A must for any hairpin enthusiast!

Off the A896 Lochcarron to Shieldaig road, this unclassified road in the unspoilt Wester Ross nature reserve is (in gaelic) called Bealach-na-Ba (or the Pass of the Cattle). Tight twisty hairpins and an incredible climb some 770 metres above sea level. There is an AA viewpoint at the summit offering superb views across to the Isle of Skye, Cullin Hills and beyond.

I think this is the closest thing to heaven on earth.

Also the Applecross journey if in the area, but get plenty of fuel onboard first.

Yes, you're quite right about fuel. When I had the 1.4 16v Fabia Comfort, I was on fumes on the return to Ullapool (thankfully, mostly downhill all the way). I arrived at the shell garage there at 10.00 - just as it was about to close. Very lucky, as all my belongings were in Inverness!!!

Yes, you're quite right about fuel. When I had the 1.4 16v Fabia Comfort, I was on fumes on the return to Ullapool (thankfully, mostly downhill all the way). I arrived at the shell garage there at 10.00 - just as it was about to close. Very lucky, as all my belongings were in Inverness!!!

10.00 most close around 5.00, and ther isn't one at Applecross anymore.

Tried it on a motorbike in thick cloud last summer. Bloody scary!

I really liked the way the White lines either side sucker you into thinking that it's only another passing place then change their minds into a hairpin bend!!!

Would love to do it again in good weather?

Edit: have now done it in good weather and WOW! What a view.

Although it was October and the weather didn't look promising at the bottom, by the time we got to the top, the view from the Yeti was well worth it.

If you get the chance, do it!

I did that trip many years ago four up in a 1 litre Metro full to capacity with camping equipment. At one point we ran out of steam and had to roll back down the hill and take a bigger run up.

It is an absolutely spectacular road, rising from sea level to 2053ft(625m) (according to the viewpoint at the top) in only a few miles, with the last bit climbling up what is almost a cliff face with lots of hairpins. Can be a bit scary in winter though - when I went over it (end of March 2006) it was clear at the bottom, but with a howling gale and a foot of snow at the top, with a guy in a gritter/snowplough constantly driving backwards and forwards over the top to keep it clear!

It is one of (but not the) highest roads in Britain - the A689 at Killhope Cross near Alston goes slightly higher (627m), and tha A93 from Blairgowrie to Braemar in Scotland goes higher still, to 665m. I think this is the only one that starts at sea level though

It's a cracking drive. When I went over (Sept 2010), someone was cycling up....

Great rd me and a few of my m8s ran down it a few weeks ago thought it was a good idea at the time till the next day wee could hardly move lol