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Bealach na Bà

Scotland, UK
Routes & Destinations
EuropeUKScotland
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Description

The Road to Applecross, or the Bealach na Bà is considered as one of best riding routes in Britain. This curvy mountainous road is located in the Applecross peninsula, Highland, Scotland. The pass itself is one of the best ‘Alpine’ stretches of road in the British Isles but when combined with the ride to the start and away from the village of Applecross, it compares with the best rides found anywhere in the world. Put simply, a motorcycle tour up the west coast of Scotland is a must.


Looking for more information on the North Coast 500? Check out our North coast 500 route guide.


Bealach na Bà, meaning pass of the cattle, was used in earlier days to drive cattle from Applecross and surrounding settlements to other parts of the Highlands. This single track road that was built in 1822 has some Alpine-like hairpin bends which switch back and forth up the hillside, thus considered as one of the most challenging drives in Scotland. The zone is prone to heavy mist and can be dangerous in low visibility conditions. Do not travel this pass in severe weather conditions. It has a well-deserved reputation for being dangerous because of unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards, and driving under these conditions, can be extremely challenging.

Are there any accommodation or camping options along the way?
Biker-friendly accommodation en route the pass can be found in the towns of Applecross, Glenelg, Lochailort, Kinlochleven, Ullapool, Strathcarron, Inverness. You can also stay at Applecross Campsite, a motorbike-friendly campsite.

Interesting sights on the route?
On the top of the pass are parking spaces and a stop is a must here to admire the stunning views. The singletrack down to Applecross gives superb views back towards Loch Kishorn and onwards towards the islands of Skye and Raasay. A visit to the Applecross Inn and a tour of the peninsular to Torridon are must do’s.

What is the best time of year to travel the route?
The best times for riding Bealach na Bà are generally between late April and June and early September to late October.

Is the route ever closed over winter?
This road is usually open all year, but is often impassable in winter. There are snow gates at either end, and winter closures can last weeks.

Where are people able to get fuel when they are riding the route?
There is one community owned 24 hr filling station in Applecross. Nearest gas station outside Applecross is about 25 miles away, so be prepared.


Scotland Self-guided Motorcycle Tours

Looking for some help organising your ride in Scotland? Find out more about our self-guided motorcycle tours in Scotland. 


Scotland Motorcycle Rentals

Inverness – BMW F800GS Rental

£105.00
Rental BMW 800GS Motorcycle

Inverness – BMW R1200GS Rental

£120.00
Rental R1200GS Motorcycle

Inverness – Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Rental

£105.00
Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin as it comes stock

Inverness – Honda NC700X Rental

£83.00
Rental Honda NC700X

Inverness – Honda VRF 800X Crossrunner Rental

£100.00
Honda VFR 800X Rental

Advice & Inspiration for Motorcycle Touring in the Scotland

Check out our blog for articles on our experiences in adventure riding in Scotland, read our guides on riding the North Coast 500 by motorcycle,  Motorcycle Touring in Scotland, Motorcycle Touring in the UK or our general Adventure Motorcycle Touring Guide.

Motorcycle Tours, Rentals, Services & Destinations in Scotland

Browse through our listings of motorcycle tours, rentals, services and destinations in Scotland >>


 

Bealach na Bà - Road 2
Photo Credit: Nick Bramhall / CC BY

Bealach na Bà - Road Sign
Photo Credit: Andy Hawkins / CC BY

Bealach na Bà - Road
Photo Credit: Oliver Clarke / CC BY

Bealach na Bà - Twisty Road
Photo credit: Freddie Phillips / CC BY

Scotland, UK
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Rothmans Porche from the #dakarclassic class rolling into the Ha’il bivouac at the #dakar2023.
No luck on a chopper, but a nice view above the Ha’il bivouac at the #dakar2023 after the previous day’s flash flooding on the stage. #dakar #dakarinsaudi
Get to the chopper! Trying to hitch a ride (unsuccessfully) on one of the #dakarrally2023 choppers. Still have time …. #dakarinsaudi #dakar #advrider
As the sun sets on another day of the #dakar2023, @mariopatrao_oficial, in the #originalbymotul class has some work to do before the rally move on to Riyadh. #dakarrally #dakarinsaudi
Navigation is a huge part of the #dakarrally. This is the tower on #39 @benjimelot in the #originalbymotul. #dakarinsaudi
The #dakarrally is a constant hive of activity. #dakar2023 #dakarinsaudi
Much respect for the #originalmotul class riders in the #dakar2023. Each night they service their own bikes while the others rest.
Very jealous of anyone at the Dust 2 Dawson at the moment. Managed to get there a few years ago and had a great time.
Caherdaniel Viewpoint off the Ring of Kerry route in Ireland. 📷 by Tony Webster on Flickr

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