# cycling # roadcycling # gcninspiration # roadbike # bicycle # bike # cyclingphoto # gcntech # gcn Maybe lunch is finally kicking in as we press on through a series of short climbs and fun little descents on our way back inland. Rising from sea level to 626 metres over a stretch of 9.2km, Bealach na Bà has the steepest gradient of any road climb in the UK. ... #68 Bealach-na-ba Cycling Inspired Notebooks For me, along with the Ventoux at some point, the Bealach na Ba has been on my cycling ‘must do’ list for quite some time. All the info (difficulty, distance, altitude gained, elevation, average grade) you'll need to climb Bealach na Ba (Applecross) by bike. Cyclist rode the Bealach na Ba in Scotland to find out. Bealach na Ba is one of the most scenic, challenging and exceptional climbing experiences in the UK. Bealach na Ba, meaning pass of the cattle, was used in earlier days to drive cattle from Applecross and surrounding settlements to other parts of the Highlands, it was not part of the historic Drove Routes. We’re a long way from the Alps. It’s not my lungs, on the verge of collapse, or my screaming quads that have prompted the comparison. The idea of a sportive belongs to local cycling legend Clifford Davidson. Applecross Loop with Bealach Na Ba is a 89.5 km Road Cycling Route created by Charles P. on March 23, 2015. Bealach na Bà is a winding single track road through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula, in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands.the Bealach na Bà is just one feature on this road, being its highest point and site of several corries. As we round the northern corner of the peninsula, now on the shores of Loch Torridon rather than the Atlantic, I’m enjoying something of a second wind. It doesn’t look very far above us, but our route to the summit is far from direct and gradients of up to 20% lurk in these final twists and turns. Maybe it’s because we know this is the final effort of the day, or perhaps our thoughts have already moved on to the well-earned beer and a home-cooked meal of Highland venison casserole that awaits us back at the B&B. Restaurants near Bealach na Ba Road: (0.82 km) Kishorn Seafood Bar (1.60 km) The Bealach Cafe and Gallery (7.14 km) The Bistro, Lochcarron (7.57 km) The Shores (9.98 km) Carron Restaurant; View all restaurants near Bealach na Ba Road on Tripadvisor $ We hug the coastline with the ocean lapping to our left, but being at sea level in the Scottish Highlands can mean only one thing – and sure enough, it’s not long before we’re climbing again. Bealach na Ba is one of the most scenic, challenging and exceptional climbing experiences in the UK. Thanks. Big Ride: Bealach Na Ba pictures Read More This twisting, single-track mountain road is the third highest road in Scotland rising up to 626m (2,054ft) above the sea level. All rights reserved. The road hugs the right-hand side of the valley and up in the distance, I can see it topping out with a final flurry of hairpins, just like the French monster. Choose from our huge selection of designs including climbs from the famous 100 climbs series. Obviously, a man who likes his privacy. The Applecross Peninsula is renowned as a gem in Scotland’s crown of natural wonders. It’s perhaps the least interesting part of the ride but we are recharged after the cafe stop and have been joined by another rider passing by, so the four of us put in a bit of sustained effort (which later turns out to be good enough to take KOM in the Strava segment there). Driving or cycling on this road can be a breathtaking experience and a great adventure. Vital statistics Length: 8.9km It’s more up and down than a decade at the stock market, and I realise I’ve made a mistake in assuming that the Bealach na Ba would be the end of our struggles for the day. Prices start at around £100 one way. Fortunately, there’s no such warning to discourage cyclists. … Cyclist™ is a registered trade mark. It is set in a fabulous unspoilt landscape with outstanding views of the sea and hills. Bealach na Ba The Bealach na Ba is a historic and quite famous pass through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula. Starting from near sea-level it rises 626m in 9.1km of uphill – reaching 20% at its steepest gradient. Let’s dive into the details of this historic winding single track road called Bealach Na Ba. Cyclist 100 Climbs - Bealach Na Ba is an expert road ride: 90.5 km and takes 04:33 h. View this route or plan your own! Much of Applecross’s attraction lies in its remoteness, so we know there won’t be many opportunities to refuel for a while beyond this picture-perfect coastal village with its symmetrical row of white cottages. It’s certainly a beautiful stretch of road (Kate later recalls this as her favourite part of the ride), but we’re exposed to the wind and the going is tough at times. I’m tempted to put in a few revolutions to try and get into the 80s, but decide not to push my luck. Setting off on the homeward leg of the ride, we’re faced with a long gradual drag all the way back up the A896, through Glen Shieldaig. Bealach Na Ba: Britain’s biggest climb Rod MacFadyen Bealach-na-Ba (Pass of the Cattle) is the UK’s biggest road climb. If anyone fancies joining me, let me know (approx 20th August tbc). Starting at sea level and rising to 626m in 9km, the road resembles one more often found in the French or Swiss Alps. Just looking at the photos makes you want to go and visit. We pass one or two houses, but this whole area is very sparsely inhabited and the landscape is as remote as you’ll find in Britain. It is set in a fabulous unspoilt landscape with outstanding views of the sea and hills. To Ben and Dougie at Nevis Cycles in Fort William (neviscycles.com) for the use of their workshop and a heap of invaluable local knowledge. Do not push on over the Bealach in adverse weather conditions – it is potentially dangerous in strong, gusty winds. The Applecross Peninsula is renowned as a gem in Scotland’s crown of natural wonders. Driving or cycling on this road can be a breathtaking experience and a great adventure. Bealach-na-Ba – Scotland. Other sides of this climb: Admittedly here it’s on a much smaller scale than the Galibier but the way the road encounters the remainder of this climb feels remarkably similar. The Bealach na Ba is situated in Scotland. Before we know it we’re back in Tornapress and on the edge of Loch Kishorn, once again passing those large warning signs at the junction with the Bealach na Ba. So far I think we’ve encountered more animals on the roads than vehicles. Cycling the bealach na ba The Bealach na Ba or Pass of the Cattle (known locally as ‘the Bealach’) is a very ‘significant hill’ as described here. # cycling # roadcycling # gcninspiration # roadbike # bicycle # bike # cyclingphoto # gcntech # gcn But right now I’m enjoying the relative tranquillity of being here without hordes of other panting, sweaty cyclists. In fact, we’ve not even left the UK mainland, yet I find myself roughly halfway up the famous Bealach na Ba on the western coast of the Scottish Highlands having flashbacks to the ascent of the Col du Galibier. Shieldaig itself is just a mile or so down the road, albeit in the wrong direction for home, but is apparently very pretty, so we turn left. It rises from sea level to 626m altitude in 10km. Now back in familiar territory, and as our new addition to the group swings off with a nod and a wave of appreciation for the company (and a wheel to sit on) there’s a feeling of satisfaction that we’ve now broken the back of this epic. Arguably the toughest 45 mile circuit you could find in the UK, this route crosses the 2056 foot high Bealach Na Ba to Applecross. Bealach na Bà is located in Applecross peninsula, in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands. The Letras allegedly holds the dubious honour of being the longest cycling climb in the world, with the Strava segment for the climb rounding off at a whopping 80km at an average gradient of 4%. Bealach na Ba Bealach na Ba, or “Pass of the Cattle,” may be just a road, but it’s one of the most remarkable drives in all of Britain. If you’re not driving, you’re best off renting a car for the final part of the journey to access the rugged western peninsula. We’re a long way from the Alps. We spy a quaint little hut called Nanny’s Cafe, and no one needs persuading to stop for coffee and homemade cake, to be consumed while sitting in the sunshine and taking in the views of the loch. One of the most beautiful climbs in Britain – if not one of the hardest. If you ever get a chance to have a call at this is thoroughly recommended." A classic 90 mile circuit crossing the famous Bealach na Ba to Applecross where the wonderful views and sense of achievement compensate for the effort required. The historic mountain pass was built in 1822 and is engineered similarly to roads through the great mountain passes in the Alps, with very tight hairpin bends that … Finally to Huw, our heroic support vehicle driver. Bealach-Na-Ba really takes the breath away and offers a great cycling challenge. Glen Quaich and Pitlochry. You’re unlikely to have ridden it because it’s set in a remote part of the West Highlands, the Applecross Peninsula, so it’s very beautiful but also difficult to get to. You’re unlikely to have ridden it because it’s set in a remote part of the West Highlands, the Applecross Peninsula, so it’s very beautiful but also difficult to get to. Starting from Tornapress, the Bealach na Ba ascent is 9 km long. I’m lost in my own thoughts, my legs turning metronomic circles, when I eventually glance up and realise the end is in sight. In the second half of the ascent, the road stretches out into much longer and straighter segments. Rooms from £30 per person incl. Another left hook, bike and I were lifted from the road, knocked left and dropped to land unceremoniously in a … Bealach na Bà is a winding single track road through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula, in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands. The westerly view is no less spectacular, with the Isle of Skye and its Cuillin ridge and, as Simon tells us through gasps for air, in the far distance is the Isle of Rum. The Bealach na Ba via Applecross is ranked number 2 of the Scottish Highlands. Bealach na Bà features in the 70 km Bealach Beag event in May, and the 144 km Bealach Mór in September. The Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb with an ascent of 626m from sea level in just 10km. The highlight is the crossing of the 2056 foot high Bealach na Ba which gives superb views back towards Loch Kishorn and onwards towards the islands of Skye and Raasay. Lochcarron is about an 85-mile drive north-west of Fort William, which is around a two-hour drive from either Glasgow or Inverness airports. It’s considered a main road in these parts, the artery that joins Shieldaig to Kishorn, but it’s still not much more than a single-track road, and there’s no traffic in sight. 100 greatest cycling climbs is a list of some of the hardest climbs in the UK from Constitution Hill to Kirkstone Pass and Ditchling Beacon. Rivaling many a Swiss mountain pass, it winds its way from Lochcarron up 2,000 feet to the Bealach and Applecross, offering breathtaking views of Highland alpine crags, the Isle of Skye, and even the Outer Hebrides farther out to sea. I notice that the guy is riding a top-end carbon road bike with all the trimmings, while his girlfriend seems to be suffering against gravity aboard a much cheaper machine and is riding in trainers. Simon’s local knowledge again comes up trumps. The Bealach na Ba via Tornapress is ranked number 3 of the Scottish Highlands. Towards the village of Shieldaig it becomes more inhabited and greener. The Caledonian Sleeper (scotrail.co.uk) goes overnight from London Euston to Fort William. Applecross Highlands Strava Routes. Sign up for Strava to … Bealach Na Ba: "Admiring the stunning Scottish landscape after climbing Bealach Na Na, one of the toughest climbs in the UK. The Bealach na Ba ("Pass of the cattle") is not a single attraction, it doesn't have a visitor centre, and there are no visitor facilities as such. It feels like we’re getting the full idyllic experience of this iconic climb. So it’s Warren’s fault that I’m here today, grinding out a rhythm on this arduous beast alongside Kate Hewett, a former rider for Les Filles RT racing team, and local filmmaker Simon Willis. Also to Simon Willis of Sunart Media (sunartmedia.com) for help with planning and logistics. The shorter (43 mile; 69km) Bealach Beag takes place in May, while the longer (90 mile; 145km) Bealach Mor runs in August. It’s the view before me that’s sending memories flooding back. And, to our amusement, a sign warns off learner drivers too. Bealach na Ba, meaning pass of the cattle, was used in earlier days to drive cattle from Applecross and surrounding settlements to other parts of the Highlands, it was not part of the historic Drove Routes. Beware, the climbs aren’t limited to the stretch over the Bealach - the coast road also provides some surprisingly tough little climbs. The Applecross Peninsula is renowned as a gem in Scotland’s crown of natural wonders. pictures for big ride bealach na ba. Essentials: Distance: 128km. With one final swooping left-hander, we again meet the A896 which heads southward around the eastern flank of the mountain. It starts out steady before steepening in the final third, ending in several switchbacks on the steep corrie headwall. We’ll need to keep something in reserve for those. Even today, nearly two centuries after its apparent construction, large signs at the turning from Tornapress off the A896 warn drivers of travelling up in poor conditions. At that time it was the only way to access Applecross by land. We met lots of other riders, too, and by the first turning point at Ledgowan, where we headed south, we had settled into a fairy fast-paced group. Having written and published the extremely popular ‘100climbs’ … By the time you’ve reached the top of the Colombian climb you’ll be sitting at almost 3,700m altitude, which might be another reason why you’re breathing so heavily. Until this point, the contours of the mountain and the meandering nature of the road on the lower section of the climb have hidden from sight the dramatic upper realms that now confront me. The idea of a sportive belongs to local cycling legend Clifford Davidson. It has a maximum elevation gain of 1,905 meters. This road is one the farthest outlier of all Britain’s 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs, situated in the far northwestern Highland Council Area of Scotland. It seems a much easier climb this time though. Even with the benefit of compact gearing, the chain is already nestled on the largest cassette sprocket. For me, along with the Ventoux at some point, the Bealach na Ba has been on my cycling ‘must do’ list for quite some time. As part of Karen Newman’s series on cycling the NC500 – Karen has provided a suggested alternative to cycling the Bealach na ba. The idea of a sportive belongs to local cycling legend Clifford Davidson. It’s relatively new, only fully completed in the 1970s as a means to provide alternative access (other than by sea) to Applecross when the mountain is impassible. It rises from sea level to 626m altitude in 10km. Sign up for Strava to save this route and share it with your friends. In his book 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs, author (and occasional scribe for Cyclist) Simon Warren scores this climb as 11/10 for difficulty. Route map for 'Bealach Na Ba Circular' - a 68.3km cycle route near Strathcarron, UK. It starts out steady before steepening in the final third, ending in several switchbacks on the steep corrie headwall. The big and beastly Bealach-na-Ba ascentCycling Supernanny Husto and I had a great time, catching up on gossip, talking about cycling and taking in the scenery. As we ride along the shoreline, Simon points across the water. This 90 mile circuit, the route of the classic “Bealach Mor” cycle sportive can be considered one of the best as well as one of the toughest circular routes in the country. NB. The only downside of the climb it is that it is not so accessible. We can see for miles. Check out the cycling attraction Bealach na Ba! Simon, the only one of our trio to have ridden the climb before, has already forewarned us of just how steep it gets near the top. This road is one the farthest outlier of all Britain’s 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs, situated in the far northwestern Highland Council Area of Scotland. It is set in a fabulous unspoilt landscape with outstanding views of the sea and hills. The name comes from the Scottish Gaelic, Bealach nam Bò, meaning ‘pass of the cattle’ as it was historically a narrow gravel drover’s road renowned for being frequently inaccessible due to bad weather. It is set in a fabulous unspoilt landscape with outstanding views of the sea and hills. Somewhat disappointingly, there’s no response from my rear derailleur as I press the electronic shift button on my Record EPS lever, searching for one more gear to ease the burden on my legs. For about 12 years in fact, which was the last time I ventured into this part of the Highlands of Scotland en route to Applecross, then Torridon. This is plenty exhilarating enough. The Bealach na Ba ("Pass of the cattle") is not a single attraction, it doesn't have a visitor centre, and there are no visitor facilities as such. The average percentage thus is 6.8 %. Start/Finish Town: … It rises from sea level to 626m altitude in 10km. It’s now several hours since we set out from The Old Manse B&B in Lochcarron, where we fuelled up on a hearty Scottish breakfast, but having already tackled the sizeable climb between Lochcarron and Kishorn before the Bealach itself, I’m peckish again and I know I’m not the only one thinking about a cafe stop. The slope is hovering around 8% with occasional spikes of up to 12% just to put the boot in, with nothing to break up the persistence of the climb. The road is still only singletrack, but thankfully a decent coat of tarmac has long since sealed over the gravel, and today at least the weather is on our side too. Bealach na Ba has earned its fearsome reputation with good reason and for many it is rightly considered the holy grail of British climbs. Copyright © Dennis Publishing Limited 2021. Unsurprisingly there are a few sportive events that use this historic pass. Bealach-Na-Ba really takes the breath away and offers a great cycling challenge. It has got us excited, The three time Tour de France champion has returned to the bicycle game with a new, high-end e-bike, The Endura FS260-Pro Thermo are insulating, supremely comfortable three-season bibshorts, The Slovenian duo both set to return to Tour, reigniting yellow jersey rivalry, The reigning WorldTour champion is focusing on the cobbles in 2021 and eyeing up a second stint in, The Solidarity Challenge on Zwift will see Cancellara and other sports stars in a pursuit against. He’s finding the going tough, as are we all. The road west over the hills to Applecross, on the north-west coast of Scotland, is Britain's longest steep hill. The six-mile ascent of the Bealach na Ba is the longest road climb in the UK. I’d imagine it would be a pretty bleak place up here when the weather closes in, so I’m thankful we are blessed with only partly cloudy skies and even though we all choose to stick on a jacket to protect us from the noticeably more chilly air up here, no one is in any particular hurry to start the descent. Restaurants near Bealach na Ba Road: (0.51 mi) Kishorn Seafood Bar (1.00 mi) The Bealach Cafe and Gallery (4.46 mi) The Bistro, Lochcarron (4.73 mi) The Shores (6.24 mi) Carron Restaurant; View all restaurants near Bealach na Ba Road on Tripadvisor $ The Bealach na Ba is situated in Scotland. Summiting the Bealach na Ba is a rewarding experience. The Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb with an ascent of 626m from sea level in just 10km. Another left hook, bike and I were lifted from the road, knocked left and dropped to land unceremoniously in a heap of … I will be doing this as part of the North Coast 500 'holiday' I'm taking in August. Not so that day on the Bealach na Ba. The Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb with an ascent of 626m from sea level in just 10km. Beautifully finished Cycling Inspired Notebooks Handmade in the UK Choose from 12 different cycling inspired A5 size notebooks. It is set in a fabulous unspoilt landscape with outstanding views of the sea and hills. This 45 mile circuit includes a crossing of the classic … The Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb with an ascent of 626m from sea level in just 10km. The Bealach Na Ba is often described as one of the toughest cycling climbs in Britain, but its also one of the most beautiful. The Cyclist guide to the right gear ratios for climbing, How to complete the Festive 500: top tips to conquer 500km this Christmas, Adidas releases first set of road cycling shoes in 15 years, Greg LeMond reveals new LeMond Prolog urban e-bike, Best turbo trainers: Top trainers for Zwift, Tadej Pogacar and Primoz Roglic set for Tour de France rematch, Lizzie Deignan: 'I'm very, very excited about Flanders', Fabian Cancellara to race Mo Farah for World Cancer Day. Distance Elevation Gain Average Slope Maximum Slope Profile Index Elevation Climbed in Tour de France Climbed in Giro d'Italia Climbed in Vuelta a España Cols per Country Cols per Region Cols per Province Distance Above 5% Distance Above 10% Steepest 1km Steepest 5km As you might expect, it’s a fairly quiet climb to take your bike out on, with onl… Check out the cycling attraction Bealach na Ba! It has a maximum elevation gain of 1,905 meters. Starting from Applecross, the Bealach na Ba ascent is 9 km long. It’s a tough climb certainly but in my opinion it’s not nearly as hard as the remainder of the route. This climb belongs to the Scottish Highlands. When cycling up mountains, being lightweight (63kg for me, another 8 or so for the bike) is usually an advantage. Bealach Na Ba: "Admiring the stunning Scottish landscape after climbing Bealach Na Na, one of the toughest climbs in the UK. It's one of the most scenic drives in the world. Just as the pretty row of coloured houses comes into view we turn off down what almost feels like a slipway into the loch, such is the village’s proximity to the water’s edge. Cyclist 100 Climbs - Bealach Na Ba is an expert road ride: 90.5 km and takes 04:33 h. View this route or plan your own! Bealach na Bà: One of The Greatest Roads for Cycling November 12, 2015 The road to Applecross is notorious in the Highlands, not only as one of the most beautiful and dramatic driving routes; but also as one of the most terrifying. Let’s dive into the details of this historic winding single track road called Bealach Na Ba. The idea of a sportive belongs to local cycling legend Clifford Davidson. Over this distance, you climb 616 heightmeters. "Bealach-na-Ba (Pass of the Cattle) is the UK’s biggest road climb. Plotted with the plotaroute.com route planner. The Bealach has rightly earned its reputation. Strava Cycling Route Bealach na Ba climb! On the lower part of the climb, the winding path of the road helps to keep the gradient to a manageable 5-6%, but that’s gone now. Behind us, facing east, is a stunning vista with Loch Kishorn far below, framed by a perfect glacial creation and providing instant gratification of how far we’ve just ridden, and how high. 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