Applecross, Scotland

[harycadbtopenworld.]

We are planning a trip to north west Scotland in June, and are hoping to go over the Bealach Na Ba pass to Applecross. Has anyone experienced this route, I believe it is the highest road in the UK with Hairpin bends and super steep inclines. We are hoping to do this in our Autosleeper Clubman, Will we manage it?

regards Harry.

[Rayjsj]

:D Yes,provided your clutch is in good nick, stick it in first and just crawl up. The best way (i found anyhow) is to take the long way around to Applecross,it's about an extra 20+ miles but they are spectacular ! the views are out of this world ! Then when you arrive have a 'dram' and a 'deerburger' at the site Cafe. (don't know if the deerburgers are still 'on' the menu ?) the Sunsets are 'Something else' too, looking across Rasaay toward Skye.

Then coming home,come DOWN Belach na Baa, there is (was ?)a good

layby on the way down,just before the hairpins,that gives you a great view back down the valley. Lovely ! Hope you have a great time !

PS dont forget the midge cream.

[foxy]

Hi Harry

 

did the pass a few years ago, got all hyped up about the views, but as we ascended the mist came down big style so didn`t see a thing. Hoping to return in the near future. At that time we had an old commer towing a boat and had no problem going up or down apat from haveing to reverse to get around a corner.

 

Foxy

[twooks]

Hi, we have done this run a few times over the years - but all of them pre-date the 'van.

Good luck with the visibility - the views are great. 

[henry]

:-> :-> (lol) Hi, We did that route a few years ago in a 20 year old Hymer, the brakes boiled a bit going down the other side! Worth every minute, we chose a beautiful day and the wife said that the views were fantastic looking back!

Good camp site and the pub serves good food.

 

Hava good trip.

 

Regards Henry

[mikethebike]

Hi

We went up the pass 18 months in our starspirit, my wife did the driving as I was recovering from a small stroke. It is quite exciting the views were wonderful going up but the driver does have to concentrate most of the way up especially the last bit which is extremely steep and twisty. There is a layby at the top where you can stop and look back down the way you have come

It is definately worth doing, especially if you pick a clear day.

[Guest starspirit]

I've done it several times both ways and there really is nothing to fear as long as you drive sensibly and watch the road very carefully - specially when it disappears from view.

[colin]

The pass was no more trouble in my old T25 than in my very old mini, don't forget midge repellent, both times went to that site it was midge city.

[Sinners]

Hello Harry,

We went 'up' the pass the year before last behind our fearless friends in their Autocruise Impla. We hadn't been there before so didn't know how steep it would get. We were held up by a non male driver who was unsure about the reversing qualities of a small car! Then waited for the local constabulary in a great hurry comming down! The road was now clear and I could open up the 2.8 turbo Starblazer. By the steep bendy bits I had to drop down to second when the speed limiter cut in and said 'PEEEETEEEEER'. The others were waiting in the top layby, taking photos of us!!

Site good, Pub good, Views good, Midges bad.

[Ray]

Just be careful if it is very windy, The last time we came down a school mini bus was towing a trailer full of canoes, the trailer and canoes finished up in the bottom of the valleyand the bus was nearly dragged over the edge. Locals reported several vehicles had been blow off that road in the past. It is not a problem in good conditions but do take care.

Ray