Toscaig, Applecross peninsula, NW Scotland

[xoxoxoBruce]

Much of Applecross's attraction lies in its remoteness and its distinctive history. In 1822 a road was built from Kishorn in the east and over the Bealach na Ba, or Pass of the Cattle to Applecross village. The pass is sometimes called the Bealach nam Bo, but we've stuck with the Ordnance Survey version of the name.

Until the early 1950s the road surface was still rough gravel and very difficult to clear in winter, meaning it could be blocked for weeks on end. During these periods Applecross returned to its earlier "island" existence, relying wholly on the MacBrayne's steamer service to Stornoway and Kyle of Lochalsh for its links with the outside world.

And in winter the steamer only called en route from Kyle to Stornoway, not on the return trip. This meant anyone in Applecross wanting to catch a Glasgow train at Kyle of Lochalsh, ten miles or less away as the crow flies, had to travel out by rowing boat to meet the Stornoway-bound steamer in Applecross Bay; travel to Stornoway; wait perhaps several hours for the return steamer to Kyle; then re-cross the often turbulent Minch. It was a great improvement when a direct ferry service from Kyle to Toscaig, near the south west tip of the peninsula, started the mid 1950s (it has long ceased to operate).

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Row a boat out and wait for the steamer?... in the winter? Kind of makes the Brit bus service look good.



How many sheep, over how many centuries, to make these steps?

Limey, you take us to the neatest places... thank you.