Bealach na Bà Pass | What to Know Before You Go | NC500 Road Trip

[@grahambrass5838]

I remember driving it in Thick Fog.

[@OurWildHorizons]

You must have nerves of steel! We’d definitely would not have wanted to do that!

[@grahambrass5838]

All the way down I was praying that if there was anything coming up that they had their headlights on lol

[@davidfoster9890]

I've done this road a few times. In a long wheel base Citroen Relay camper & on various motorbikes. No problem at all for competent motorists.

[@OurWildHorizons]

I agree :) It's not too bad. Maybe a bit difficult for people hiring a motorhome for the first time.

[@Delta2D2]

It’s not recommended for motor homes, as the various safety signs state. Even ‘competent’ drivers cause queuing, which passing places can’t cope with, and why there’s regular road closures due to gridlock. Rules are not just for one person’s convenience, and why the locals are increasingly becoming anti-camper van.

[@cocolade99marmie]

To drive down rather than up as you said here, where was your starting point please?

[@weird_al77]

It's a scary but beautiful road! We are just back from a weekend in applecross so we did it both ways, thankfully my friend drew the short straw so I didn't have to drive it, just enjoyed the stunning views!

[@OurWildHorizons]

Haha, you got to sit back and enjoy the views then! I think the trick is to just avoid the main day time driving hours and you will most likely be enjoying a quiet drive!

[@aciid_0]

I'm in an old Fiat Ducato 1.9TD motorhome nearby, considering this route, the motorhome at 3:37 is almost the exact same as mine, down to the blue wavey lines on the side... is this a sign?

[@OurWildHorizons]

It can be done! Just be considerate and drive early morning or in the evening when most the traffic has left. The issue with motorhomes on the road is the passing places and having the confidence to reverse down hills if needed!

[@ohmydaringclementine]

I loveee Scottish roads though! Those passing places are brill. Will have to do this when we get our camper

[@OurWildHorizons]

They are so much fun and so beautiful! I much prefer driving on these thin roads and Jake prefers motorway driving 😁 Yes you will have to do this route! It’s brilliant 😊

[@OurWildHorizons]

Thank you for watching 😁💛

[@ohmydaringclementine]

We definitely will!

[@BrewBlues]

What is that pyramid in the distance at 1:09?

[@sergeivasiliev1602]

Hi. Would yo recommend to start it from Applecross( I mean from the western side) to get the best views?

[@OurWildHorizons]

Yes! Totally, if you want to drive down looking at the best view. There are a few parking spaces at the top but unless you go at a really quiet time you’ll miss the best bit with the hairpin bends ☺️

[@saraw8868]

This was super neat, it felt like I was riding along! I love the twists and winds on the way down, definitely a good choice to go down those instead of up!

[@OurWildHorizons]

It was so much easier going down! 😊

[@JitsIntoTheSunset]

Ah what a stunning drive that is!! We never actually go to do this when we did our Scotland roadtrip, so it was great to experience through your eyes until we make it there ourselves 🚐🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿✨ Keep enjoying your time in Scotland & big hugs from us 💛 xx Tania

[@OurWildHorizons]

Ah yes, you guys went in winter didn’t you! They close the road then since it’s impassible in those months. Thanks for watching, the previous video was our favourite one we’ve ever made so we hope you get a chance to watch that one too! 😊 Hope to see you guys soon x

[@Ellyboy-qo6ev]

Looks beautiful and great vid this is on my bucket list for sure

[@OurWildHorizons]

It really is! Thanks for checking the video out 😀

[@GCStalker]

Tornapress Hill. Long before you arrived.

[@OurWildHorizons]

Thanks for watching 👀

[@Dave_D]

Ah. So that’s what it looks like! Just rode it last week on our way to Isle of Skye and it was fog and rain all the way. Fun. lol

[@jaynestorer9330]

We did it today in a 21’ Motorhome and it was no more difficult than the road from Dervaig to Tobermory, or in fact many other roads on Mull and Skye. I got myself really anxious about it but really didn’t need to, we’ve driven much scarier. It is a lovely road to drive and you do have to watch out for oncoming vehicles and those who don’t know how to use passing places, but just take your time, look ahead, and stay calm, it’s really not bad at all. Our Motorhome coped no problem….and we are not muppets 😄😁

[@jaynestorer9330]

Nonsense, we aren’t Muppets, and we did it today in our 21’ Motorhome, which coped with it no problem. We’ve driven worse in other parts of the country. I think people who say it’s scary have never driven much or at all in the Highlands

[@andrewstevenson6540]

I've done it multiple times in each direction in cars, campervan and a 6.5 metre motorhome. The wife thinks it's scary too😂 If you don't like reversing avoid it though.

[@kellycmshea]

How long is the drive? And you said you started at 9pm? It looks so light out still! I miss long summer days. It looks soo beautiful there!!

[@OurWildHorizons]

We went in June where the sun sets after 11! Can’t remember how long it took but it wasn’t that long and the views made it seem even quicker!

[@simonmoffat4629]

I did this from Cornwall/ Scotland/ NC500, Lake District, Wales back to Cornwall The only thing I would recommend is to plan your stops . We went in late September/ early October Midges in some area’s are real meat eaters during earlier months Some garages for fuel are closed out of holiday season Large camper vans would struggle on some of the roads I wouldn’t do the trip again , but some of the locations are absolutely breathtaking For me , the Lake District was a more enjoyable place to explore

[@b3ckyl0uiseUK]

Thanks for the video 🧡🧡🧡 got anxiety seeing you driving it let me me having a go 🙈🙈🙈

[@OurWildHorizons]

We think you could easily do it! I think the troubles are when people attempt it in summer when the roads are busy!

[@binbagbadgers248]

Thanks for the tip, we will be doing this in a MWB as well, so it's good to know there's really no problem to it at all 👍

[@OurWildHorizons]

Have fun! I'm sure you'll also have no problems at all too :) Hope its not too busy for you :) Thank you for watching :)

[@heathgoodhand]

Do you think you could drive this in a 7.5 ton swb lorry conversion 16” back ? Love the vid thanks

[@OurWildHorizons]

I wouldn’t but we don’t have experience driving something like that. They caution against bigger vehicles and I certainly wouldn’t do it in the middle of the day or when it’s even slightly busy. It’s up for you to decide, we saw some motor homes do it, you’ve just got to be relaxed 😅🤞

[@heathgoodhand]

@@OurWildHorizons thanks for the advice enjoy your travels 😁

[@andrewccochrane8052]

i do deliveries twice daily from lochcarron to applecross in a 7.5 tonner no problem read the road ahead before you negotiate the hairpins the oncomming traffic should give way to you at all times however in saying this a french motorhome didnt and created a huge tailback behind me as i couldnt go forward or back he could not reverse his motorhome back round the hairpin and the motorists behind him were no better only idiots who dont read the road in front of them make the problems

[@andrewstevenson6540]

You'll be fine if you go early just keep an eye on your mirrors and let the postie past.

[@jamesmickryan982]

Going in October!

[@OurWildHorizons]

You'll have a great time, I'm sure!

[@RustyRoseAdventures]

Awesome video guys! So want to go there one day looks stunning!! 😍😍

[@OurWildHorizons]

It is fantastic! We hope you make it out there 😊

[@swhitehead15]

We’re doing the nc500 next week in a 7.5 metre campervan. Is it best for us to avoid this route?

[@OurWildHorizons]

It’s up to you, the signs advise against it but if you really want to I reckon it would be fine; as long as you go at sunrise/sunset and not when it’s busy. And depending on how comfortable you are with tight lanes and bends

[@swhitehead15]

Thanks for the reply. We’ve got a campsite right near it so we’ll probably give it a go at sunrise. Thanks for the advice 👍

[@JrangeyV8]

Fantastic insight, thank you.

[@OurWildHorizons]

Thanks Jamie!

[@markdouglas4139]

Top tips, helps me plan my own NC500, thanks 😊

[@OurWildHorizons]

You’re welcome! Hope you have an amazing time, we’ve got a whole Scotland playlist about the NC500 on our channel which you may enjoy 😊

[@marianb.9133]

Thanks for the recommendations 🙂

[@feralfreebirds]

wow guys ..i felt like i was on speed (in the 90's) watching this weeks video..hahahaha......Beth you're one brave woman driving on that pass.......my vans too big...and i'd never get it around those bends...hahaha....big love...( thanks again for my stickers.....i did reply previous vid...really chuffed :) !!! take care & have fun *X*

[@OurWildHorizons]

Haha! It was a pretty quick timelapse wasn’t it 😂 Beth is a pro when navigating those narrow lanes! Ah you’re more than welcome 😊

[@terrywoods6594]

Not steepest Max 20% gradient. Hardknott Pas and Rosedale in N Yorks both get to 33% gradient.

[@OurWildHorizons]

Thank you for watching :) Its not the steepest you're right, it just has the steepest ascent of any road climb in the UK, rising from sea level at Applecross to 626 metres (2,054 ft) :)

[@terrywoods6594]

@@OurWildHorizons Ah well Guess I will just have to go and have a go.

[@andrewccochrane8052]

@@terrywoods6594 you need to do your homework on this pass laddie your well wrong iam afaid its the longest ascent at 27% its no9w been recently and more accuratley surveyed and the quiraing on skye has just been surveyed with more advanced equipment that they used 35 years ago

[@terrywoods6594]

@@andrewccochrane8052 Still not the steepest in UK

[@andrewccochrane8052]

@@terrywoods6594 you try it mate its the longest and steepest ascent in the uk the hard knot has got a sharper climb yes for about a third of a mile thats all

[@tommyhall7043]

Done it in 7.5 m van. Much stress up glad I done it😅

[@OurWildHorizons]

Oh wow, you’ve got nerves of steel!

[@jimmccarron1286]

Please be aware this road is not recommended for motorhomes the sign tells you that at the start but still muppets decide to tackle it in motorhomes , please respect the locals and delivery drivers on this road if you break down the whole road has to be shut down , you are taking a chance with a larger vehicle ,

[@OurWildHorizons]

Thanks for watching :) thankfully we don’t have a motor home, just a small mwb. And like you saw in the video we drove it at night to avoid delivery drivers and other traffic

[@DanKeeley]

wow thats just stunning!

[@OurWildHorizons]

It was a beautiful place to drive through and explore 😊

[@DanKeeley]

@@OurWildHorizons can't wait to take my van down or up it!

[@aberdeendeltaforce]

I approached this road with little concern, I saw some videos before hand and thought piece of piss that, the reality is something quite different that the camera doesn’t catch, the road is very narrow, just enough room for my 6m vw crafter and in terrible condition as of 07/01/2024. It’s crumbling at the edges and seriously potholed, one lapse of concentration can have you in the ditch and tumbling down the Munro. It is steeper than the camera indicates so your brakes must be up to the job. If you have to stop on the way up for whatever reason on some sections you are in big trouble. My handbrake simply couldn’t hold the van and as it started to roll back I panicked, luckily I pulled myself together and slammed the van into 1st gear and leathered it forward. Loads of novices have been caught out by this. All I can say is I probably won’t be doing the up again in a 5t camper but happy to go on the down route. Definitely the most challenging road I’ve driven in the UK.

[@johnmaclauchlan8660]

I have driven this more times than I can remember and in all weathers. My scariest moment was in a Mini Clubman when I discovered the handbrake wouldn’t hold! Only time I fell out with my mother whilst driving!! It is not really that scary. Just take your time and anticipate the oncoming traffic. The hairpin bends have plenty room to pass as long as your vehicle is not too long. If you see a lorry coming towards you pull into the next lay-by and let them pass. Use your passengers to look ahead, my father always got us kids to do that. Pull in early to avoid having to reverse unnecessarily. The local drivers are nearly all very considerate towards those who aren’t used to the road but let them pass if they come up behind you. In reality there have been very few accidents over the years.

[@OurWildHorizons]

Ooof yeah that’s why we went at sunset time as we knew the roads would be clear. I also think it’s easier going down if you’ve already taken the coastal road to the other side.

[@vickyingramnymann8543]

It's a piece of cake. The only problem is that people try to do it in large camper vans even though there are written notices at the top and bottom telling you the padding places are not big enough for them. They block the road and stop essential services getting through. Yes people living in the Highlands do get sick and sometimes need an ambulance.

[@OurWildHorizons]

Exactly, some people just need to realise if they want such large motorhomes they're going to have to sacrifice a few things on the itinerary!

[@thewanderingcanadians]

Looks incredible. New subs here. Ed and Monica

[@OurWildHorizons]

Thank you Ed and Monica! There must be some sketchy mountain roads in Canada!

[@colinbarnett2416]

Seriously? Do you live in an alternative time warp!

[@OurWildHorizons]

Maybe?

[@big..377]

Kirkstone Pass was scarier imo

[@OurWildHorizons]

We'll have to give that a go!

[@ianevans477]

Nice drive, Wrynose pass is better.

[@OurWildHorizons]

We’ll have to return and try that one!

[@ianevans477]

@@OurWildHorizons go from great language over a pass to Little Landale then via wrynose to the amazing hard knot pass to Eskdale ..Don't miss roman Fort at top of hard-nosed. Good food at Brook House in Eskdale

[@williamcoulter5462]

Do not listen to the Motorhome hire company when they say it is OK for the +7 meter van you are hiring, it is ok for the small campers but not the XL's due to the hairpins and off camber on them which can bottom out long wheelbase vehicles leaving you stuck and the locals fuming. Use the alternate route if you want to go to Applecross or take the beautiful roads which cross the Highlands avoiding the NC500 bottlenecks.A8390 to Achnasheen then the A832 to Gorstan then back along the A835 to Ullapool to pick up the NC500 again.

[@karenconnell4878]

🙏👌🙏

[@OurWildHorizons]

☺️

[@meg_k9_]

Brilliantly done for us researchers (or chickens, you pick) 😂

[@tine8849]

I have a SWB Movano and there's no way in hell I'm attempting that, it's not far off my worst nightmare.😂

[@OurWildHorizons]

Oh no! Well at least now you know what it would’ve been like 😊

[@ianworthy9598]

First

[@OurWildHorizons]

Yay! thank you for watching :)

[@ianworthy9598]

My pleasure... I have just finished nc500 back at Loch lomond.. Hope you enjoy

[@janettesinclair6279]

What a pity it was played so fast, made me dizzy, so I didn't enjoy it. And I have actually travelled this road.

[@OurWildHorizons]

Ah no, but at least that means you have a better attention span than lots of people! In the past we’ve been told we were too slow so we tried to give a condensed version of the road to our viewers this time 😊

[@janettesinclair6279]

@@OurWildHorizons You must do what is best for your video. It is an amazing road, and thank you filming your travels.

[@lorifromtemeculaca426]

You can change the playback speed to slow it down... try that, but mute the sound, or it'll be silly...

[@janettesinclair6279]

@@lorifromtemeculaca426 Thank you! Yes, it would indeed sound silly.

[@1coleman8]

🤔 Bealach Na Bà. It's not really pronounced phonetically like "bee-a-lik Naba"... The closest phonetic spelling, that life-long native English speakers, with an English accent, are generally able to pronounce "Bey-Yaal-agch Nh-ah Baah."

[@OurWildHorizons]

Thanks for the info!

[@thomasedward9065]

It's not scary if you just take your time some people are so mellow dramatic

[@alexrobinson2281]

That is not scary , what is scary is a 3 motorway jam packed 70mph in the dark pissing rain , Russian roulette , ps , it is pronounced Galic not gaylic ,

[@LisaPorter-y6s]

Did it today. Husband was fine driving it just a couple of assholes en route 😂

[@OurWildHorizons]

That’s the issue isn’t it! You can be the best driver ever but some dodgy drivers out there can make it a nightmare drive which is why we enjoyed doing it very late!

[@cityzens634]

Midges are a nightmare. AVOID!!!!

[@OurWildHorizons]

horrible little things but luckily not there all year round :)