Bealach na Bà
A famous mountain road on the western stretch of the North Coast 500, climbing from sea level to 630 m within 6 km, with views of Skye from the summit.
Bealach na Bà is a single-track mountain road on the Applecross peninsula, linking Tornapress on the shore of Loch Kishorn with the seaside village of Applecross. Built in 1822, it features Alpine-style hairpin bends with gradients close to 20%, climbing from sea level to about 630 m. It has the greatest elevation gain of any road in Britain, and its Gaelic name means “pass of the cattle.” At the summit car park, on clear days, you can see Raasay and Skye. It lies about two hours' drive from Inverness and makes a good stop on a North Coast 500 self-drive. After descending, you can eat seafood at the Applecross Inn. Inexperienced drivers, campervans and large vehicles should not attempt it. Give way to oncoming traffic at passing places, and note that it is often closed in winter because of snow and ice.
Opening hours
Open all day (may close in winter)
Nearby sights
- Glen Affric
- Plodda Falls
- Fort Augustus Locks
- Rogie Falls
- Falls of Foyers
- The Loch Ness Centre
- Beauly Priory
- Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle