
Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 67 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands worth booking?
Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands is a 10-hour experience in Inverness, United Kingdom, from $78 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 67 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (67)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $78 per person
Enjoy a day exploring the scenic beauty of the Northern Highlands and travel to one of the most remote spots in Scotland; Applecross. As you journey along the southern stretch of the North Coast 500 - enjoy spectacular scenery, see a range of wildlife and experience the breath-taking Applecross Peninsula on your one-day tour from Inverness.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy a day exploring the scenic beauty of the Northern Highlands and travel to one of the most remote spots in Scotland; Applecross. As you journey along the southern stretch of the North Coast 500 - enjoy spectacular scenery, see a range of wildlife and experience the breath-taking Applecross Peninsula on your one-day tour from Inverness.
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Live commentary on board
- Knowledgeable driver-guide
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Attraction Tickets
- Gratuities
- On-board restrooms
- On-board WiFi
What you'll see and do
North Coast 500
We depart early in the morning and begin our day tour from Inverness to Applecross using the lower part of the North Coast 500 route, crossing the beautifully scenic Black Isle before stopping in the village of Lochcarron. Enjoy the views across Loch Carron and perhaps pick up a bite to eat, before we continue on to Achintraid. The small village enjoys views over Loch Kishorn and a magnificient mountain range on the opposite shore.
30 minutes here
Bealach na Ba Road
We then continue our journey, climbing upwards through dramatic landscape over the Bealach na Ba (Gaelic for Pass of the Cattle) which is also known as the Applecross Pass. The road is the third highest in Britain at over 2000 feet; we’ll pause for photos at the summit, so have your camera ready for those jaw-dropping views across Raasay and the Isle of Skye!
15 minutes here
Applecross
We then begin our descent to Applecross. Located on a beautiful bay, Applecross is full of natural wildlife, perfect for nature lovers! You may see otters, red kites, deer and perhaps pine martens! We’ll stop here for plenty of time to explore Applecross Village.
90 minutes here
Shieldaig
We then leave Applecross and begin our return journey to Inverness, with a relaxing drive along the banks of Loch Torridon, and through the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve. This nature reserve is one of the oldest in Britain and is home to plenty of wildlife; you may even spot a golden eagle! Travelling on, our Applecross tour will make brief stops at the villages of Shieldaig and Kinlochewe on our way back to Inverness. Shieldaig is a small fishing village founded in 1800 and takes its name from the Viking word síld-vík which means “Herring Bay”.
30 minutes here
Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve
We pause here to admire the scenery and get some refreshments before moving along Loch Torridon and on to Kinlochewe. From here, we leave the NC500 route and head homeward bound to Inverness, where our Applecross tour ends.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Inverness
Railway Terrace, Inverness, IV1 1NW. Look out for our coach or our sign on the lamp post.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Railway Terrace, Inverness, IV1 1NW. Look out for our coach or our sign on the lamp post.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Timberbush Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age is 4 years old.
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- Digital translations in English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian & Mandarin available on request.
- Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before your tour's departure time.
- If you are driving, we recommend parking at the Old Town Rose Street Multi-Storey Car Park, 24 Rose St, IV1 1NQ, conveniently located next to our departure point.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 67 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
7 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
67 verified traveler reviews for Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Hidden places of Scotland where elves and fairy live
Ingy the guide who has taken us to special places and stops - explained the area and told something about history - he loves his job and we could feel it - he is the right one - definetly I would like to do this trip again next year - I have got a deep feeling of joy and peace- this walled garden cafe was like in a fairy tail -
via Tripadvisor
Amazing tour with Timberbush to Applecross
We weren’t sure a 10 hour tour was going to keep our attention but it was a fantastic tour! Fiona, our guide excelled in all. She had a great sense of humor, was super knowledgeable and her driving skills were amazing. I highly recommend this tour!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing views
Pretty hectic tour with lots squeezed in. Our guide Brendan was pretty knowledgable and a skilled driver on the challenging route to Applecross. We had pretty bad weather at some points but overall we managed to get in some good stops and Brendan made sure we had plenty of opportunities to take photos.
via Tripadvisor
Breathtaking scenery.
Our tourguide was Brendon and what a good guide he was.. very open, social and full of knowledge. He showed us around offcourse but also historical facts and story's about the area or town. The roundtrip itself was perfect, beautyfull and breathtaking. If you ever have the possibillity don't doubt and book it!!! Enough stops and breaks to go to the toilet or take a cup of coffee or eat something. Even for lunch there was enough time. Timberbush. Thanks for this experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your fantastic review! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the breathtaking scenery on our Applecross & Loch Carron. We'll be sure to pass your kind comments on to Brendon, who will be pleased to hear his knowledge, stories and friendly approach helped make the day so memorable. Thank you for choosing Timberbush Tours, and we hope to welcome you back for another Scottish adventure soon! 😊
via Tripadvisor
A wonderful day in the Highlands
What a fantastic, jam-packed tour! If you want to experience the breathtaking beauty and remote splendour of the Highlands, including Applecross, I would highly recommend this trip. We visited waterfalls, lochs, mountains, beautiful gardens, pretty villages and atmospheric ruins that offered a glimpse into days gone by. Every part of the day brought something different, with spectacular scenery around every corner. Our guide, Brendon, was both informative and engaging, as well as being a very safe pair of hands as we navigated the occasional hairpin bend! Be prepared for a long day, but it is absolutely worth it if you want to experience the Highlands at their most authentic and get a real feel for this stunning part of Scotland.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your fantastic review, Tracy! We're delighted you enjoyed exploring the remote beauty of the Highlands, from Applecross to the stunning lochs, villages and historic sites along the way. Brendan will be pleased to hear his knowledge, storytelling and safe driving helped make the day so memorable. Thank you for choosing Timberbush Tours, and we hope to welcome you back for another Scottish adventure soon! 💙
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 23
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Timberbush Tours, who run 32 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 74.1 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Timberbush Tours runsWhy this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Inverness.
How much does Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands cost?
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Prices start at $78 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Inverness usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Inverness is not rushed.
Is Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 67 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Inverness, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands?
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Around 23 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Inverness can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Inverness and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Inverness within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Inverness?
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On Outty we rank every Inverness experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness, Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness, Loch Ness, Outlander & Urquhart Castle from Inverness. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Inverness?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Inverness?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands?
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Included: In-vehicle air conditioning; Live commentary on board; and Knowledgeable driver-guide. Not included: Food and drinks; Attraction Tickets; Gratuities; and On-board restrooms. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands?
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Railway Terrace, Inverness, IV1 1NW. Look out for our coach or our sign on the lamp post. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Inverness. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands?
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Across 67 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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