Sand to Applecross Bay

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An easy walk between two beautiful sandy bays with great views of Raasay, Skye and Rona. The walk can be done in either direction or as a return walk - the time and distance given are for one way.

Terrain

Excellent, dry, footpath well graded following the old route from Cruarg to the beach and former settlement at Sand.

Public Transport

None to start. Traveline Scotland.

Start

Car parking at either end of the walk. Map and directions.

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Currently 3.83/5

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5km / 3.25 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Ascent: 200m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG684493

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the car park at Sand on the road that leads to the Ministry of Defence submarine testing station. From the car park walk back to the main road and cross the road to take a clear path opposite signed for Cruarg. The path leads south uphill on a gentle gradient. There are fine views out over the beach and the Inner Sound beyond.

Stage 2

Continue along the wide path, crossing a small stream on a wooden footbridge, and then becoming less steep as the path contours around the hillside. The road below is lost from sight and you can imagine this part of Applecross before the road was built in the 1960's when this path and the sea would have been the only communication routes.

Stage 3

The path crosses a pretty stone and wood bridge and levels off before rounding the bend to approach Applecross Bay. There are remains of hut circles and sheilings on this part of the hillside but little is visible today from the path. The route passes through the remains of a metal kissing gate, the surrounding fence long gone. On a clear day the Cuillin mountains on Skye are visible and the dramatic conical peak of Glamaig to the right of them.

Stage 4

Soon the houses of Applecross come into view on the opposite side of the bay. Continue on the path as it narrows and begins the descent to the road. This is the steepest section of the walk but is still well graded. The path turns right after the wall to head directly for the car park on the main road just east of Cruarg on the north side of Applecross Bay.

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