Bealach na Bà

The Bealach na Bà (“Pass of the Cattle”) links Tornapress on the A896 with Applecross on the west coast. The road was built between 1818 and 1822, follows an old cattle-drovers' route and was the only road to Applecross until 1975. The summit lies at about 626 m (Wikipedia gives 630 m); some sections climb at up to roughly 20 per cent, and there are tight hairpin bends.

The road is single-track with passing places. It is unsuitable for towed caravans, large motorhomes and learner drivers; the alternative is the coast road via Shieldaig (A896 and C1091). Avoid the pass in ice, snow or storms, as it is often impassable in winter. Do not park in passing places. From the summit car park you look west over Raasay and Skye in clear weather. Drive in daylight and good weather; in summer there can be traffic and tailbacks.