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Applecross Pass

The Applecross Pass, or Bealach na Bà pass, (from the Gaelic Bealach nam Bo meaning pass of the cattle),is a hazardous road that is one of the highest in the country. It was constructed in 1822 when it was just a gravel road but was later paved in 1950. A winding single track road with steep gradients, sharp hairpin bends and a serious lack of passing places it climbs from sea level at Applecross to the Bealach na Bà summit at 626 metres or 2054 feet.

We were however able to pull of the road to take some photos. What was a really nice day at the start of the climb became misty with some rain towards the top. It did however give it an eerie and atmospheric feel.

There are some great views to be had on the way if you risk taking your eyes off the road, not recommended for the driver, nor for the very nervous passenger that I am! Eyes squuezed tightly shut and ignoring Roger's pleas to look at the view I spent most of the trip up to the top almost sharing his seat!! Then when we reached the summit we found bicycles casually leaning against a sign!!

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62 comments

Herb Riddle said:

A great view of this mountain river carol. Yes a hairy road that I vaguely remember. Thanks for the description here too. Well done.

Thanks for sharing in the North Coast 500 Group, Herb
3 months ago

Ecobird replied to Herb Riddle:

Many thanks Herb. On the first occasion we did this road I reluctantly agreed with the proviso we came back a different way, However we found it was too far around and would make us vry late back to our accommodation so we had to go back over it, I can't say it was much easier but the drop was on the other side! We followed a butcher's van back over, - obviously someone well used to the road by the speed he travelled.

Best wishes Carol
3 months ago

Jaap van 't Veen said:

Very well composed landscape image Carol.
3 months ago ( translate )

Ecobird replied to Jaap van 't Veen:

Thank you very much Jaap. Really appreciated
3 months ago ( translate )

Gudrun said:

Mysterious and beautiful!
I have never seen this road but heard of its reputation. I did experience Hardknott Pass in the Lakes though;-)
3 months ago

Ecobird replied to Gudrun:

Thank you very much Gudrun. I have not been on the Hardknott Pass but just looked it up. That looks challenging too.
Did you cycle it?

Best wishes Carol
3 months ago

Günter Klaus said:

Das ist immer schön,wenn man solch einen Bach entdeckt liebe Carol,ich höre das Rauschen des Wassers,da hast du eine sehr schöne Aufnahme von dieser Gegend machen können :))

Wünsche noch einen schönen Nachmittag,liebe Grüße Güni :))
3 months ago ( translate )

Stephan Fey said:

A great landscape with this beautiful mountain stream, Carol!
3 months ago

Colin Ashcroft said:

Very quiet over the pass the only day I have ever done it. Not much fun if it was very busy I guess
lovely view of the waterfalls
3 months ago

Roger (Grisly) said:

Wonderfully atmospheric image typical of the pass and an excellent capture of the watercourse,
Superb capture indeed!

Thanks for sharing with the www.ipernity.com/group/landscape
3 months ago

Roger (Grisly) said:

Wonderfully atmospheric and superbly captured on a typical weather day in the pass,
Nice to see the mountain water rushing through the shot,

Interesting notes!
3 months ago

Roger (Grisly) said:

Excellent addition to the www.ipernity.com/group/clouds-and-water Group
3 months ago

Fred Fouarge said:

mooi ruig daar
3 months ago ( translate )

Dominique 60 said:

tres beau paysage bien rendu carol !!
3 months ago ( translate )