Having spent some days at Inverness, it’s time to get on the road to our next ‘Base’ and get some shots along the way. The drive from Inverness to Applecross via Garve, Achnasheen, and Lochcarron is a scenic journey through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, that dependent on traffic and time spent with your cameras, can take between 4 and 8 hours.
Leaving Inverness, you’ll travel northwest on the A835, passing through rolling hills and moorland. The road is relatively straightforward and wide, with opportunities to enjoy the landscapes of Strathconon and the Black Isle – watch out for Red Kites, they are very prevalent in the area. And then we come to our first stop – Rogie Falls, a dramatic waterfall on the Black Water River, located near the village of Contin. It is easily accessible via a short forest walk (not a wheelchair though) from a dedicated car park with W.C.
During the late summer and early autumn months, specifically from July to September, visitors have the opportunity to witness a remarkable spectacle: salmon leaping upstream to reach their spawning grounds. To aid their journey, a man-made salmon ladder has been installed. As you travel between Rogie Falls and Garve, you’ll notice Loch Garve on your right-hand side. Further along, towards Achnasheen, Loch Luichart and then Loch a Chuilinn will appear on your left-hand side. Although there are no real Trophy or Gem shots to be had, keep a good eye out, you never know what you’ll see !
After passing Garve, the A835 continues to Achnasheen. The landscape becomes more dramatic here, with views of towering mountains and vast lochs. Here we get our second major photo opportunity by making a quick diversion – the Glen Docherty Viewpoint where there’s a great view down the glen to Loch Maree. Drive alongside the loch for more photo ops.
Back now to Achnasheen, where you’ll turn onto the A890, which leads you alongside the shores of Loch Achnasheen and through remote, rugged terrain. This section of the drive is a single-track road in some places, so be prepared to use passing places. During the rut or Winter, keep an eye out for deer.
The route then takes you through Lochcarron village, a picturesque settlement on the shores of Loch Carron that offers a number of architectural shot opportunities.
And then it’s on to the final leg of the journey via the Bealach na Bà that can be quite challenging in adverse weather or, more especially, if there are too many nervous drivers on it. This single-track road there are quite steep gradients and hairpin bends, BUT, any competent driver will have no difficulty. Once parked up (NOT in a passing place please !) there are many breathtaking views, especially over the sea to the Isle of Skye.
The drive culminates in the remote village of Applecross, nestled on the peninsula, offering a true sense of escape and tranquility and a chance to go out an capture the waters during sunset and the ‘blue hour’.
