Alexander Smail, a tourism writer for Scotland Now, recently drove what is often called Scotland's 'most dangerous road'—the Applecross Road, also known as Bealach na Bà—and found the experience less rewarding than expected, primarily due to a disappointing meal at the remote Applecross Inn.
The single-track road winds through the dramatic mountains of the Applecross peninsula, linking Shore Street village with Loch Kishorn. Smail described the ascent as nail-biting, with the road climbing from sea level to over 2,000 feet in about four miles. Despite taking it slowly, the drive was spine-chilling, especially when a campervan struggled on a tight bend near the top. However, the views from the summit were jaw-dropping.
A Rustic Setting, Pricey Menu
After the perilous journey, Smail and his partner arrived at the Applecross Inn, a charming and rustic establishment on Shore Street, with walls covered in strange artwork. The menu, however, came as a shock: a prawn starter at £19, monkfish main for £34, and crab salad for £28. Smail ordered a bread bowl with balsamic and olive oil for £4, and haddock in beer batter with chips and mushy peas for £19.
The bread and butter were the highlight of the meal, while the fish and chips were blander and saltier than expected. The chips were fine, and the tartare sauce was delicious. Dessert—a single scoop of coffee ice cream for £3.50—was, in Smail's words, 'perfectly fine, but nothing to write home about.'
Not Worth the Price or the Drive
Smail concluded that while the Applecross Road is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, he would be happy not to drive it again. He understood why learner drivers and large vehicles are advised to avoid it. As for the Applecross Inn, he was surprised by his disappointment, finding the food nothing special and not worth the price. 'While it was far from the worst meal I have had, I don't think it was anything special,' he wrote.
