Location & the Area | Seal Rock Cottage, Applecross

The Surrounding Area

A remote coastal sanctuary

A remote coastal sanctuary on the Wester Ross coast of Scotland, overlooking the Inner Sound toward the Isle of Skye and Raasay. Reached via the Bealach na Bà mountain pass or a winding coastal road, both requiring single-track driving skills, it opens onto white-sand and red-golden beaches, such as Sands Beach, alongside hidden coral bays.

Whether you are seeking a solitary moment of quiet on a hidden coral beach, a taste of the freshest Highland seafood, or breathtaking panoramas of the Inner Hebrides, the Applecross coastline delivers a profound sense of wild, untouched beauty.

Map showing Seal Rock Cottage at Ardubh, just south of Applecross village, with the Inn, shop, beaches and the Bealach na Ba

Seal Rock Cottage sits on the bay at Ardubh, just south of Applecross village. Get directions on Google Maps

Local Highlights

The heart of the peninsula

The Applecross Inn

A waterfront pub known for local seafood: langoustines, crab and scallops.

Applecross Walled Garden

A restored 1.25-acre Victorian garden, home to the Potting Shed café.

Village Shop & Post Office

A community hub for local produce, supplies and essentials.

Getting Here

Directions to Ardubh

From Inverness · approx. 82 miles, 2.5 hours

Take the A9, A835 and A832 to the A890, then follow the A896 to Tornapress. From here, take the spectacular, winding Bealach na Bà (Pass of the Cattle) over the mountain to Applecross, then drive south through Camusterrach to reach Ardubh. Alternatively, take the longer coastal route via Shieldaig.

From Glasgow · approx. 200 miles, 4.5 hours

Head north via the M8, M9 and A82 to Fort William, then take the A87 to Kyle of Lochalsh. Follow the A896 to Tornapress and take the Bealach na Bà or coast road to Applecross.

From Edinburgh · approx. 220 miles, 5 hours

Drive north via the M9 to Stirling, then follow the A84 and A85 to join the A82 near Crianlarich. Continue north to Fort William and follow the route via the A87 and A896.

From London

The quickest journey is to fly from London (Gatwick, Heathrow or Luton) to Inverness Airport, then rent a car and follow the Inverness route above (around 5 hours door-to-door). Alternatively, the scenic drive spans over 550 miles via the M1 and A1, taking about 11 to 12 hours.

Arriving at the cottage

There is a short access road down to Seal Rock Cottage. We suggest one of you walks down first to open up, then decides whether to bring the car down to unload. The turning area by the cottage is tight, so if you would rather not turn there, park in the marked Ardubh parking area and carry your luggage down, about a one-minute walk. There is free parking in the hamlet.

Finding Ardubh