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The single-track road of the Bealach na Ba winding up a green corrie, Loch Kishorn and distant hills below.
Ross and Cromarty

Bealach na Bà

The Pass of the Cattle, the single-track road over the mountains to Applecross, climbing 626 metres in hairpin bends to views of Skye and the islands.

Welcome

Of all the roads in Scotland, this is the one that most resembles an Alpine pass.

The Bealach na Ba, the Pass of the Cattle, is the road over the mountains to Applecross, and it climbs from sea level at Loch Kishorn to 626 metres in a little over nine kilometres, with gradients of one in five and a string of tight hairpin bends at the top.

It is single-track the whole way, with passing places, and it demands care. Motorhomes, caravans and long vehicles should not attempt it, and in winter snow can close it for weeks; there are gates at both ends.

The reward at the summit is one of the great views in Britain: back down the corrie to Loch Kishorn, and west across the sea to the hills of Skye and the Outer Hebrides beyond. Then the road drops gently down to Applecross and its inn by the shore.

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The Daily for 28 October, from Scotland with love. The same waterfall seen closer, its churning white water framed by orange and red autumn foliage.
Not farRaasayThe island between Skye and Applecross, 25 minutes by ferry from Sconser, home to around 160 people.12 milesSee itRaasay
Before you go

The road is open all year except when snow closes it; there are snow gates at both ends.

It is single-track with passing places, steep and full of hairpins, and not for motorhomes, caravans or learner drivers.

Where
From the A896 at Loch Kishorn over to Applecross.
The climb
626 metres in 9.1km, up to 20%.
Not for
Motorhomes, caravans and long vehicles.

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Where it is

From the A896 at the head of Loch Kishorn, west over the mountains to Applecross.

Close byApplecross.
  1. Cars parked at a roadside viewpoint amid moorland hillsThe Bealach na BàDriving the Bealach na Bà is not for inexperienced or nervous drivers, but it is one of the highlights of Scottish road trips.Under a mile 1 min by road
  2. Hiker in red on a rocky outcrop above a winding glen roadMeall Gorm StrathcarronMeall Gorm is 949m high and is part of the Fannaichs.Under a mile 1 min by road
  3. Timber-clad Bealach Café and Gallery below snow-streaked mountains under blue skyThe Bealach Café and Gallery6 miles 8 min by road
  4. Red telephone box converted into a village book exchange, decorated with Saltire flags and buntingKishorn Selfie BoxIt might look like just another red telephone box, but the Kishorn Selfie Box has been made into a selfie station.8 miles 10 min by road
  5. Cars parked outside the Spar and Post Office in LochcarronLochcarron13 miles 17 min by road
  6. Picnic tables and closed umbrellas outside Shieldaig Bar & Coastal Kitchen's yellow buildingShieldaigA tiny loch-side village near Loch Torridon, built in the early 1800s for a life of fishing.15 miles 19 min by road
Directions
A broken stone arch of Strome Castle on its grassy bluff above Loch Carron.AttractionsStrome Castle15 miles
A white two-storey house stands on a grassy point above a rocky shoreline, pine trees rising behind it at sunset.ShieldaigRhuroinSleeps 3 · 16 miles
A gable-fronted white and stone house glows from within at dusk, its triangular glazed end lit against the darkening hillside.ArdheslaigThe Net StoreSleeps 4 · 18 miles

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Stay nearby

Places to stay near the pass, and when each is next free.

A white two-storey house stands on a grassy point above a rocky shoreline, pine trees rising behind it at sunset.Rhuroin
  • Sleeps 3
  • In Shieldaig
  • 8 miles from the Bealach na Ba
Check datesA gable-fronted white and stone house glows from within at dusk, its triangular glazed end lit against the darkening hillside.The Net Store
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Ardheslaig
  • 9 miles from the Bealach na Ba
Check datesStone-walled cottage interior with wood-burning stove, leather sofa and kitchen tableLusa Bothy
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Ashaig
  • 12 miles from the Bealach na Ba
Check datesA freestanding bath stands on a decked platform beside a red timber shed, potted plants and a wooden fence surrounding the garden.Ptarmigan Cottage
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Broadford
  • 14 miles from the Bealach na Ba
Free 21–25 NovPlaces to stayEvery stay in Ross and CromartyAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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