17 July 2018 Applecross to Broadford (Isle of Skye)
Today is decision time to make our way to Skye we need to get to the Skye Bridge at the
Today is decision time to make our way to Skye we need to get to the Skye Bridge at the
Kyle of Lochalash. Now most people travelling this route from Applecross are well aware of the famous cattle pass road called the “Bealach na baa” a very narrow single track road of steep ascent/decent with sharp hair pin bends that winds its way up to or out of Applecross depending on which way you are travelling. We have asked neighbouring motorhome drivers on our campsite their thoughts and as we have a smaller motorhome they encourage its to try it and see the magnificent views from the top. There are a lot of differing opinions on this. Many have made this journey without issue but we advise that you take it on with caution and with the respect it deserves. If you are a confident driver with a good head for heights and good reversing skills (It is not always the road itself but what you may meet going up or down it that can cause issues) then you should be ok.
The Bealach na Ba rises to a height of 2,053ft from sea level in about four miles, and is the most spectacular pass in Scotland. It also provides some of the most challenging driving in the country. It is single track throughout and the warning signs at its foot, including one deterring learner drivers, should be taken seriously.
The crux of the pass is as the road climbs the headwall of the corrie to the east of the highest point. Here it zig-zags upwards in a way that feels more of an alpine experience. Having made the effort to get to the topof the Bealach na Ba, it is worth pausing in one of the parking areas to take in the views.
We take the route and carefully make our way through with no problems. The views are magnificent and there is space at the top to park and take a short walk or a photo opportunity. The main users this morning seem to be motorcyclists and a couple of other motorhomes. We head towards the Kyle of Lochalsh to the bridge across to Skye. On the way we stop at Lochcarron for coffee and cake. Like many other loch side villages this is a pretty place with whitewashed cottages and a grassy area fronting the loch.
We arrive over the Skye Bridge and make our way to Broadford the location of a brand new Caravan and Camping site - “Camping Skye’ a community company assisted by the Lottery Fund. (Camping Skye, Pairc nan Craobh, Broadford, Isle of Skye IV49 9PA. Camping Skye, the perfect place to pitch when exploring the Isle of Skye.+44 (0) 1471 550420
mail@campingskye.com). The site has only been open for 2 months and as yet does not accept tents as they are leaving the newly sown grass to mature. There are hardstandings for motorhomes and caravans and include spaces for the disabled. The facilities are perhaps as you might expect modern and spotlessly clean. We would highly recommend this site. All profits are ploughed back into other community projects.
The Isle of Skye is the largest and the most northerly of the Inner Hebrides. With a population of some 10,000 people, Skye measures some 50 miles from north to south and comprises a series of peninsulas radiating out in an irregular pattern from a mountainous core. It is still possible to pass "over the sea" to Skye using a choice of ferries, but since 1995 most visitors have reached the island over the Skye Bridge, which since 2004 has been toll free.
Broadford is a large village in the south of the island and has a large Coop supermarket, fuel station and other shops including a busy fish and chip shop. It makes a good base to visit Sleat often referred to as the Garden of Skye. Here you will find located Armadale Castle and Gardens. Armadale if the ferry point for Mallaig. Apart from a couple of shops, leather and local Scottish wear there is not much more to see other than the stunning views. On returning from Armadale we take a turning towards Achnacloich the start of a loop road which takes in the small villages of Old and Tarskavaig with the ancient Tokavaig
The Bealach na Ba rises to a height of 2,053ft from sea level in about four miles, and is the most spectacular pass in Scotland. It also provides some of the most challenging driving in the country. It is single track throughout and the warning signs at its foot, including one deterring learner drivers, should be taken seriously.
The crux of the pass is as the road climbs the headwall of the corrie to the east of the highest point. Here it zig-zags upwards in a way that feels more of an alpine experience. Having made the effort to get to the topof the Bealach na Ba, it is worth pausing in one of the parking areas to take in the views.
We take the route and carefully make our way through with no problems. The views are magnificent and there is space at the top to park and take a short walk or a photo opportunity. The main users this morning seem to be motorcyclists and a couple of other motorhomes. We head towards the Kyle of Lochalsh to the bridge across to Skye. On the way we stop at Lochcarron for coffee and cake. Like many other loch side villages this is a pretty place with whitewashed cottages and a grassy area fronting the loch.
We arrive over the Skye Bridge and make our way to Broadford the location of a brand new Caravan and Camping site - “Camping Skye’ a community company assisted by the Lottery Fund. (Camping Skye, Pairc nan Craobh, Broadford, Isle of Skye IV49 9PA. Camping Skye, the perfect place to pitch when exploring the Isle of Skye.+44 (0) 1471 550420
mail@campingskye.com). The site has only been open for 2 months and as yet does not accept tents as they are leaving the newly sown grass to mature. There are hardstandings for motorhomes and caravans and include spaces for the disabled. The facilities are perhaps as you might expect modern and spotlessly clean. We would highly recommend this site. All profits are ploughed back into other community projects.
The Isle of Skye is the largest and the most northerly of the Inner Hebrides. With a population of some 10,000 people, Skye measures some 50 miles from north to south and comprises a series of peninsulas radiating out in an irregular pattern from a mountainous core. It is still possible to pass "over the sea" to Skye using a choice of ferries, but since 1995 most visitors have reached the island over the Skye Bridge, which since 2004 has been toll free.
Broadford is a large village in the south of the island and has a large Coop supermarket, fuel station and other shops including a busy fish and chip shop. It makes a good base to visit Sleat often referred to as the Garden of Skye. Here you will find located Armadale Castle and Gardens. Armadale if the ferry point for Mallaig. Apart from a couple of shops, leather and local Scottish wear there is not much more to see other than the stunning views. On returning from Armadale we take a turning towards Achnacloich the start of a loop road which takes in the small villages of Old and Tarskavaig with the ancient Tokavaig
