Applecross
Remote but lovely
Accessed over a mountain pass and with a population of around 200, tiny Applecross feels every bit as remote as the scattering of islands it spectacularly overlooks to the west. And it’s the remoteness that probably appealed to its first settler, the Irish missionary monk Maelrubha who founded a monastery in 673 AD.
The main road to the village travels by way of Bealach na Bà (626m; Pass of the Cattle), a spectacular mountain pass that’s an attraction in itself.
Other than spectacular coastal scenery, there’s little to the village, who’s main appeal is the busy Applecross Inn, with it’s a handful of rooms as well as superb pub grub: excellent local prawns and crab for about £15/main.
The Applecross Campsite is another great spot, has some cabins and rustles up good food in a busy cafe.
Other than that you might investigate a couple of coastal walking trails and small heritage centre near the site of the original monastery.