Motorcycle Explorer November 2016 Issue 14 | Page 102

Feature: Euro roads - lisa morris
Applecross
Bealach na Bà
Scottish Highlands
Website
Lisa Morris sold the house and hit the road
with her partner to become “Two Wheeled
Nomad” spending her days riding around
South America and beyond. But what she
came up with was a little closer to home.
The wonderful Scottish Highlands and the
Cattle Pass to Applecross.
We can’t blame her either as this single
track gem has some of the best views in
Europe. Tight switchbacks for some bike
control and plenty of steep incline and
decline turns to keep you amused. At
626m it’s the third highest in Scotland but
the 20% gradients make it feel much
higher! Do watch out for kamikaze sheep.
Check the weather as there cloud cover
can make things ‘interesting’. I (Ed) have
done this a few times and riding with Paul
Jennison and Alun Davies (Adventure Bike
Rider magazine) I could just about see
Paul’s tail light at 10m. It certainly focuses
the mind on that route. On a clear day
you’ll be glad the many stopping spots to
get your camera out.
VID
MAP
Starts: Tornapress
Ends: Applecross
Length: 12 miles
.
Time: About 40m, not including stops and depending on
weather... and sheep!
Best ridden in: Late spring and summer. The route is
treacherous in winter, visibility can be hampered by dense
fog, so check weather forecasts before tackling the route.
Failing that, on the day... look up, if you can’t see the top
for clouds – the choice is yours.
Top tip: Start early in the morning to beat the hordes of
camera-clicking tourists. Take this one with plenty of fuel
in the tank, there was a fuel stop at Applecross but there
was talk of this getting shut down.