All of the Applecross peaks are impressive, but when viewed from the east the sweeping expanse of Beinn Bhan (896m), characterised by its six great corries and giant rocky buttresses, is particularly spectacular. This hill offers great flying potential both for soaring and thermic days. The fact that the Beinn Bhan launch is also very close to various other Applecross flying sites is an additional attraction, especially on days where the wind is forecast to be variable in direction and it’s helpful to have a number of options to fall back on. This is a large site that is best flown in a light easterly. It is also possible to fly the south facing shoulder of Beinn Bhan in south easterly conditions, though this is more limiting. On a good day it should not be necessary to walk much higher than halfway up the east facing slopes of the hill (to around the 450m contour) to find it possible to soar the extensive east facing slopes. Given sufficient altitude, a trip in a northerly direction along the line of giant corries is an experience not to be missed. Alternatively, a westerly flight takes in the equally dramatic Sgurr a Chaorachain and Bealach na Ba. Either way, xc distance will soon be limited by the sea and, unless an ‘out and return’ trip is successful, both options can result in a bit of a hike back to civilisation.

The approach to the Beinn Bhan launch could not be much simpler. From the parking area simply cross the road and head straight up the hillside! The easiest line will generally involve sticking close to the south facing shoulder of the hill and picking a route up over steep heathery ground and terraces strewn with weathered slabs of torridonian sandstone. Higher up the hillside there are numerous patches of shorter grass amongst the heather and rocks and there are plenty of launch possibilities around the 450m contour. Landing is possible anywhere at the base of the hill, though the ground is, pretty much without exception, very rough throughout. Beinn Bhan is easily accessed from the minor road that meets the A896 Sheildaig to Lochcarron road at Tornapress. Turn off the A896 at Tornapress and cross the head of Loch Kishorn to a sharp left turn. Just before the road starts to head uphill towards the Bealach na Ba, there is a left turn down to the fish farm and storage depot at the old Loch Kishorn docks. There is usually sufficient room for roadside parking here (be careful not to park on the wrong side of the barrier gate). Alternatively, a short way back along the road towards Tornapress there are several large laybys that can be used. Although the main body of Applecross lies outside the Highland Restricted Area (HRA), the boundary of the restricted area cuts right across the hillside below the Beinn Bhan launch. Any pilot considering flying here should therefore take particular care to familiarise themselves with the details of the HRA midweek flying restrictions prior to their visit. Although the main body of Applecross lies outside the Highland Restricted Area (HRA), the boundary of the restricted area cuts right across the hillside below the Beinn Bhan launch. Any pilot considering flying here should therefore take particular care to familiarise themselves with the details of the HRA midweek flying restrictions prior to their visit.

The Applecross area often experiences a sea breeze and pilots should watch out for this, especially if considering heading north across the front of the Beinn Bhan corries when, from the air, it may not be immediately apparent that the wind direction has changed. There is also potential for rotor in the deep glaciated valleys immediately over the back of the hill.