Iconic German sportswear brand releases 'The Road Cycling Shoe'. Just looking at the photos makes you want to go and visit. Bealach na Bà The closest to an Alpine mountain climb that the UK has to offer is Bealach na Bà (“Pass of the Cattle” in Scottish Gaelic) on the west coast of Scotland. 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. pictures for big ride bealach na ba. Plotted with the plotaroute.com route planner. The average percentage thus is 6.8 %. But whatever, I know that once I have a drink in my hand, I’ll raise a small toast to Mr Warren, whose desire to seek out the ‘Holy Grail’ of British climbs brought us here in the first place. If you wanted to do an ‘everesting’ challenge, it would only take 14.1 times to climb the 8,848m. If you ever get a chance to have a call at this is thoroughly recommended." Vital statistics Length: 8.9km Bealach na Bà is a curvy mountainous road located in the Applecross peninsula, Highland, Scotland. The Bealach has rightly earned its reputation. This is plenty exhilarating enough. The Bealach Na Ba is often described as one of the toughest cycling climbs in Britain, but its also one of the most beautiful. Finally to Huw, our heroic support vehicle driver. 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. 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. The idea of a sportive belongs to local cycling legend Clifford Davidson. We encounter only a single hairpin bend, quite early on, before the road takes a course of long traverses across the open moorland. The Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb with an ascent of 626m from sea level in just 10km. … Returning to the reason for my flashback, the first time I rode up the Col du Galibier (from the Valloire direction) the lasting imprint on my mind was the way the landscape opens up impressively in its upper section, leaving nothing to the imagination about what lies ahead – a succession of gruellingly steep hairpin bends, saving the hardest part until last. The Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb with an ascent of 626m from sea level in just 10km. This stretch of road along the western edge of the peninsula is like a roller coaster. Back on the Bealach, after a long right-hand bend, the road turns our view away from the loch below, and now firmly focuses on the steep-sided glaciated hanging valley that would be a geography teacher’s dream. Unsurprisingly there are a few sportive events that use this historic pass. Start/Finish Town: … Located in the Applecross Peninsula, in the Scottish Highlands the the name is Scottish Gaelic for Pass of the Cattle, as it was historically used as a drovers road. 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. The Applecross Peninsula is renowned as a gem in Scotland’s crown of natural wonders. The six-mile ascent of the Bealach na Ba is the longest road climb in the UK. Obviously, a man who likes his privacy. The Applecross Peninsula is renowned as a gem in Scotland’s crown of natural wonders. This climb belongs to the Scottish Highlands. 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! 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. As we turn a corner, a couple are having a minor domestic at the roadside, and a few angrily delivered expletives momentarily fracture the peace. 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. The six-mile ascent of the Bealach na Ba is the longest road climb in the UK. The two sides eventually converge to form the ridge at the summit and it’s this panorama that’s got me reminiscing. Sign up for Strava to … 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. Another left hook, bike and I were lifted from the road, knocked left and dropped to land unceremoniously in a … Even with the benefit of compact gearing, the chain is already nestled on the largest cassette sprocket. 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. 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. Bealach na Ba The Bealach na Ba is a historic and quite famous pass through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula. 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. So here we are. Both the Bealach na Ba/Applecross Peninsula route and the bad weather Cycling Alternative are described below. The Bealach na Ba is situated in Scotland. The Applecross Peninsula is renowned as a gem in Scotland’s crown of natural wonders. The idea of a sportive belongs to local cycling legend Clifford Davidson. The Bealach na Ba via Tornapress is ranked number 3 of the Scottish Highlands. ‘Apparently, Jay Kay from Jamiroquai owns a house on the other side of the loch there,’ he says. Glancing down momentarily on a long straight section, through slightly watery eyes, I see my Garmin is reading 79kmh and I’m not even pedalling. Prices start at around £100 one way. Big Ride: Bealach Na Ba pictures Read More 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. This 45 mile circuit includes a crossing of the classic … Sign up for Strava to save this route and share it with your friends. Big Ride: Bealach Na Ba pictures Read More Bealach na Ba has earned its fearsome reputation with good reason and for many it is rightly considered the holy grail of British climbs. It’s a tough climb certainly but in my opinion it’s not nearly as hard as the remainder of the route. It rises from sea level to 626m altitude in 10km. Do not push on over the Bealach in adverse weather conditions – it is potentially dangerous in strong, gusty winds. If the climb itself doesn’t wipe you out, then perhaps the weather around Bealach-na-Ba will. Simon’s local knowledge again comes up trumps. Driving or cycling on this road can be a breathtaking experience and a great adventure. It has a maximum elevation gain of 1,905 meters. ... #68 Bealach-na-ba Cycling Inspired Notebooks 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. When cycling up mountains, being lightweight (63kg for me, another 8 or so for the bike) is usually an advantage. Bealach na Bà is a winding single track road through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula, in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands. Before we hit the road, remember that we will pronounce the name of this road as Bee-al-uch nu Ba(h) and that in English it’s named Pass of the Cattle. 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. Recommended by 11 other cyclists, browse 17 pics and 3 insider tips—and get there with komoot! Strava Cycling Route Bealach na Ba climb! It has a maximum elevation gain of 1,905 meters. Perhaps the most enjoyable way to get there from the far south is by sleeper train. But right now I’m enjoying the relative tranquillity of being here without hordes of other panting, sweaty cyclists. (theoldmanselochcarron.com). An alternative to cycling the Bealach na ba. The shorter (43 mile; 69km) Bealach Beag takes place in May, while the longer (90 mile; 145km) Bealach Mor runs in August. The only downside of the climb it is that it is not so accessible. It’s not a recipe for a lasting relationship, and we try not to smile as our group sails by with a tentative nod of acknowledgement that does little to defrost the atmosphere. Check out the cycling attraction Bealach na Ba! 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. Bealach na Ba The Bealach na Ba is a historic and quite famous pass through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula. # cycling # roadcycling # gcninspiration # roadbike # bicycle # bike # cyclingphoto # gcntech # gcn It is set in a fabulous unspoilt landscape with outstanding views of the sea and hills. 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. He has proven to be a fountain of local knowledge and trivia, and until now he has been in full flow, but the gradient has finally stilled his tongue. Cycling the other side of Bealach na Ba - from Applecross. When cycling up mountains, being lightweight (63kg for me, another 8 or so for the bike) is usually an advantage. Starting from near sea-level it rises 626m in 9.1km of uphill – reaching 20% at its steepest gradient. Bealach Na Ba: Britain’s biggest climb Rod MacFadyen Bealach-na-Ba (Pass of the Cattle) is the UK’s biggest road climb. 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. Bealach na Ba is one of the most scenic, challenging and exceptional climbing experiences in the UK. Essentials: Distance: 128km. So far I think we’ve encountered more animals on the roads than vehicles. As part of Karen Newman’s series on cycling the NC500 – Karen has provided a suggested alternative to cycling the Bealach na ba. It looks like a classic case of the boyfriend (though maybe not for much longer) having ridden far too fast, leaving his partner a good way behind, much to her obvious annoyance. 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. 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. Arguably the toughest 45 mile circuit you could find in the UK, this route crosses the 2056 foot high Bealach Na Ba to Applecross. The Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb with an ascent of 626m from sea level in just 10km. The Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb with an ascent of 626m from sea level in just 10km. The Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb with an ascent of 626m from sea level in just 10km. In the second half of the ascent, the road stretches out into much longer and straighter segments. Also to Simon Willis of Sunart Media (sunartmedia.com) for help with planning and logistics. 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. If the climb itself doesn’t wipe you out, then perhaps the weather around … Let’s dive into the details of this historic winding single track road called Bealach Na Ba. This climb belongs to the Scottish Highlands. 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 … On the way down it soon becomes clear the gradients are much shallower on this side of the mountain pass, which makes for superb descending. Applecross Highlands Strava Routes. 100 Climbs Mountain Facets/Pain Cave/#69 Bealch-na-ba/#84 Hardknott Pass/#33 Winnats Pass/Hellingen/#55 Rosedale Chimney SIMON WARREN has lived and breathed bikes and cycling for over 20 years. He’s finding the going tough, as are we all. All rights reserved. Summiting the Bealach na Ba is a rewarding experience. 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-Ba really takes the breath away and offers a great cycling challenge. Copyright © Dennis Publishing Limited 2021. It's one of the most scenic drives in the world. In his book 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs, author (and occasional scribe for Cyclist) Simon Warren scores this climb as 11/10 for difficulty. 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 $ Starting from Tornapress, the Bealach na Ba ascent is 9 km long. 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. Choose from our huge selection of designs including climbs from the famous 100 climbs series. We’ll need to keep something in reserve for those. It’s the only one to be bestowed such a grade. The climb is ranked number 2 in Scotland and number 3748 in the world. 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. 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. Starting at sea level and rising to 626m in 9km, the road resembles one more often found in the French or Swiss Alps. Our route, which on the map looks like a slightly deflated balloon on a string, is almost complete, although the ‘bit of string’ does have a sizeable hump in the middle of it which we had all moaned about having to ride up with stone-cold legs first thing this morning. We’re a long way from the Alps. The Caledonian Sleeper (scotrail.co.uk) goes overnight from London Euston to Fort William. Visit our website now to find out more. As we ride along the shoreline, Simon points across the water. One of the most beautiful climbs in Britain – if not one of the hardest. Over this distance, you climb 616 heightmeters. One of the greatest climbs in Britain. Route map for 'Bealach Na Ba Circular' - a 68.3km cycle route near Strathcarron, UK. 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). The road west over the hills to Applecross, on the north-west coast of Scotland, is Britain's longest steep hill. NB. 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. Bealach Na Ba: "Admiring the stunning Scottish landscape after climbing Bealach Na Na, one of the toughest climbs in the UK. 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. Glen Quaich and Pitlochry. 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. 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. It feels like we’re getting the full idyllic experience of this iconic climb. the Bealach na Bà is just one feature on this road, being its highest point and site of several corries. It is set in a fabulous unspoilt landscape with outstanding views of the sea and hills. Cyclist™ is a registered trade mark. 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. As you might expect, it’s a fairly quiet climb to take your bike out on, with onl… The idea of a sportive belongs to local cycling legend Clifford Davidson. Part 2: Bealach na Ba to Kinlochewe: 120-196 km (75-122 miles) Following this you have a section of never-ending rollers, I was struggling with a nagging cross head wind here which made each one energy sapping, forever changing gear form 52-11 to 36 -28 as you drive over each one. 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. 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. 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. Another left hook, bike and I were lifted from the road, knocked left and dropped to land unceremoniously in a heap of … Simon Warren's recent book on Britain's top 100 Towards the village of Shieldaig it becomes more inhabited and greener. It rises from sea level to 626m altitude in 10km. Not so that day on the Bealach na Ba. We’re a long way from the Alps. Driving or cycling on this road can be a breathtaking experience and a great adventure. I’m tempted to put in a few revolutions to try and get into the 80s, but decide not to push my luck. 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. Thanks. 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. 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. pictures for big ride bealach na ba. 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