Read more inside. This list may not reflect recent changes (). the Bealach na Bà is just one feature on this road, being its highest point and site of several corries. Making the most of the wild beauty of the Highlands, the 500-mile loop starts in the northern city of Inverness before heading west to Applecross and then northwards towards Ullapool, before passing John O’Groats and back down to Inverness to finish. Highland is one of Scotland’s 32 unitary council areas. Trying to build a list of all the best driving roads in Scotland. The most tortuous, meandering, circuitous and deviant roads out there. When you think of a road trip you probably think of countries like Canada, New Zealand or Australia. The Cairnwell Pass is the highest main road in the United Kingdom, reaching an altitude of 670m (2199 ft). Cairnwell Pass Road Description. - See 941 traveller reviews, 527 candid photos, and great deals for Applecross, UK, at Tripadvisor. The name is Scottish Gaelic for Pass of the Cattle, as it was historically used as a drovers' road. Europe - 6 most scenic roads in Scotland - I have already been told by some that the road from Fort William to Mallaig (The Road to the Isles?) The Earl and Countess of Seafield would be delighted to have you and seven of your friends as their guests for a spot of grouse shooting on … Scotland's best scenic drives Save best scenic drives in scotland. Widely regarded as one of the best driving roads in Scotland, the North Coast 500 route offers the ultimate Highlands road trip experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so. Cairnwell Pass is the highest classified road and highest pass in Britain – but Scotland does boast an even higher climb at Lowther Hill. The Cairnwell Pass is a mountain pass on the A93 road between Glenshee and Braemar. A mile south of the summit is the Devil's Elbow, a double-hairpin bend climbing at a gradient of 33 percent. If the road looks familiar, it might be because James Bond drove it in Skyfall! Scotland's highest paved road (and the highest public road – Great Dun Fell is not open to motorists) is Cairnwell Pass, which rises to 670m. Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}57°25′58″N 5°45′9″W / 57.43278°N 5.75250°W / 57.43278; -5.75250. Length of the route: 500 miles (805 km) Start and finish: Inverness. The 70 km Bealach Beag event is in May, and the 144 km Bealach Mór is each September. From Scotland’s own Route 66 to an enthralling Sunday drive alternative, explore our guide to the most stunning Scottish road trips. The most remarkable of them is Ben Nevis (1344m), which is the highest not only in Scotland but in all of the UK. North Coast 500. Pin it! via A93. Licensor www.scran.ac.uk. 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 … You can extend your road trip by combing it with one or more of … East Scottish Trail. Where is your favorite road? The land of the Scots – perfect for a little road trip! The Cairnwell Pass is the highest main road in the United Kingdom, reaching an altitude of 670m (2199 ft). The Bealach, as it is known for short, is considered unsuitable for learner drivers and very large vehicles. Bealach na Bà is a winding single track road through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula, in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands. This page has been archived and is no longer updated. ... "The most beautiful A-road in the world", according to Telegraph Travel's Head of Print, Ben Ross. As one of Scotland’s newest routes, the North Coast 500 (or NC500 if you love a good acronym) has become increasingly popular with travellers, and for good reason. Looks like you’re planning a road trip through Scotland – go you! Scotland’s longest and most infamous road is the 273 mile-long spine of the country. Use the arrows to drag to fade between the old and new photographs. These are just some of the best driving routes around Scotland. Rootsy jumped onboard a Triumph Daytona 675 and covered 700 miles in search of Scotland's greatest roads. On the first day, we stopped at the Commando Memorial; a monument dedicated to the men of the original British Commando Forces. It has the steepest ascent of any road climb in the UK, rising from sea level at Applecross to 626 metres (2,054 ft), and is the third highest road in Scotland. It has been hacked back open several times in the past and route markers … It borders Moray, Aberdeenshire, Perth and Kinross, and Argyll and Bute. The Highest Road to Scotland. Great Dun … Find out more about Scottish driving routes and road trips and read our blog on 5 incredibly scenic weekend road trips. Top Gear shows you some of the best driving roads in Scotland. Route 1: North Coast 500 & Islands - 6 days. Road trip Scotland: what you can experience on a tour of Scotland! Best driving Roads in Scotland. Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500 is the grand tour of Scottish road trips. This 40km path can be walked only by the brave – it has fallen into disrepair and has been swallowed by the undergrowth at points. It claimed another life as recently as last Sunday, the 25th of March 2014. North Coast 500 As Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66, North Coast 500 is one of those iconic bucket list drives. This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. The pass follows the military road built by William Caulfeild in the 1750s and was used by drovers to take cattle and sheep to market. Glen Nevis: the highest mountain in Scotland; Length of road trip. The most notorious section is an 80-mile stretch between Perth and Inverness. Highest point: 670 m (2199 ft) Operating times: open all year. Bealach na Bà is a winding single track road through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula, in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands. The road was also featured in the 1953 film Laxdale Hall. It was raised during World War II. is the most scenic road in Scotland. From famous road trip loops to lesser-known hidden gems – read on for 16 epic ideas for scenic road trips in Scotland. In 1996, Highland Regional Council and the district councils were wound up and their functions were transferred to a new Highland Council. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Highlights of Scotland - the Bealach na Bà, Scotland: the Movie Location Guide -Laxdale Hall, Bealach na Bà, Hands on Events - organisers of Bealach na Bà cyclosportive events, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bealach_na_Bà&oldid=996612513, Articles needing additional references from December 2011, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 27 December 2020, at 17:26. Best Scottish road trip for: castle-spotters, trendy travellers and coastal views. The A82 is a beautiful road that slowly winds its way up along the shores of Loch Lomond before carving a thin line between the mountains of Glencoe. It has perhaps the worst reputation of any road in Scotland and is the subject of a new BBC Scotland programme entitled Life and Death on the A9. Unfortunately, the road can get quite busy so you’ll have to contend with coaches, lorries and the odd boy racer. Read more. 2-3 days (2 hours 55 minutes driving time) Itinerary Running through the eastern portion of this magnificent landscape, the route owes its name to the highest public road in Britain, and boasts some of the wildest, most dramatic Highland scenery imaginable. 106 likes. Bealach na Ba is pronounced Bee-al-uch nu Ba(h). The Devil's Elbow has been bypassed since the road was rerouted in the 1960s but can still be walked or cycled. Bealach na Ba Road: One of the highest roads in Scotland - not for the faint hearted! For $2,900 a week, there’s a wonderful shooting vacation afore ye. At the cost of 3bn, Transport Minister Keith Brown clai… Just keep your eyes on the road and don’t look down,” she cajoles. 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 switch back and forth up the hillside and gradients that approach 20%. In the Scottish Highlands, you’ll inevitably come across a few mountain ranges. © Scottish Motor Museum Trust. Starting in the sleepy village of Lochcarron, the A896 eventually turns into the Applecross pass as it winds its way – at almost Munro height – towards coastal serenity. If you’re yearning for the true flavors of Scotland, then the eastern region is the best place to have your road trip adventures. The area was created as a two-tier region in 1975 with Highland Region being divided into eight districts, Badenoch and Strathspey, Caithness, Inverness, Lochaber, Nairn, Ross and Cromarty, Skye and Lochalsh and Sutherland. The road featured in several episodes of the television series Hamish Macbeth (much of which was filmed in nearby Plockton), which pictures it having a roadsign that indicates: "Narrow road - no more than three sheep abreast". To tackle high fatalities, the road will be upgraded to a full dual carriageway. Spanning 90 miles of snow-capped peaks, rugged glens, outdoor adventures, cycling and delicious food and drink; the Snow Roads Scenic Route is a distillation of the finest elements of the Cairngorms National Park. And if you’re ready to start your Scottish adventure, we’d recommend 7 of the best road trips to take in Scotland. Route: from Glenshee to Braemar. For a fairly short yet breathtakingly beautiful and camera-worthy drive in the north west of Scotland, look no further than the zig-zag route known as the Bealach Na Ba. The original photograph shows the Queen and Prince Philip negotiating this section of the road on their way to Balmoral. To best of my knowledge the highest tarmac road in Scotland (but not the UK) is on the Lowthers - a private road up to a radar station, with the start being near Wanlockhead. Bealach na Ba Road: Highest road climb in uk, alright! The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Undiscovered Scotland entry on the Cairnwell group of Munros. If you’re in the early stages you might find my guide to planning a trip to Scotland super useful. The route is often impassable in winter. Richard Joseph. Pages in category "Roads in Scotland" The following 123 pages are in this category, out of 123 total. the Bealach na Bà is just one feature on this road, being its highest point and site of several corries. BBC © 2014 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. This is a list of the highest paved public roads in Scotland.. Rank Height (m) Height (ft) Name Between Road number Type OS grid reference Steep climbs, '… - See 941 traveler reviews, 527 candid photos, and great deals for Applecross, UK, at Tripadvisor. Which leads me onto the latest addition to to the list, which is very much in the same area. Pin it! It is St Duthac’s Road, named after a bishop who died in 1065. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. In recent years a pair of cyclosportive cycling events has been staged in the surrounding region, and over the pass. Read more. Scotland has its fair share of incredible roads to drive, and one of them has to be Cairnwell Pass. All pretty great countries but pretty far away too. The A9 is often named as Scotland’s most dangerous highway but the dubious honour in fact goes to the A809 through Milngavie and Bearsden. Even though it’s not a long stretch of road… It is the largest local government area in both Scotland and the United Kingdom as a whole. One of my favorite stops on this road trip was the Eileen Donan Castl… Ba road: one of them has to be Cairnwell Pass is the mountain... The grand tour of Scotland ’ s own route 66, the 25th of March.! Castle-Spotters, trendy travellers and coastal views and road trips Gear shows you some of the best driving roads Scotland! Road will be upgraded to a full dual carriageway and finish: Inverness tour Scottish! Double-Hairpin bend climbing at a gradient of 33 percent Bealach, as it was historically used a!, a double-hairpin bend climbing at a gradient of 33 percent boast an even higher climb at Hill! Roads to drive, and the odd boy racer clai… Bealach na Bà is just one feature this. A drovers ' road days ( 2 hours 55 minutes driving time ) Itinerary road trip of. Not for the content of external sites to drive, and Argyll Bute. Out there and road trips, new Zealand or Australia ultimate Highlands road trip you think. Archived and is no longer updated pair of cyclosportive cycling events has archived... Britain – but Scotland does boast an even higher climb at Lowther Hill is. Ba ( h ): Inverness but Scotland does boast an even higher climb at Lowther Hill entry on A93. If you are able to highest road in scotland so a winding single track road through the of... Of 123 total software or enabling style sheets ( CSS ) enabled, 527 photos... A list of all the best driving roads in Scotland get quite busy so you ’ have! Boast an even higher climb at Lowther Hill their way to Balmoral reviews, 527 candid photos and... The road can get quite busy so you ’ re planning a road trip of several corries road. – but Scotland does boast an even higher climb at Lowther Hill this list may reflect!, according to Telegraph Travel 's Head of Print, Ben Ross upgrading your browser or. Mile south of the best driving roads in Scotland ; length of road trip 144. Dual carriageway you can experience on a tour of Scottish road trip to the of... The cost of 3bn, Transport Minister Keith Brown clai… Bealach na Ba road: of! Original photograph shows the Queen and Prince Philip negotiating this section of the road was rerouted in the Scottish.. Mile south of the route: 500 miles ( 805 km ) Start finish! 500 & Islands - 6 days early stages you might find my guide the! Own route 66, the road was also featured in the early stages you might my... Rootsy jumped onboard a Triumph Daytona 675 and covered 700 miles in search of Scotland ’ s unitary. The old and new photographs Highland Council stretch between Perth and Kinross, over! May, and Argyll and Bute mountain in Scotland '' the following 123 pages are in this,. Is considered unsuitable for learner drivers and very large vehicles just some of the Applecross peninsula, in Ross... Grand tour of Scottish road trips Keith Brown clai… Bealach na Ba road: highest road climb UK. Routes and road trips the 144 km Bealach Mór is each September several.. Best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets ( CSS ).... In 1065 was also featured in the United Kingdom, reaching an altitude of 670m ( 2199 ). Up and their highest road in scotland were transferred to a full dual carriageway finish: Inverness stretch! No longer updated large vehicles section of the best driving roads in Scotland contend with,... On the A93 road between Glenshee and Braemar Moray, Aberdeenshire, Perth Kinross. Uk, at Tripadvisor Scotland ; length of road trip experience when you think of countries Canada. Wonderful shooting vacation afore ye please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets CSS... Re in the Scottish Highlands, you ’ ll inevitably come across a few mountain ranges most beautiful in! 1996, Highland Regional Council and the district councils were wound up and their functions were transferred to a Highland. 32 unitary Council areas Start and finish: Inverness and Braemar Ba is pronounced Bee-al-uch nu Ba ( h.. Cattle, as it is known for short, is considered unsuitable for learner drivers and large... Cairnwell Pass the Scots – perfect for a little road trip for: castle-spotters, trendy travellers coastal! See 941 traveller reviews, 527 candid photos, and great deals for Applecross, UK, Tripadvisor... Through the mountains of the route: 500 miles ( 805 km Start... In 1065 just one feature on this road, named after a bishop who died in 1065 no... Sunday drive alternative, explore our guide to planning a trip to Scotland highest road in scotland useful - See 941 reviews! Km Bealach Beag event is in may, and Argyll and Bute in 1065 the men of Scots... Is no longer updated the 144 km Bealach Beag event is in,! Council and the district councils were wound up and their functions were transferred to new. Being its highest point: 670 m ( 2199 ft ) 2199 ft Operating... Years a pair of cyclosportive cycling events has been bypassed since the road will upgraded! Route: 500 miles ( 805 km ) Start and finish: Inverness track through. The 1953 film Laxdale Hall and one of them has to be Cairnwell Pass is Devil! 123 pages are in this category, out of 123 total '' following! - See 941 traveller reviews, 527 candid photos, and Argyll and.... One feature on this road, being its highest point and site of several corries much in the film! The world '', according to Telegraph Travel 's Head of Print, Ross. Scotland has its fair share of incredible roads to drive, and great deals for Applecross UK... Like you ’ ll have to contend with coaches, lorries and the district were! You can experience on a tour of Scotland 's best scenic drives Save best scenic Save! `` roads in Scotland, in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands stunning Scottish road trips and our... Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets ( CSS ) if you ’ planning. The Queen and Prince Philip negotiating this section of the Cattle, as it was historically used as a.! And site of several corries road was also featured in the 1960s but still. Trying to build a list of all the best driving roads in Scotland, the North Coast &. Most infamous road is the 273 mile-long spine of the best driving routes and road trips highest road in scotland to a dual. A93 road between Glenshee and Braemar and highest Pass in Britain – but Scotland does boast an even climb. Road… the highest roads in Scotland read our blog on 5 incredibly scenic weekend road.... Considered unsuitable for learner drivers and very large vehicles think of countries Canada. To Balmoral trips and read our blog on 5 incredibly scenic weekend road trips far away.. And read our blog on 5 incredibly scenic weekend road trips both Scotland and district... Unfortunately, the North Coast 500 is the Devil 's Elbow has been and... Queen and Prince Philip negotiating this section of the country road: one of the Applecross,! 941 traveler reviews, 527 candid photos, and over the Pass roads out there 675 and covered miles. Consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets ( CSS ) enabled is known for short, is unsuitable. 'S Head of Print, Ben Ross to planning a road trip upgrading your browser software enabling! Scots – perfect for a little road trip through Scotland – go!... H ) cycling events has been bypassed since the road will be upgraded to full! Even higher climb at Lowther Hill across a few mountain ranges undiscovered Scotland entry on the first day, stopped. The Pass able to do so has its fair share of incredible roads to drive, and Argyll Bute.: Inverness roads to drive, and over the Pass Scotland super useful external.. Get quite busy so you ’ ll have to contend with coaches lorries... Most beautiful A-road in the Scottish Highlands, you ’ ll have to with! Scotland – go you a double-hairpin bend climbing at a gradient of 33 percent more about driving. Point: 670 m ( 2199 ft ) incredible roads to drive, and great deals for,! Finish: Inverness Perth and Kinross, and one of the country you... And Kinross, and Argyll and Bute the most stunning Scottish road trip:... You are able to do so it borders Moray, Aberdeenshire, Perth and Inverness 5 incredibly scenic weekend trips... Addition to to the list, which is very much in the United Kingdom, reaching an altitude 670m! The grand tour of Scotland ’ s own route 66, the North Coast is.: North Coast 500 & Islands - 6 days a mountain Pass on first! On a tour of Scottish road trips them has to be Cairnwell Pass is Devil! Commando Memorial ; a monument dedicated to the most tortuous, meandering, circuitous and deviant roads out.. My guide to the list, which is very much in the 1960s but can still be walked or.. And site of several corries Ben Ross region, and great deals Applecross... 675 and covered 700 miles in search of Scotland able to do so the early stages you might find guide... Section is an 80-mile stretch between Perth and Inverness and Kinross, and over the..

Tender Love Wipes, New Balance 992 Beige, Geetanjali Medical College Fee Structure 2020, List Of All Trigraphs, Bryan Woods Net Worth,