Other Areas - Travelling South
From Gairloch:
Charleston
The harbour for Gairloch, activity is much reduced here now, though some fish is still landed, but the main catch is shellfish which is processed at the factory on the quay. There is a resident seal who appears frequently in the harbour in the summer months, and boat trips leave from here to watch wildlife, or simply admire the scenery.
Kerrysdale
The river Kerry meanders alongside the road until the old bridge which marks the turning off point for Badachro and Red point. The Kerry was much fiercer in former days before the advent of the hydro-electric scheme here. The large green pipe at the roadside carries water away and leaves the river as a mere shadow of its former self as it descends through a steep gorge.
Badachro
The main attraction here might be the Badachro Inn. An old established pub with views of the sheltered harbour. Although no longer a fishing harbour plenty of boats still find their way here, either for pleasure or for fishing.
Red Point
Turning right at the sign for Badachro you pass the sheltered waters of Shieldaig and Badachro. Red Point offers a red sandy beach and the beginning of a level walk to the now disused fishing station from which views across to the Applecross peninsula and Rona.
Beinn Eighe
A spectacular nature reserve with well signposted walks and an excellent visitor centre which gives information about the origins of the nature reserve, its continued aim to preserve this special wilderness and general information on the flora and fauna of the area. Two useful booklets produced by Scottish Natural Heritage, offer an introduction to this fascinating area and are titled Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail and Beinn Eighe Woodland Trail.
Victoria Falls and Loch Maree
The Falls were named after Queen Victoria visited the Loch Maree hotel on one of her journeys through the Highlands. As others had done before her, she found Loch Maree to be a magical place, dotted with small islands now under the care of Scottish Natural Heritage, where the less common birds can often be seen and the occasional otter.
Kinlochewe
Here the road divides and a right turn will take you into the magnificent Torridon mountain area.
Torridon
A Countryside Centre and ranger service will ensure that you get the maximum enjoyment from this dramatic area. A favourite with rock climbers and ice climbers the views from the head of Loch Torridon are breathtaking. For more detailed information on the Torridons visit torrindonmountains.com A side road will take you to Diabaig, an isolated village reached along a precipitous single-track road. A path can be taken back to the fishing station at Red Point but it is a very rough path not suitable for the faint hearted!
Shieldaig
A picturesque village overlooking Shieldaig Island, a Scots pine covered island owned by the National Trust.
Applecross Peninsula
A challenge to drivers, the road to Applecross offers some of the best sea views in Wester Ross.
Applecross village boasts a small museum giving insight into one of the earliest Christian settlements in Scotland, being the site of a monastery built by Saint Maelrubha in 673 AD. Stunning views across to Raasay and a rich diversity of flora make this a fine place to visit even though it presents a long detour from the main route south.
Bealach na Ba
If you continue round the peninsula you will encounter the Pass of the Cattle. A notorious route, once only a track for crofters to drive their cattle to market, now a challenging set of hairpin bends offering views across Loch Kishorn and to the far shore of Loch Carron. Be aware that this road is not suitable for towing caravans. And also that in winter months it may be impassable due to snow.
Lochcarron
A village that ribbons its way along the shore of Loch Carron, it boasts a Heritage Museum and small golf course. At Strathcarron you can catch a train to Inverness or to Plockton and Kyle of Lochalsh, a pleasant way to see the impressive scenery in this part of Wester Ross. A booklet is available which gives more information about this area.
From Lochcarron you can either continue south along the southern shore of Loch Carron to Plockton, a picturesque village with plenty to offer, and then to Kyle of Lochalsh, a stepping off point for the Isle of Skye, or return east to Inverness passing through Achnasheen, Garve and Contin.
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