Applecross and Milltown circuit

Summary

This circuit around Applecross explores the nearby woods, crofts and loch all providing havens for wildlife. The route also visits a broch, a reconstructed round house and some historic barns. The return route has good sea views; this short walk should leave plenty of time to explore the shore and visit the renowned Inn.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Paths and tracks throughout.

Getting there

Start

Applecross village car park.

Public Transport

Bus 3 x week from Inverness.

Start Grid Ref

NG711445

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 3.75km / 2.25 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 75m (Profile)

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Explorer 428 - Kyle of Lochalsh

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Start from the Applecross village car park where there are community-run toilets. From here walk up to the road, turn left to pass between the petrol pump and a coffee shop, and then turn right up the hill out of Applecross (along the Bealach road). After a short distance branch off along the clear path to the right and head steeply uphill through trees. Once past the houses the path emerges onto the drive to the farm and campsite.

Stage 2

Turn right along the track, then fork slightly left at a track junction past the old farm buildings - ignoring the campsite off to the right. Go through a gate - with a footpath sign for Càrnach and Torgarve. Immediately through the gate and before the barns a short detour to the right leads up to Applecross broch overlooking the campsite - this archaeological site has been excavated in recent years.

Stage 3

Return to the track and continue to the right. The two beautiful barn buildings on the right have been restored, and the nearer contains intepretation. Known as Hebridean ventilated barns - a type found only in Wester Ross - they date from the 18th century and were used for drying crops, winnowing and making sileage. There's a signed path between the two barns - a short detour to visit a reconstructed ancient thatched round house. After visting this, return to the track once again and follow it to the right through another gate. It leads through some lovely old woodland of hazel and a fine pines before passing through another gate.

Stage 4

This area is being regenerated as community woodland. Our route ignores the archaeological trail turning off to the right (it visits some ruined houses on a loop if you wish to take it). The main route passes a wooden cabin, and then the archaeological trail joins back in from the left and leaves on the right. Keep ahead on the main path; the route now continues downhill towards a cottage, Torgarve House. There are great views to Skye and Raasay. Go through the gate and pass in front of the cottage and continue on the clear path across the croftland towards Loch a' Mhuillin.

Stage 5

Here in winter you may see whooper swans and otters are occasionally spotted here all year round. The path emerges onto a track just before the loch, turn right here to pass in front of Lochend Cottage and through another gate, continuing by the loch heading back towards the village. At the end of the Loch go through the gate onto the main road at the start of the houses making up Milltown.

Stage 6

Turn left then immediately right to follow the small loop road through the houses and past the fishing sheds and slipway - it's worth detouring onto this for a lovely view to Applecross village. Re-emerge onto the main road and turn left, then look for a sign indicating a footpath up through the woods on the right. Take this turn up to the right and climb steeply for a short section until the path levels off.

Stage 7

Go through a gate and then follow the path to the left, keeping right of a house to emerge through a gap immediately left of some agricultural buildings. From here go through a gate into the campsite, and follow the campsite track as it curves right. Continue round to the right on the track, passing the reception building until it rejoins the outward route. Turn left here to head down the campsite entrance track back to the road, retracing your steps back to the car park at the start. The famous Applecross Inn is a short distance further along the road.

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