Has anyone been over the Bealach Na Ba pass in Scotland over to Applecross?

Answer 1

Been over it a few times and cycled up it as well (seriously tiring).

One or two things about the pass - it's the second highest public road in the UK, I think it reaches 636 metres (the road past the Cairnwell and the Cairnwell Ski Resort is higher - 665m). The road is the longest hill in the UK and starts at sea level near the non existent village of Kishorn on the shores of Loch Kishorn.

Back in the 70's oil platforms were constructed in Loch Kishorn and a whole town with houses, shops, schools etc was built for the workers. Rigs are no longer built there and the town has been demolished leaving only the concrete slabs where houses once stood.

The road was the only way in and out of Applecross by land and for weeks at a time it used to be blocked by snow and the villages cut off from the rest of the UK. The alternative coastal road was opened in something like 1976 by Princess Margaret - there's a comammorative plaque that will tell you more.

The road itself is quite a straightforward drive - one tricky bit near the summit on the Kishorn side involves negotiating a hairpin bend on a 1 in 4 hill. I beleive this short stretch is known as 'The Struggle'.

The most memorable thing is of course the view and scenery. Approaching from Kishorn it's hard to imagine that a road can make it's way up through what appears to be a horseshoe of cliffs. As you drive along the road and into the 'horseshoe' there can be a dark sense of foreboding expecially at night or with a swrling mist.

Up on the top there's commanding views in both directions and plenty of places to park the car alongside the road. There's some good walking over the rough surroundings.

If you're going over the Pass then try to do so in fine weather as it's the views that make it memorable.

Answer 2

Yah man Its beautiful. Bealach na Ba means the pass of the cows (literally) soI take it they used to drove cattle through there years ago. Why do you ask.

Answer 3

Hi

No I haven't unfortunately but we are having a two week tour of Scotland in July so after that I will be able to say yes!!!! Thanks for the tip. Hope it will be okay for a motorhome!!!

Good luck

Dean