Why this road
There is a longer, gentler way to Applecross round the coast, but the pass is why people come. The single-track road climbs steeply out of the glen, with the corrie walls of the Applecross hills around you, and finishes in a set of tight hairpins. At the top the land flattens into a stony plateau and suddenly the whole west opens up: the Inner Sound, Raasay and the Cuillin of Skye. Then the road runs gently down to Applecross Bay.
The route
- ATornapress
The start at the head of Loch Kishorn. A sign at the bottom warns that the road is not advised for learner drivers, very large vehicles or caravans. Take it seriously.
- 1Bealach na Bà
The top, at over 600 m, after the hairpins. Park at the viewpoint and walk a few steps for the view over to Skye.
- BApplecross
A small village on a sandy bay, with an inn by the water and views across to Raasay and Skye.
Stops worth it
Twenty minutes at the top. On a clear day you see the Cuillin of Skye and the Outer Hebrides far beyond; on a cloudy day you may see nothing at all.
Light and the best time
The road climbs west and then runs down to the west coast, so it is an afternoon and evening drive. In the morning the climb is lit from behind, but the view west from the top is flat and hazy. From late afternoon the sun is over Skye: the sea shines, the islands stand out in layers, and Applecross Bay lies in warm light. In summer the evenings are long, so a start around 5 pm gives you the view and still daylight to spare. Watch for glare on the descent when the sun is low in front of you.
May to September is the best time, with long days. The road is not officially closed every winter, but snow and ice can make it impassable for days or weeks; in winter use the coast road round instead, and check conditions before you go. In summer it is busy: expect to meet other cars, motorbikes and cyclists on the narrow sections.
By vehicle
Any small or medium car with good brakes can do it. Use first or second gear on the hairpins and downhill, and use passing places to let others by.
A great climb, but tight and steep with loose gravel in places. Watch for cars stopping suddenly and for sheep around the bends.
Roof down for the climb and the view at the top, as long as the weather holds. It is often much colder and windier at the top.
One of the hardest road climbs in Britain, with gradients of about 20 percent in places. Expect wind at the top and take care on the descent.
Good to know
No toll. The whole pass is single-track with passing places, steep and with tight hairpins: it is not suitable for learner drivers, large campers, caravans or trailers, who should take the coast road round via Shieldaig instead. There is no fuel on the pass; Applecross has very limited services, so fill up in Lochcarron. Parking at the summit is limited. Do not stop in passing places to take photos.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
Is the Bealach na Bà dangerous?
Not if you drive it slowly and carefully in a suitable vehicle. It is single-track, steep, with tight hairpins and steep drops, so it is not for nervous drivers, learners or large vehicles.
Can I drive the Bealach na Bà with a camper?
Small campervans do it, but the signs advise against very large vehicles and caravans, and the hairpins are tight. With a large camper, take the coast road via Shieldaig.
How long does it take to drive the Bealach na Bà?
About 30 minutes for the roughly 18 km from Tornapress to Applecross, without stops. With traffic on the single-track and a stop at the top, allow an hour.
Is the Bealach na Bà open in winter?
It can be blocked by snow and ice in winter, sometimes for long periods. Check the conditions before you go and use the coast road when in doubt.