Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 64 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 $55 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 64 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (64)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $55 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 s
What you get
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Live commentary on board
- Knowledgeable driver-guide
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
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 4+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Sat
- Price range
- $55 to $66
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 22
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 77
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 $55 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 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 64 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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The operator sets a minimum age of 4. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 10-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Inverness: Applecross, Loch Carron & the Wild Highlands?
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Around 22 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.
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