Inverness Scenic Drive and Culinary Adventure

Driving north out of Inverness, we cross the Kessock Bridge before heading west through Achnasheen to Lochcarron. Here we can spend some time at Lochcarron Weavers Heritage Shop before our route takes us to Kishorn and the Bealach na Ba. This dramatic mountain pass, famous for being one of the most scenic drives in the world, takes us from sea level to over 2,000 feet before descending back to the shore at Applecross. The delightful Applecross Inn provides an opportunity for a delicious local seafood lunch. The epic scenery seems to continue endlessly as we follow the coast road round to Shieldaig. The views to Skye, the Isles of Rona & Raasay and a glimpse of Harris in the far distance are simply breathtaking! We can stop for a bite of lunch in Shieldaig if we've missed Applecross, and then continue through the majestic Torridon mountains to Kinlochewe. The route back to Inverness takes us through Glen Docherty and provides an opportunity to enjoy our favourite view of Loch Maree.

Not included:

• There are no additional entry fees to any destinations / attractions listed

What to expect:

Duration: between 7 hours and 8 hours

The Kessock Bridge

A9, Inverness

Dramatic views of The Moray Firth to our right and The Beauly Firth to our left

Pass by without stopping

Achanalt

Achanalt, Garve IV23 2QD, UK

The scenery starts to become more rugged as we head west

Pass by without stopping

The Lochcarron Weavers Shop

Ribhuachan, Lochcarron, IV54 8YS

Enjoy browsing this wonderful range of tartans, knitwear, kilts and giftware. Design your own tartan!

1 hour

Bealach na Ba Road

Strathcarron, Applecross, IV54 8ND

The road is perhaps the closest to an Alpine pass in UK. It features very sharp hairpin turns, switching back and forth up the mountain, with gradients approaching to 17% and is one of the highest roads of the country rising up to 626m (2,054ft) above the sea level.
The name comes from the Scottish Gaelic, Bealach nam Bò, meaning ‘pass of the cattle’.
The road was built in 1822. The original road was rough gravel and very difficult to clear in winter, meaning it could be blocked for weeks on end. In 1950 it was totally paved.

1 hour

Applecross

Applecross

A fabulous seafood lunch or just a brief stroll through the village.

1 hour

Shieldaig

Shieldaig, Strathcarron, UK

Pretty wee village with a lovely round tree-clad island off the shore

20 minutes

Glen Torridon

, , Shieldaig

A dramatic drive through the imposing Torridon Mountains

Pass by without stopping

Loch Maree

Loch Maree, Achnasheen IV22, UK

Dramatic views of the Loch Maree and beautiful Glen Docherty

15 minutes