Amazing Applecross & Bealach na Ba…

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beach

It was with reluctance that we tore ourselves away from Shieldaig but today was going to be quite an adventure.  We were driving around the rugged coastline of the Applecross peninsular, down to Applecross itself and then crossing one of the highest mountains in Scotland – Bealach na Ba.

The journey is best described in pictures so here is the first part.

Another pink beach!

A log sculpture?

Applecross Bay…

Applecross is a village laid out in a similar way to Shieldaig with neat white houses and a nice looking pub.

We parked Bessie and went in search of something to eat.  We ended up with two cones of the most delicious home-made ice cream.  I had treacle flavour and Peter had (predictably!) chocolate.  It was a husband and wife team who made it under the name Applecross Ices and is to be recommended if you ever find yourself in these parts.

Leaving Applecross behind, we started the big climb to the summit of Bealach na Ba –  2,035 feet above sea level.

The descent was as tortuous as the climb!

We took a small detour at Ardarroch, a pretty area with a natural harbour.

Strangest football pitch with adjacent goals!

Our route took us round Loch Carron…

… following the railway track in the opposite direction to last year…

… and passing Eilean Donan on its island in Loch Duich opposite the picturesque village of Dornie.

We passed through Glen Shiel and Glen Garry…

… past Ben Nevis…

… and through the outskirts of Fort William before finally arriving at Seaview campsite at Benderloch, near Oban, where we had stayed for a night after leaving Mull.  What a long time ago that seems!