Discussion
Burbleboy said:
lol random!
Sure was!Here's a link to the ascent of Bealach na Ba. A fantastic single-track stretch of road
Will post some pics up when I get a chance.GetCarter said:
Don't tell them that... it's the prettiest road in the UK and I thought I was the only one that knew about it. I've been up there three times since Easter (staying in the Roux owned Lochinver Lodge). mmmm posh nosh.
Fab road indeed- some of us knew about it a very long time ago; first drove it in my Uno Turbo in mid eighties. It is incredibly pretty but to be honest it is as good in the passenger seat as driving as speed is low and visibility of traffic poor.For sheer driving joy nowhere beats Kylesku to Durness for me- there are certainly better roads- if not many - in the NW Highlands but the sense of reaching the end of the road - end of Europe in some ways- is intoxicating.Up there in May in R400- hail , sleet etc . Just hope that everybody going up to Highlands applies a bit of common sense and respect for the locals - it may be quiet but it's not a track day and lots of visitors go for the peace. Having said that having slowed down a lot to pass a group of climbers near Altnaharra I was greeted with waves of encouragement which resulted in full beans through 2nd to 4th - mirror revealed applause and lots of camera work ! I'll be there this time next week, the plan is to do a loop starting and finishing in at my parent's place in Perth, via Ullapool, Sotronoway, Carnish (west coast of Lewis), Portree and Fort William.
The route hasn't really been planned much further than A9 to Inverness (already done Blairgowrie/Braemar road loads and it's easy to get to) and A82 from Fort William back to Perth.
Has anyone got any tips for roads on the islands? And is the A830 (main road) or A861 (coast road) the best way to get from Mallaig to Fort William?
The route hasn't really been planned much further than A9 to Inverness (already done Blairgowrie/Braemar road loads and it's easy to get to) and A82 from Fort William back to Perth.
Has anyone got any tips for roads on the islands? And is the A830 (main road) or A861 (coast road) the best way to get from Mallaig to Fort William?
AWG said:
jock mcsporran said:
Look out for us then. We'll be up late Sept. 
I take it I should look out for a mass of lotus!
We normally base ourselves in one place and do day trips but this year we'll be moving around.
Craikeybaby said:
And is the A830 (main road) or A861 (coast road) the best way to get from Mallaig to Fort William?
A861 is a long way to go the 14 miles between the end of Loch Eil and Lochailort!I've not actually been on the bit round Loch Eil down to Corran, but have crossed on the Corran ferry several times.
Some bits between Corran and Lochailort are double track, but lots of it is single track with passing places and some twisty sections beside the sea. Not really the best road to make good progress on. But a good scenic journey of time is not a priority, and some of the sections are pretty good.
The road from Lochailort to Mallaig is mostly very good now, as it has recently been upgraded and improved. Nice smooth tarmac and sweeping bends and gradients especially before Arisaig.
JM said:
A861 is a long way to go the 14 miles between the end of Loch Eil and Lochailort!
I've not actually been on the bit round Loch Eil down to Corran, but have crossed on the Corran ferry several times.
Some bits between Corran and Lochailort are double track, but lots of it is single track with passing places and some twisty sections beside the sea. Not really the best road to make good progress on. But a good scenic journey of time is not a priority, and some of the sections are pretty good.
The road from Lochailort to Mallaig is mostly very good now, as it has recently been upgraded and improved. Nice smooth tarmac and sweeping bends and gradients especially before Arisaig.
Thanks, the plan was to use the Corran ferry, but we'll see how the time is looking, I think we're arriving into Mallaig at 16:30, so may just go down the main road.I've not actually been on the bit round Loch Eil down to Corran, but have crossed on the Corran ferry several times.
Some bits between Corran and Lochailort are double track, but lots of it is single track with passing places and some twisty sections beside the sea. Not really the best road to make good progress on. But a good scenic journey of time is not a priority, and some of the sections are pretty good.
The road from Lochailort to Mallaig is mostly very good now, as it has recently been upgraded and improved. Nice smooth tarmac and sweeping bends and gradients especially before Arisaig.
Craikeybaby said:
JM said:
A861 is a long way to go the 14 miles between the end of Loch Eil and Lochailort!
I've not actually been on the bit round Loch Eil down to Corran, but have crossed on the Corran ferry several times.
Some bits between Corran and Lochailort are double track, but lots of it is single track with passing places and some twisty sections beside the sea. Not really the best road to make good progress on. But a good scenic journey of time is not a priority, and some of the sections are pretty good.
The road from Lochailort to Mallaig is mostly very good now, as it has recently been upgraded and improved. Nice smooth tarmac and sweeping bends and gradients especially before Arisaig.
Thanks, the plan was to use the Corran ferry, but we'll see how the time is looking, I think we're arriving into Mallaig at 16:30, so may just go down the main road.I've not actually been on the bit round Loch Eil down to Corran, but have crossed on the Corran ferry several times.
Some bits between Corran and Lochailort are double track, but lots of it is single track with passing places and some twisty sections beside the sea. Not really the best road to make good progress on. But a good scenic journey of time is not a priority, and some of the sections are pretty good.
The road from Lochailort to Mallaig is mostly very good now, as it has recently been upgraded and improved. Nice smooth tarmac and sweeping bends and gradients especially before Arisaig.
Are you doing it all the way to Perth after arriving at Mallaig at 16.30?
If so, I'd be saying just stick to the main road. The coast route will probably add about an hour journey time plus waiting for the ferry.
If you're heading home after a holiday, sometimes you just want to get on with the journey, not diverting for no real reason.
But as i said it's a nice enough route to take and there are some good/quick sections on the road.
Enjoy!
Staying in Aviemore tonight and tomorrow, just back from a pleasant run up the Cairngorm ski road, then Sunday, following much advice on here, heading up to Inverrness and round to the Torridon Inn for the night. Monday will be an early run up the Bealach and down to Glasgow via the A87 and through Glencoe or possibly down the A828 and through Inverary. Bit short of time so although it'll be the 5th time up the Bealach still never managed the whole Applecross loop, so next time then...
Can't wait, four weeks from today I'll be doing the Applecross leg of my Scottish tour. This after doing Dukes Pass, then a loop around the Trossachs before heading south west to Lochgilphead then up the cost and through Oban, after that heading up to do the Loch Leven loop and then into Skye via the A87 the day before. It's going to be epic
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