Bealach Na Ba

[Craigie]

My brother and I often say that we want to do this route "sometime" but have been saying that for a few years. However he has now decided he is retiring at end of year so wants to do this before he has to hand back his company car. Neither of us have anything exciting ( a 1.4 petrol A3 and 2.0D X1) but just want to tick it off the bucket list I guess.

Looks like our wifes are giving us a maximum of a 2 night pass - we live in Motherwell and Bishopton so about 4-5 hour drive to get there.

Option 1 would be to leave here early, try and get up around lunchtime and then have rest of day to ourselves. Then stay overnight somewhere (any cheap recommendations?) and then come back down the road the next day (regularly read comments on here about best to get up early for these roads before the campers/ caravanners (who shouldn't theoretucally be on this anyway) take over the roads. So we could do the road again in the morning.

Option 2 would be a 2 night stay which therefore gives us a full day up there for driving / visiting.

Obviously want to do this before the winter sets in so probably looking at then next few weeks. Are there better days of the week to do this?

Any thoughts / suggestions / comments / best photo places etc would be appreciated.

[Davie]

Been a while since I was up that direction but I've done it a few times... a couple either solo or with a few like minded mates in convoy where the aim was to get up to Applecross campsite with minimal stops and other times have been with the wife and latterly, the wife and child and that meant stops every 500yds to pee and look at nice things. That felt like the longest drive ever.

So, I'd say it really depends if you want to power on up there fairly promptly then have a day up there exploring or make the whole trip a bit more leisurely. You could take a day to get there, grab dinner at the inn, night at the campsite then next day do the peninsula road and make your way south. Lots to see on the way, just depends what you want to see and do.

If they gave you a couple of nights free pass, then maximise that... plenty scope for a few beers both nights and a lazy start the following days. As for the pass, it's impressive but if the weather is crap then it looses quite a bit if the wow factor. Unless you do it at 3am, in the fog and with frost over the top... that was fun...

[halo34]

The coastal route past Applecross is pretty amazing if you like big scenes (assuming weather allows).

Personally I would eek out the time and try and plan a stop in Applecross then drive round the coast and explore. Its quite tiring up that way, single track roads, busy maybe at times so allow plenty of time if you want to take in that area.

[Drive Blind]

I did it in June - the Bealach and the Applecross Peninsula.
I drove up on the sunday evening, did the loop on the Monday and then home on Tuesday.



I did this loop but left out the 'H' part to Ullapool, and as advised by the locals turn right at F for a mile and back for a good photo location.
Inverness, Garve, Lochcarron, Applecross,Fearnmore, Kinlochewe, Drumchork, Inverness

I stayed at a Travelodge in Inverness for 2 nights. Not very touristy but it didn't bother me.

I also suggest you come back the A82, Fort William, Ballachulish, Connel, Inveraray, down loch long and then over the rollercoaster road back onto the A82.

Or alternatively come home via the A939, A93 past the Lecht and Glenshee - that way you'll be 'bagging' the 3 highest roads in Scotland on your road trip.

[Craigie]

Thanks for suggestions.

Looks like it is only a one night pass so will have a look for places to stay close to it for the overnight and then look at what time we have for driving.

[Davie]

Craigie said:

Thanks for suggestions.

Looks like it is only a one night pass so will have a look for places to stay close to it for the overnight and then look at what time we have for driving.

If that's the case, I'd be tempted to hike on up as far as you can... even to Applecross (campsite?) Then you've got a day to get up and a day to get back. Doable but it's a fair trek, 250 miles each way... will tourist traffic... on those roads... I'd be on the road early.

[Tye Green]

you don't say how much driving you want but this is a great route which takes in many of Scotland's great roads. maybe first stop at Lochcarron / Gairloch / Ullapool first night then Inverness area second night.

[Edit] looks like you've been reduced to 1 night only whilst I was posting!!

Edited by Tye Green on Saturday 18th September 16:37

[ftaffy]

Just back from up that way, 3rd trip in the last 10 months. Little busier then previously but still enjoyable. First time taking the wife, she is not keen to do it again...
Enjoy the trip.