your vote on which direction to approach the Bealach na Ba from

Posted by douglas44 (Ontario, Canada) on 01/12/17 06:22 PM

We are coming from Torridon/Sheildag and would like to get people's thoughts on which way to approach the Bealach na Ba! Planning on hitting the Applecross Inn for lunch and then continuing on to Skye. So what are the pluses and minuses of;

a) exiting the A896 and heading north towards Ardheslaig and around the coast via Kalnakil into Applecross and then down to the Bealach na Ba vs...

b) following the A896 around south via Tornapress and then coming up the Bealach na Ba to Applecross Inn and backtracking on the Bealach na Ba after lunch and picking up the A896 to Lochcarron.

Posted by Gail

Orinda, California, United States

01/17/17 01:19 AM

307 posts

We did the first route (a) a few years ago and I still have fond memories of the twists, turns, stops and overall beauty of the drive. We also saw our first Wooly Coos there blocking the road. I think we stopped at least 6 times to take photos of foggy views, mini waterfalls, baby lambs near their moms as well as stop in the Croft Wools and Weavers Shop. Had a very nice conversation with one of the weavers and purchased a few items. The drive after the unique lunch at Applecross Inn over to Bealach na Ba was completely fogged in and a bit harrowing - only made it more exciting even though we could only see the road in front of us.

I was reminded just a few days ago, that if I went on google maps, I could see the route that we missed. I did that and it looked beautiful. Allow extra time for stops especially for pulling over on the one lane roads.

How are you getting to Torridon/Shelldag? The drive from the north through the park is lovely as well.

Posted by douglas44 OP

Ontario, Canada

01/17/17 12:17 PM

93 posts

we're coming A832/A896 from the Inverness area through Torridon

Posted by douglas44 OP

Ontario, Canada

01/17/17 12:28 PM

93 posts

just looked up Croft Wools and Weavers and are hoping to make a stop there too, as my wife loves knitting, so thanks for the tip!

Posted by Gail

Orinda, California, United States

01/17/17 08:25 PM

307 posts

The drive from Inverness to the turn out is unique as well - lone barns, reflective lakes and the view of Loch Maree. We were on our way to Gairloch for a few nights before returning and taking the route to Applecross. There is a north turn-out (parking lot) with plaques to see the view of Loch Maree on A832. Queen Victoria stopped to check out the view, so the sign says. I don't remember if it is before or shortly after the turn to Torridon. We drove the A832 around 3 pm and again, just spectacular.

I think all the sights to and from Gairloch then on to Applecross was so etched in our minds, being fogged in on the road to Bealach na Ba didn't bother us. Glad to see you are going on to Skye!