Immerse yourself in nature
The magnificent journey to Applecross is an adventure in itself, so when you traverse the famous mountain pass and settle into the house, we invite you immerse yourself in this extraordinary and magical place. Apart from its mysterious beauty, this ancient sanctuary of the Applecross Peninsula has something to offer everyone.
The great Scottish Highlands
You can hire kayaks or climbing gear for outings with qualified instructors. Or pop out for a wild swim or SUP in a sheltered bay, 10 minutes from the house.
Cycle over the Bealach, and round the magnificent coast, or mountain bike over the hills
For something more sedate, explore the network of paths around the village and peninsula, or hike to Coille Gillie, our secret white coral beach.
Relax at the Rock
Maybe you just want to chill in the tub, or slow-cook a local seafood feast on the braai or in the beautiful kitchen. Curl up on a comfy sofa and watch the sky change. When it’s stormy, light a fire and take your pick from a wide collection of books, art and films.
Head out for a paddle-board, sit down at the clavinova or pick up a guitar or a book and head out to a garden neuk.
The Eagle Rock
experience
For food lovers
Bespoke on-site catering options at Eagle Rock (by prior arrangement).
Eagle Rock is equipped to be self-catering and is designed for people who love to cook and eat amazing food, however, we do have an resident cook, and can arrange for chefs to work on-site, or just a few pre-prepared dishes, like local seafood pie, depending on your needs.
Award-winning local restaurants
Dine on ethically-sourced local seafood prepared in the multi-award-winning Applecross Inn, which also serves the best fish and chips on the west coast!
There is also the lovely Walled Garden Restaurant. They serve produce grown in the Victorian walled garden. (If you enjoyed ‘The Secret Garden’ as a child, you’ll fall in love with this place). There is a small gift shop and a great treehouse just outside the Walled Garden.
Fresh local fish and chips and delicious artisan ice-cream from the Inn-Side Out, opposite the pub.
Hikes, cycles and easy walks
Step off Eagle Rock’s deck or porch onto old pathways and lovingly restored walking and cycling routes around Applecross.
It’s only a 5 minute walk down to the sea, although the path is steep and there are sandier beaches 10 minutes’ easy walk away.
Plant your feet on the 9 km trail up Applecross Glen or the exquisite sandy beaches of Applecross Bay. There are coral beaches too, and you’ll surely love the enchanting Carnoch hazel woods, the Arboretum around the Walled Garden, and Roes walk above the sawmill.
You’ll find maps and guides to local hikes at the house, and will be able to access all the relevant links through the Eagle Rock Tablet or the QR code we send when you book.
There are really wonderful archaeological and heritage and geology routes, and wonderful, simple guidebooks, written by locals.
Wheelchair and limited mobility pathways allow everyone to get out and about together!
Watersports
Kayak hire
Qualified kayaking and climbing instructors are just 15 minutes’ walk away, and leave from the Milton pier. Catch local fish and chips at the Inn Side Out.
Paddleboards
We do a lot of SUPPING and are happy to lend you our inflatable boards when they are not being used, but please check if they are available. It’s best to bring your own.
Wild Swimming
One of the best and most sheltered spots in the highlands is just a few minutes’ walk away. We have a very keen local group of ladies who go most days, even when the rest of the sea looks rough!
Sand Bay
This lovely, gentle beach is only 10 minutes drive or 30 minutes’ walk away and is also where the Crossach River meets the sea. Just before the river mouth, there are some lovely fresh water swimming spots.
Golf
Get back to the roots of the game
Playing golf from Applecross can involve making a half day, or day trip of it – but the spectacular drives to and from the courses and a good lunch make a great day out. These courses are within easy reach
Playing at any of the wee courses takes you back to the roots of the game, and there is none of the pretentiousness and hype sometimes found at some of the big name courses on the East Coast. You can of course play 18 holes at any of the 9 holes courses, and many of the holes have two tees for the same green.
For those who want a big name experience, there is Castle Stuart near Inverness, 1.5 to 2 hours away. This magnificent links course has hosted the Scottish Open. You could play it on your way across to Applecross
In case of club competitions, it is advisable to call ahead. Some of the wee courses have honesty boxes in the winter so make sure you bring some cash with you. We have three sets of RH fairly decent clubs, with balls and general basic kit, kept in the indoor porch.
Gardens
We can organise bespoke botanical and foraging walks tailored to your needs. You will need to book your guides in advance.
Half an hour’s stroll from Eagle Rock is the beautifully restored Victorian Walled Garden and Greenhouse which provides its award winning restaurant with fresh produce. The garden is surrounded by a centuries-old arboretum, with a fantastic treehouse and holy well nearby. There are several other quite spectacular gardens within easy day trip distance.
ALPS Botanical local routes (guide-book with maps at Eagle Rock)
Attadale Gardens and Woodland Walk
Lochalsh Woodland Garden
Armadale Castle and Gardens – Isle of Skye
Inverewe Garden