Sand to Applecross Bay

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An easy linear walk between the beautiful sandy bays at Sand to the more pebbly Applecross Bay with great views over to Raasay, Skye and Rona. The walk can be done in either direction or as a return walk - the time and distance given are for one way.

Terrain

Excellent, dry, well-graded footpath.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Car parking at either end of the walk. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 7km / 4.5 miles
Time: 2 hours
Ascent: 183m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG684493

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the car park at Sand on the road that leads to the Ministry of Defence submarine testing station. From the car park it is well worth visiting Sand Beach before starting the walk proper. To do so follow the track until a path heading off to the left, and follow this down to the beach. At the far right edge of the bay is a stone building that was used by Monty Halls in his beachcomber series on TV.

Stage 2

Walk back to the main road and cross the road to take a clear path opposite signed for Cruarg. The path leads south uphill on a gentle gradient. There are fine views out over the beach and the Inner Sound to the islands of Raasay and Skye beyond.

Stage 3

Continue along the wide path, crossing a small stream on a wooden footbridge, and then becoming less steep as the path contours around the hillside. The road below is lost from sight and you can imagine this part of Applecross before the road was built in the 1960s when this path and the sea would have been the only communication routes.

Stage 4

The path crosses a pretty stone and wood bridge and levels off before rounding the bend to approach Applecross Bay. There are remains of hut circles and sheilings on this part of the hillside but little is visible today from the path. The route passes through the remains of a metal kissing gate, the surrounding fence long gone. On a clear day the Cuillin mountains on Skye are visible and the dramatic conical peak of Glamaig to the right of them.

Stage 5

Soon the houses of Applecross come into view on the opposite side of the bay. Continue on the path as it narrows and begins the descent to the road. This is the steepest section of the walk but is still well graded. When a signpost is reached a path downhill to the right shortcuts the walk down to a car park at Cruarg. Otherwise continue on the upgraded path ahead.

Stage 6

The path comes close to the road before diverging again. Eventually another path junction is reached - turn right here to follow the path down to the Applecross Heritage Centre, which is well worth a visit. To reach the car park at the end of the walk turn right along the nearside of the Heritage Centre.

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