Applecross Sauna Wester Ross wood-fired barrel sauna on a trailer beside Applecross Bay with yellow ragwort in the foreground

Applecross Sauna

A community-run barrel sauna looking across the water to Raasay

Seaside Sea dip
Applecross Sauna Wester Ross chalkboard wood-fired sauna sign on the grass with a red deer and the barrel sauna by the bay behind Applecross Sauna Wester Ross Harvia wood stove with a lit fire between slatted benches and a round window onto a choppy sea Applecross Sauna Wester Ross three people in dryrobes beside a fire pit on the shore at sunset next to the barrel sauna Applecross Sauna Wester Ross glass-ended barrel sauna and flue beside the shore with hills across the bay Applecross Sauna Wester Ross aerial view of the barrel sauna on its trailer between the boatshed and the rocky shore Applecross Sauna Wester Ross view from the doorway through the sauna to the round window, stove and sea beyond

Images credit: Applecross Sauna

At a glance

Heat Wood-fired
Water Sea dip
Sessions Social sessions and private hire
Changing Changing area on site
Booking Book online
Access Steps and uneven ground to sauna and shore
Arrival Single-track roads, via the Bealach na Bà or the coast road

About this sauna

Applecross Sauna Wester Ross sits on the shore of Applecross Bay at Shore Street, the small township at the foot of the Bealach na Bà. It is a barrel sauna beside a historic boatshed, with a full-height glass window looking across the water to Raasay.

It is run by a small team of volunteers as a community interest company. The sauna was paid for with local grants, a crowdfunding campaign and proceeds from the Applecross Duathlon, which the same group organises each September.

What to expect

  • Wood-fired barrel sauna beside the boatshed on Applecross Bay
  • Social sessions for up to 6 people
  • Full-height glass window facing Raasay
  • Optional sea dips a few steps from the sauna
  • Cold shower hose and watering cans for cooling off without the sea

Additional experiences and sessions

  • Private hire available
  • Bespoke packages available on request
  • Gift cards available
  • Sauna Club for Applecross residents and seasonal workers

Plan your visit

Booking
Book online. Sessions can be cancelled in high winds
Getting there

By car: Applecross is reached by single-track road, either over the Bealach na Bà from Tornapress or by the longer coast road from Shieldaig. The Bealach is steep with tight hairpin bends, is not suitable for large vehicles and can close in winter weather, so check conditions before you set off. Postcode for sat nav: IV54 8LR

Finding the sauna: Beside the boatshed on Shore Street, with steps and uneven ground to the sauna and shore

Facilities
There is a changing area on site and towels can be hired
What to bring
  • Swimwear
  • Two towels (one for sitting on, one for drying off)
  • Flip flops or sandals
  • Warm layers for afterwards
  • Water bottle
  • Changing robe or loose layers for getting changed outdoors

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Location

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What’s nearby

The Applecross Inn is along Shore Street and serves food and drink, though it gets busy in summer so booking ahead is sensible. The Applecross Walled Garden café and restaurant is a short drive round the bay. There are waymarked walks around Applecross Bay, and Sand beach is a few miles north along the coast road.

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Before you go

If you’re new to wild saunas, these quick answers might help

Do you have to go in the water?

No — you can enjoy the sauna on its own.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes — you can move between the sauna, the water and breaks outside at your own pace.

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