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Local Area

Beautifully presented and equipped to a high standard, Rowan Cottage provides an excellent base for anyone looking for adventure or a relaxing holiday.

The region is considered to be one of the remotest in Britain and the vast, humbling scenery will not disappoint.

Situated in the small township of Arrina, the cottage has the stunning Applecross Peninsula as its backdrop and enjoys wonderful inland views with Loch Torridon just a few steps away over the ridge.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy high or low level hill walking, fishing, sea kayaking, canoeing, climbing or wildlife tours, there is a wide range of activities on offer that explorers of all levels can enjoy right on the doorstep and in the neighbouring villages of Applecross and Shieldaig – both just 15 minutes away by car.

Applecross

Most famous for its spectacular scenery, Applecross is a small, remote village situated in the County of Wester Ross. To experience its true beauty we recommend taking the road in from Kishorn over the Bealach na Ba, following the coast road to Shieldaig. With its hairpin bends and steep inclines, this track is not for the fainthearted, but is so worth the experience as you will be rewarded with the most breathtaking views across the bay to Raasay and Skye.

Shieldaig

Nestled in the bay of Loch Torridon, Shieldaig is one of the most picturesque villages in the Highlands. With its beautiful shoreline, abundance of wildlife and variety of walks suitable for beginners to seasoned ramblers, it is the perfect destination for those interested in sea fishing or those looking for a beautiful location to take a leisurely stroll or something a little more challenging. And if you want to experience the local culture, there is a delightful annual fete held in the first weekend of August where the whole community comes together to provide a fun filled weekend.

Whether you are looking for adventure, culture, fine cuisine, afternoon tea and a delicious cake or just need to pick up a few essentials, the area offers everything you need to ensure your visit to this stunning region is nothing short of spectacular.

Below are suggested links to help you start planning your unforgettable Rowan Cottage holiday. 

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Rowan Cottage is available to rent all year round, on a weekly basis from Friday to Friday


Part of the North Coast 500 at Applecross, Scotland’s answer to Route 66!

The charming village of Shieldaig nestled at the foot of the vast Torridon Hills.

A feast for the eyes...smoked Salmon from the Shieldaig Smokehouse.

Famous for it's food, The Applecross Inn is well known for it's delicious Smoked Peppered Mackeral.

Sand Bay, Applecross where BBCs Monty Halls Great Escape was filmed

View of Loch Torrindon with Rowan Cottage to the left of the picture.

Talisker Distillery
Talisker Distillery & Visitors Centre
The only distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillins. This alluring, sweet, full-bodied single malt whisky is so easy to enjoy, and like Skye itself, so hard to leave.
Walled Garden and Potting shed
Applecross Walled Garden and Potting shed
Applecross Walled Garden and charming Potting Shed Cafe is a lovingly restored garden in the Scottish Highlands.
Torridon RIB Charters
Torridon RIB Charters
Bespoke skippered charters on Loch Torridon in a stylish Redbay Stormforce 650

Mountain and Sea Guides Expiditions
Mountain and Sea Guides - Adventure Activities & Expeditions
Beautiful Applecross Peninsula and the Torridon mountains - Enjoy Sea Kayaking or Mountain activity and all year round adventure activities for all abilities. A local company, based here all year round, offering unique local knowledge..
Bealach Beag
Bealach Beag (Shieldaig and Applecross circuit)
Arguably the toughest 45 mile circuit you could find in the UK, this route crosses the 2056 foot high Bealach Na Ba to Applecross. However, the wonderful views are ample reward for the amount of effort required.
Bealach Mor
Bealach Mor (Kinlochewe, Lochcarron and Applecross circuit)
A classic 90 mile circuit crossing the famous Bealach na Ba to Applecross where the wonderful views and sense of achievement compensate for the effort required.

Applecross Inn
Applecross Inn
Well regarded for its excellent food, particullary locally caught seafood. The Inn has a good choice of around 50 malt whiskies, very welcoming service and a nice garden by the shore with tables; marvellous breakfasts
Applecross Smokehouse
Applecross Smokehouse
The Applecross Smokehouse - producers of gourmet smoked fish, shellfish and cheeses.
The Torridon Restaurant
The Torridon Restaurant
Fine Highland retreat offering great local Scottish produce cooked to high standard with the charm and warmth of which Scotland offers best.

Visitor’s Book

Unusually I left the choice of our holiday destination solely to my wife and boy did she pick a cracker. This cottage is very special and all who stay here will surely be rewarded with a wonderful break away from life’s hurried pace, regardless of rain or shine. The cottage is very well equipped with everything that you could need and more.
Alex and Zara, Essex, August 2013
What a lovely, comfortable cottage, we so enjoyed our stay. We recommend eating at Diabaig and looking out for Eagles. The smoked fish (and cheese) at Applecross Smokehouse is memorable. Please support Nanny’s (the best coffee around), The Potting Shed and the wonderful restaurant at Diabaig. Lots of wonderful walks. We hope to come again.
Glenda and Lewis, July 2015
Another lovely stay at Rowan Cottage, fantastic weather! Great walks and some super seafood in local restaurants.
Louise and Jim & Alice and Elliott, Edinburgh, April 2015
We returned four years after our first visit sure that it would be books, rain, cooking and short ventures in blustery weather, but we’ve had absolutely glorious wall to wall sunshine and the most amazing temperatures. All the usual haunts of everyone else didn’t disappoint and our walk up to Coire Mhic Fhearchair was absolutely incredible. Cottage still great and garden much improved – sure we’ll be back again.
Kirsten and Matt, May 2012
I think this may be the best cottage we’ve ever stayed in – practically perfect! Highly recommend the little walking book ‘Wester Ross & Lochalsh – 40 Coastal Walks’ (Paul and Helen Webster). This is brilliant for a range of shorter and longer walks around Applecross & Torridon. I love the Walled Garden at Applecross, which was in full and glorious bloom this week and I can recommend the Potting Shed Cafe for lunch and dinner. Wish we were staying another week.
Steph and Lee, June 2014