It’s relatively new, only fully completed in the 1970s as a means to provide alternative access (other than by sea) to Applecross when the mountain is impassible. The westerly view is no less spectacular, with the Isle of Skye and its Cuillin ridge and, as Simon tells us through gasps for air, in the far distance is the Isle of Rum. Bealach na Bà features in the 70 km Bealach Beag event in May, and the 144 km Bealach Mór in September. It looks like a classic case of the boyfriend (though maybe not for much longer) having ridden far too fast, leaving his partner a good way behind, much to her obvious annoyance. the Bealach na Bà is just one feature on this road, being its highest point and site of several corries. At that time it was the only way to access Applecross by land. Bealach na Bà The closest to an Alpine mountain climb that the UK has to offer is Bealach na Bà (“Pass of the Cattle” in Scottish Gaelic) on the west coast of Scotland. Before we know it we’re back in Tornapress and on the edge of Loch Kishorn, once again passing those large warning signs at the junction with the Bealach na Ba. We can see for miles. pictures for big ride bealach na ba. All the info (difficulty, distance, altitude gained, elevation, average grade) you'll need to climb Bealach na Ba (Applecross) by bike. View route map, weather, streetviews, images, slideshows, videos and more for this cycling route to the top of Bealach na Ba (Applecross), United Kingdom. Rooms from £30 per person incl. You’re unlikely to have ridden it because it’s set in a remote part of the West Highlands, the Applecross Peninsula, so it’s very beautiful but also difficult to get to. One of the greatest climbs in Britain. One of the most beautiful climbs in Britain – if not one of the hardest. It rises from sea level to 626m altitude in 10km. Another left hook, bike and I were lifted from the road, knocked left and dropped to land unceremoniously in a … "Bealach-na-Ba (Pass of the Cattle) is the UK’s biggest road climb. Driving or cycling on this road can be a breathtaking experience and a great adventure. Simon’s local knowledge again comes up trumps. When cycling up mountains, being lightweight (63kg for me, another 8 or so for the bike) is usually an advantage. Returning to the reason for my flashback, the first time I rode up the Col du Galibier (from the Valloire direction) the lasting imprint on my mind was the way the landscape opens up impressively in its upper section, leaving nothing to the imagination about what lies ahead – a succession of gruellingly steep hairpin bends, saving the hardest part until last. Copyright © Dennis Publishing Limited 2021. Bealach na Bà is a curvy mountainous road located in the Applecross peninsula, Highland, Scotland. Glancing down momentarily on a long straight section, through slightly watery eyes, I see my Garmin is reading 79kmh and I’m not even pedalling. Plotted with the plotaroute.com route planner. Maybe lunch is finally kicking in as we press on through a series of short climbs and fun little descents on our way back inland. Summiting the Bealach na Ba is a rewarding experience. Bealach na Bà is a winding single track road through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula, in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands.the Bealach na Bà is just one feature on this road, being its highest point and site of several corries. I might have spoken too soon. It is set in a fabulous unspoilt landscape with outstanding views of the sea and hills. Check out the cycling attraction Bealach na Ba! (theoldmanselochcarron.com). We spy a quaint little hut called Nanny’s Cafe, and no one needs persuading to stop for coffee and homemade cake, to be consumed while sitting in the sunshine and taking in the views of the loch. Let’s dive into the details of this historic winding single track road called Bealach Na Ba. But whatever, I know that once I have a drink in my hand, I’ll raise a small toast to Mr Warren, whose desire to seek out the ‘Holy Grail’ of British climbs brought us here in the first place. Restaurants near Bealach na Ba Road: (0.82 km) Kishorn Seafood Bar (1.60 km) The Bealach Cafe and Gallery (7.14 km) The Bistro, Lochcarron (7.57 km) The Shores (9.98 km) Carron Restaurant; View all restaurants near Bealach na Ba Road on Tripadvisor $ Having written and published the extremely popular ‘100climbs’ … So far I think we’ve encountered more animals on the roads than vehicles. This stretch of road along the western edge of the peninsula is like a roller coaster. Beautifully finished Cycling Inspired Notebooks Handmade in the UK Choose from 12 different cycling inspired A5 size notebooks. Prices start at around £100 one way. Distance Elevation Gain Average Slope Maximum Slope Profile Index Elevation Climbed in Tour de France Climbed in Giro d'Italia Climbed in Vuelta a España Cols per Country Cols per Region Cols per Province Distance Above 5% Distance Above 10% Steepest 1km Steepest 5km Bealach na Ba, meaning pass of the cattle, was used in earlier days to drive cattle from Applecross and surrounding settlements to other parts of the Highlands, it was not part of the historic Drove Routes. Cyclist stayed at The Old Manse Guesthouse in Lochcarron, a restored vicarage where hosts Stuart and Susan provided a warm welcome, comfortable rooms, somewhere to store the bikes and plenty of hearty Scottish cuisine, not to mention the added bonus of fantastic loch-side views. Even today, nearly two centuries after its apparent construction, large signs at the turning from Tornapress off the A896 warn drivers of travelling up in poor conditions. Unsurprisingly there are a few sportive events that use this historic pass. In his book 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs, author (and occasional scribe for Cyclist) Simon Warren scores this climb as 11/10 for difficulty. The Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb with an ascent of 626m from sea level in just 10km. The idea of a sportive belongs to local cycling legend Clifford Davidson. As we ride along the shoreline, Simon points across the water. The Applecross Peninsula is renowned as a gem in Scotland’s crown of natural wonders. It is set in a fabulous unspoilt landscape with outstanding views of the sea and hills. It is set in a fabulous unspoilt landscape with outstanding views of the sea and hills. Finally to Huw, our heroic support vehicle driver. Applecross Loop with Bealach Na Ba is a 89.5 km Road Cycling Route created by Charles P. on March 23, 2015. By the time you’ve reached the top of the Colombian climb you’ll be sitting at almost 3,700m altitude, which might be another reason why you’re breathing so heavily. Starting at sea level and rising to 626m in 9km, the road resembles one more often found in the French or Swiss Alps. Bealach na Ba The Bealach na Ba is a historic and quite famous pass through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula. Starting from near sea-level it rises 626m in 9.1km of uphill – reaching 20% at its steepest gradient. Strava Cycling Route Bealach na Ba climb! In fact, we’ve not even left the UK mainland, yet I find myself roughly halfway up the famous Bealach na Ba on the western coast of the Scottish Highlands having flashbacks to the ascent of the Col du Galibier. All rights reserved. The Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb with an ascent of 626m from sea level in just 10km. An alternative to cycling the Bealach na ba. Another left hook, bike and I were lifted from the road, knocked left and dropped to land unceremoniously in a heap of … This road is one the farthest outlier of all Britain’s 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs, situated in the far northwestern Highland Council Area of Scotland. A classic 90 mile circuit crossing the famous Bealach na Ba to Applecross where the wonderful views and sense of achievement compensate for the effort required. Just looking at the photos makes you want to go and visit. Elevation Gain: 1,679m. Both the Bealach na Ba/Applecross Peninsula route and the bad weather Cycling Alternative are described below. This climb belongs to the Scottish Highlands. I notice that the guy is riding a top-end carbon road bike with all the trimmings, while his girlfriend seems to be suffering against gravity aboard a much cheaper machine and is riding in trainers. I can see Huw, our support vehicle driver, has pulled his van over in the lay-by at the top of climb. Bealach na Ba is one of the most scenic, challenging and exceptional climbing experiences in the UK. Beware, the climbs aren’t limited to the stretch over the Bealach - the coast road also provides some surprisingly tough little climbs. He has proven to be a fountain of local knowledge and trivia, and until now he has been in full flow, but the gradient has finally stilled his tongue. The big and beastly Bealach-na-Ba ascentCycling Supernanny Husto and I had a great time, catching up on gossip, talking about cycling and taking in the scenery. # cycling # roadcycling # gcninspiration # roadbike # bicycle # bike # cyclingphoto # gcntech # gcn This climb belongs to the Scottish Highlands. The Bealach Na Ba is often described as one of the toughest cycling climbs in Britain, but its also one of the most beautiful. Choose from our huge selection of designs including climbs from the famous 100 climbs series. As part of Karen Newman’s series on cycling the NC500 – Karen has provided a suggested alternative to cycling the Bealach na ba. It’s the only one to be bestowed such a grade. The Bealach na Ba ("Pass of the cattle") is not a single attraction, it doesn't have a visitor centre, and there are no visitor facilities as such. breakfast. We encounter only a single hairpin bend, quite early on, before the road takes a course of long traverses across the open moorland. It rises from sea level to 626m altitude in 10km. It has a maximum elevation gain of 1,905 meters. The road leaving Applecross is almost as delightful as the food we’ve just consumed. Admittedly here it’s on a much smaller scale than the Galibier but the way the road encounters the remainder of this climb feels remarkably similar. If you’re not driving, you’re best off renting a car for the final part of the journey to access the rugged western peninsula. Lochcarron is about an 85-mile drive north-west of Fort William, which is around a two-hour drive from either Glasgow or Inverness airports. The Applecross Peninsula is renowned as a gem in Scotland’s crown of natural wonders. Rivaling many a Swiss mountain pass, it winds its way from Lochcarron up 2,000 feet to the Bealach and Applecross, offering breathtaking views of Highland alpine crags, the Isle of Skye, and even the Outer Hebrides farther out to sea. Plotted with the plotaroute.com route planner. Bealach Na Ba: "Admiring the stunning Scottish landscape after climbing Bealach Na Na, one of the toughest climbs in the UK. The six-mile ascent of the Bealach na Ba is the longest road climb in the UK. Bealach na Ba The Bealach na Ba is a historic and quite famous pass through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula. Keep a log of all your rides and cycling achievements with these high quality cycling notebooks. Cyclist™ is a registered trade mark. Applecross Highlands Strava Routes. It’s a tough climb certainly but in my opinion it’s not nearly as hard as the remainder of the route. Glen Quaich and Pitlochry. It rises from sea level to 626m altitude in 10km. The two sides eventually converge to form the ridge at the summit and it’s this panorama that’s got me reminiscing. Start/Finish Town: … It’s more up and down than a decade at the stock market, and I realise I’ve made a mistake in assuming that the Bealach na Ba would be the end of our struggles for the day. Bealach na Bà The closest to an Alpine mountain climb that the UK has to offer is Bealach na Bà (“Pass of the Cattle” in Scottish Gaelic) on the west coast of Scotland. To Ben and Dougie at Nevis Cycles in Fort William (neviscycles.com) for the use of their workshop and a heap of invaluable local knowledge. Big Ride: Bealach Na Ba pictures Read More It has got us excited, The three time Tour de France champion has returned to the bicycle game with a new, high-end e-bike, The Endura FS260-Pro Thermo are insulating, supremely comfortable three-season bibshorts, The Slovenian duo both set to return to Tour, reigniting yellow jersey rivalry, The reigning WorldTour champion is focusing on the cobbles in 2021 and eyeing up a second stint in, The Solidarity Challenge on Zwift will see Cancellara and other sports stars in a pursuit against. It is set in a fabulous unspoilt landscape with outstanding views of the sea and hills. The Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb with an ascent of 626m from sea level in just 10km. On the lower part of the climb, the winding path of the road helps to keep the gradient to a manageable 5-6%, but that’s gone now. If the climb itself doesn’t wipe you out, then perhaps the weather around … Over this distance, you climb 616 heightmeters. And, to our amusement, a sign warns off learner drivers too. Until this point, the contours of the mountain and the meandering nature of the road on the lower section of the climb have hidden from sight the dramatic upper realms that now confront me. The Letras allegedly holds the dubious honour of being the longest cycling climb in the world, with the Strava segment for the climb rounding off at a whopping 80km at an average gradient of 4%. Other sides of this climb: Part 2: Bealach na Ba to Kinlochewe: 120-196 km (75-122 miles) Following this you have a section of never-ending rollers, I was struggling with a nagging cross head wind here which made each one energy sapping, forever changing gear form 52-11 to 36 -28 as you drive over each one. ... #68 Bealach-na-ba Cycling Inspired Notebooks I’d imagine it would be a pretty bleak place up here when the weather closes in, so I’m thankful we are blessed with only partly cloudy skies and even though we all choose to stick on a jacket to protect us from the noticeably more chilly air up here, no one is in any particular hurry to start the descent. The Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb with an ascent of 626m from sea level in just 10km. The Applecross Peninsula is renowned as a gem in Scotland’s crown of natural wonders. Our route, which on the map looks like a slightly deflated balloon on a string, is almost complete, although the ‘bit of string’ does have a sizeable hump in the middle of it which we had all moaned about having to ride up with stone-cold legs first thing this morning. It’s considered a main road in these parts, the artery that joins Shieldaig to Kishorn, but it’s still not much more than a single-track road, and there’s no traffic in sight. It starts out steady before steepening in the final third, ending in several switchbacks on the steep corrie headwall. Iconic German sportswear brand releases 'The Road Cycling Shoe'. Rising from sea level to 626 metres over a stretch of 9.2km, Bealach na Bà has the steepest gradient of any road climb in the UK. Bealach-na-Ba – Scotland. Shieldaig itself is just a mile or so down the road, albeit in the wrong direction for home, but is apparently very pretty, so we turn left. You’re unlikely to have ridden it because it’s set in a remote part of the West Highlands, the Applecross Peninsula, so it’s very beautiful but also difficult to get to. Back on the Bealach, after a long right-hand bend, the road turns our view away from the loch below, and now firmly focuses on the steep-sided glaciated hanging valley that would be a geography teacher’s dream. The Applecross Peninsula is renowned as a gem in Scotland’s crown of natural wonders. Check out the cycling attraction Bealach na Ba! The highlight is the crossing of the 2056 foot high Bealach na Ba which gives superb views back towards Loch Kishorn and onwards towards the islands of Skye and Raasay. Big Ride: Bealach Na Ba pictures Read More This 45 mile circuit includes a crossing of the classic … On the way down it soon becomes clear the gradients are much shallower on this side of the mountain pass, which makes for superb descending. For about 12 years in fact, which was the last time I ventured into this part of the Highlands of Scotland en route to Applecross, then Torridon. Even with the benefit of compact gearing, the chain is already nestled on the largest cassette sprocket. It doesn’t look very far above us, but our route to the summit is far from direct and gradients of up to 20% lurk in these final twists and turns. Bealach Na Ba: "Admiring the stunning Scottish landscape after climbing Bealach Na Na, one of the toughest climbs in the UK. Bealach na Ba is one of the most scenic, challenging and exceptional climbing experiences in the UK. The Bealach na Ba via Applecross is ranked number 2 of the Scottish Highlands. The Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb with an ascent of 626m from sea level in just 10km. The idea of a sportive belongs to local cycling legend Clifford Davidson. Applecross Loop with Bealach Na Ba is a 89.5 km Road Cycling Route created by Charles P. on March 23, 2015. Cycling the bealach na ba The Bealach na Ba or Pass of the Cattle (known locally as ‘the Bealach’) is a very ‘significant hill’ as described here. Located in the Applecross Peninsula, in the Scottish Highlands the the name is Scottish Gaelic for Pass of the Cattle, as it was historically used as a drovers road. It's one of the most scenic drives in the world. We’re a long way from the Alps. Bealach-Na-Ba really takes the breath away and offers a great cycling challenge. In Warren’s own words: ‘This is it: the Holy Grail.’. The Bealach na Ba via Tornapress is ranked number 3 of the Scottish Highlands. However, the wonderful views are ample reward for the amount of effort required. 100 greatest cycling climbs is a list of some of the hardest climbs in the UK from Constitution Hill to Kirkstone Pass and Ditchling Beacon. Somewhat disappointingly, there’s no response from my rear derailleur as I press the electronic shift button on my Record EPS lever, searching for one more gear to ease the burden on my legs. This road is one the farthest outlier of all Britain’s 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs, situated in the far northwestern Highland Council Area of Scotland. We pass one or two houses, but this whole area is very sparsely inhabited and the landscape is as remote as you’ll find in Britain. The shorter (43 mile; 69km) Bealach Beag takes place in May, while the longer (90 mile; 145km) Bealach Mor runs in August. Evening meals were optional (and come highly recommended) at a very reasonable cost. As we turn a corner, a couple are having a minor domestic at the roadside, and a few angrily delivered expletives momentarily fracture the peace. Bealach na Bà is located in Applecross peninsula, in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands. It’s not a recipe for a lasting relationship, and we try not to smile as our group sails by with a tentative nod of acknowledgement that does little to defrost the atmosphere. Before we hit the road, remember that we will pronounce the name of this road as Bee-al-uch nu Ba(h) and that in English it’s named Pass of the Cattle. Simon, the only one of our trio to have ridden the climb before, has already forewarned us of just how steep it gets near the top. As we round the northern corner of the peninsula, now on the shores of Loch Torridon rather than the Atlantic, I’m enjoying something of a second wind. … NB. However, with quiet roads and stunning scenery, there is a great reason to go visit and climb. The Bealach na Ba is situated in Scotland. If you ever get a chance to have a call at this is thoroughly recommended." Rising from sea level to 626 metres over a stretch of 9.2km, Bealach na Bà has the steepest gradient of any road climb in the UK. The fact that the road manages its record-breaking elevation in a distance of just under six miles gives a clue as to how steep it gets in parts. 100 Climbs Mountain Facets/Pain Cave/#69 Bealch-na-ba/#84 Hardknott Pass/#33 Winnats Pass/Hellingen/#55 Rosedale Chimney SIMON WARREN has lived and breathed bikes and cycling for over 20 years. Now back in familiar territory, and as our new addition to the group swings off with a nod and a wave of appreciation for the company (and a wheel to sit on) there’s a feeling of satisfaction that we’ve now broken the back of this epic. Vital statistics Length: 8.9km I managed to sneak a trip up the But right now I’m enjoying the relative tranquillity of being here without hordes of other panting, sweaty cyclists. It’s certainly a beautiful stretch of road (Kate later recalls this as her favourite part of the ride), but we’re exposed to the wind and the going is tough at times. The Bealach has rightly earned its reputation. We hug the coastline with the ocean lapping to our left, but being at sea level in the Scottish Highlands can mean only one thing – and sure enough, it’s not long before we’re climbing again. The name comes from the Scottish Gaelic, Bealach nam Bò, meaning ‘pass of the cattle’ as it was historically a narrow gravel drover’s road renowned for being frequently inaccessible due to bad weather. Restaurants near Bealach na Ba Road: (0.51 mi) Kishorn Seafood Bar (1.00 mi) The Bealach Cafe and Gallery (4.46 mi) The Bistro, Lochcarron (4.73 mi) The Shores (6.24 mi) Carron Restaurant; View all restaurants near Bealach na Ba Road on Tripadvisor $ If anyone fancies joining me, let me know (approx 20th August tbc). With one final swooping left-hander, we again meet the A896 which heads southward around the eastern flank of the mountain. Sign up for Strava to save this route and share it with your friends. Just as the pretty row of coloured houses comes into view we turn off down what almost feels like a slipway into the loch, such is the village’s proximity to the water’s edge. This It starts out steady before steepening in the final third, ending in several switchbacks on the steep corrie headwall. It’s perhaps the least interesting part of the ride but we are recharged after the cafe stop and have been joined by another rider passing by, so the four of us put in a bit of sustained effort (which later turns out to be good enough to take KOM in the Strava segment there). We’re a long way from the Alps. Bealach Na Ba: Britain’s biggest climb Rod MacFadyen Bealach-na-Ba (Pass of the Cattle) is the UK’s biggest road climb. The Bealach na Ba, on the Applecross peninsula, is officially only Scotland’s third highest pass, but because it begins its journey to 2,053ft (626m) from sea level it can boast the greatest ascent of any road in the UK – something that has been recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records. Bealach-Na-Ba really takes the breath away and offers a great cycling challenge. Recommended by 11 other cyclists, browse 17 pics and 3 insider tips—and get there with komoot! Perhaps the most enjoyable way to get there from the far south is by sleeper train. The average percentage thus is 6.8 %. Bealach na Bà is a winding single track road through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula, in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands. Behind us, facing east, is a stunning vista with Loch Kishorn far below, framed by a perfect glacial creation and providing instant gratification of how far we’ve just ridden, and how high. It’s now several hours since we set out from The Old Manse B&B in Lochcarron, where we fuelled up on a hearty Scottish breakfast, but having already tackled the sizeable climb between Lochcarron and Kishorn before the Bealach itself, I’m peckish again and I know I’m not the only one thinking about a cafe stop. # cycling # roadcycling # gcninspiration # roadbike # bicycle # bike # cyclingphoto # gcntech # gcn Arguably the toughest 45 mile circuit you could find in the UK, this route crosses the 2056 foot high Bealach Na Ba to Applecross. Bealach na Ba, meaning pass of the cattle, was used in earlier days to drive cattle from Applecross and surrounding settlements to other parts of the Highlands, it was not part of the historic Drove Routes. Before we hit the road, remember that we will pronounce the name of this road as Bee-al-uch … If you ever get a chance to have a call at this is thoroughly recommended." Obviously, a man who likes his privacy. Also to Simon Willis of Sunart Media (sunartmedia.com) for help with planning and logistics. As you might expect, it’s a fairly quiet climb to take your bike out on, with onl… Recommended by 11 other cyclists, browse 17 pics and 3 insider tips—and get there with komoot! It feels like just reward for the efforts of the climb up, and once we have all regrouped on the final part of the descent approaching the village of Applecross, we're all buzzing from the adrenaline rush and agree that it was the best direction to have ridden over the Bealach na Ba. The Flower Tunnel cafe is a gem, and before long we’re sipping hot cappuccinos and I’m tucking into a calorific portion of French toast, layered with bacon and covered in maple syrup.

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