far end is an excellent cafe and restaurant. Begin the walk from the walled garden entrance adjacent to the car park, go through the wooden gate and turn right to head alongside the outer wall of the garden - signed for the Tree House. The path curves left round the far end of the garden. Pass to the left of the greenhouse and then fork right, passing the potting shed.
The path now crosses a wooden bridge to reach the Tree House on the far side; turn left once across the bridge. Soon the path leads through a gate. Bear right after the gate, ignoring a footbridge to the left, and continue uphill to reach a broad track through a gap in a drystone wall. Turn right along the track, keeping right when the main track continues ahead. The track narrows and continues ahead with deciduous woodland on the left. Continue until a footpath sign indicates the Roe's Walk path heading left into the trees - take this turning.
Soon the trees thin and the path runs through an area of regenerating woodland and gorse - a tower off to the left gives an elevated viewpoint. Continue through a wooden gate and then follow the path as it descends to the river. At the river turn sharp left to follow the path that leads downstream. Pass through a gate and continue downstream.
Eventually the track curves left away from the river - leave it to follow the narrower path that keeps beside the water. This leads to a tarred track which crosses on a bridge - ignore the track (and bridge) and stay on the signed River Walk that continues opposite. This passes through some fine mature woodland along a very attractive stretch of riverbank.
Eventually some steps lead up to the coastal road beside a bridge. Turn left to walk carefully along the road, giving fine views across the bay and to Applecross village. Continue along the road for around 650m until the signed turning for the Walled Garden on the left - turn left up this.
Ignore the Beechwood Trail off to the right (that links with Applecross village) and follow the tarred lane until a track leaves on the right. Turn right onto the track, but ignore the 'Lost Path' up to the right. Further on take a signed path on the left ('Arboretum Walk and Walled Garden'). The path heads through woodland and a couple of gates to eventually reach a signed crossroads of paths. Turn left here to return to the Walled Garden car park. There are views towards the private Applecross House from the entrance.
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