Driving the 3rd highest pass in Scotland, the amazing Bealach na Ba, from Applecross with some snow.

[@damienkarras8552]

I made this in the same weather conditions but driving in the opposite direction with an old Volvo S40. I think that the view of the mountains you are going to climb is more impressive driving in the direction that I took, but I always wondered how it would be to do it in the order you are showing here.

[@theexengerfiles7227]

There definitely is a big difference in impact, based on what direction you go, but it's an awesome drive in either direction! :)

[@briancooper562]

Like all mountain roads what you see is not the problem. In these conditions cold air on the mountains (hills) can roll down the valleys and cause frost pockets at the bottom and ice, black ice. So you clear the top and the road puts you in the ditch at the bottom.

[@radiogramgramophonetoons5802]

I drove that route in April/May of 2005 but going in the opposite direction and at that hairpin bend (14.22 of your vlog), I just managed to turn around because of too much snow on the road and head back down the way I’d come. It was a bit dicey being straddled across that hairpin, thank goodness of that council pull-in on the apex of the bend. I was driving a 14 tonne lorry and just as we managed to reverse on the apex, a council gritter lorry came along and the guy said, ‘good job you are turning around-the road is becoming quickly impassable). So gingerly in low gears went back down the hill !! On a different day afterwards, we made sure we drove the longer route to Apple-cross and no snow. Difficult day but beautiful scenery of beautiful Scotland

[@theexengerfiles7227]

WOW! Rather you than me, I wouldn't want to attempt the Bealach in a 14 tonner! Well done. :)

[@radiogramgramophonetoons5802]

@@theexengerfiles7227 ……… didn’t have a choice, it was work and boss was sitting next to me in cab. 😬

[@theexengerfiles7227]

@@radiogramgramophonetoons5802 Heh, no pressure! :D

[@radiogramgramophonetoons5802]

@@theexengerfiles7227 ……. We were working all over Scotland on behalf of Scottish Water.

[@theexengerfiles7227]

@@radiogramgramophonetoons5802 A worthwhile, if sometimes challenging, occupation.

[@dorothyroberts8997]

This brings back memories. At one time I used to drive that road two return trips Monday to Friday, often with an extra return trip at the weekend. Much rather that road in the snow than the coast road, which is the only other option. I once counted how many times I changed gear in that ten miles. It was 108. That last hairpin bend could be tricky in ice going that way. Because of the slope, i had to take it slowly round the bend, but give it power just before finishing turning, or the back end swing round. I have driven a 7.5 ton van over the top, but put it into the ditch near the blower shed. 8 ft wide van on 8ft 6 inch wide road, with rocky ditch at the edge of the carriageway.

[@theexengerfiles7227]

Heh, it's an interesting drive alright, I would never attempt it in a 7.5 tonner though - don't think I have the patience! :). I had all sorts of fun in my 3 litre, rear wheel drive car during winter!

[@bigmeltie1]

Yep - did this one November in what seemed ok weather at Kishorn. At the summit it was treacherous especially on the descent down to Applecross.

[@AshleyPomeroy]

That was tense. The left turn at 17:55 was scary - I wonder how many drivers have sped up, thinking they were past the worst of it, only to find themselves facing a sheer drop-off.

[@theexengerfiles7227]

Indeed! You need to keep your wits about you. Apologies for the late response, didn't notice this comment until now somehow! :)

[@88SPIKE]

You were lucky with oncoming traffic, when I drive that route half of Wester Ross comes the other way. Good video, should give a copy to the council to highlight the potholes

[@theexengerfiles7227]

It was early in 2020, a combination of the time of year and lockdown! :)

[@michaelketley876]

Back in summer of 2002, did the same drive and then on to Kyle of Lochalsh, total distance of 40 miles. Had to do it all and get parked because me, my wife and kids were due on a boat trip ,70 minutes after we left Applecross. Made it with about 5 minutes to spare, driving a Rover 827. Had to drive very quickly once we got onto the main road for the 29 miles to Kyle.

[@jimf671]

For the full flavour experience, do at night, in a 10m long truck, in snow, in the middle of a storm. Take a passenger so that you can kick them out to walk in front of the truck probing with a stick to find the road.

[@theexengerfiles7227]

Heh, I reckon that would be a very interesting experience!

[@johngraham5996]

you should've went into the applecross inn for a meal first, great food in there and no matter what time of year you go it always seems to be busy! i went one tuesday in feb a few years back and it was a beautiful sunny day in applecross but up the top of the summit i could'nt see the end of the car for snow, visibility was about 3ft, what a great place that area is

[@theexengerfiles7227]

I ate in the Applecross Inn four or five days a week for 6 months. During 3 months of lockdown, Judy opened up at dinner time specially for me (I think - that's how it appeared at least), because she realised that I had nowhere else to eat. The food was always amazing and I'm eternally grateful for the hospitality of Judy and her staff. I'll repay her one of these days, when I make it back up that neck of the woods...

[@greenspiritarts]

As a visitor from Colorado and who grew up in Vermont, When I drove this delightful road in sunny September one year long ago, I did wonder how it might be in winter….now we know! Full props to the pick-up truck who made it up from the other side before you…perhaps it had winter tyres. Also, where were all the sheep?

[@theexengerfiles7227]

The sheep were nowhere to be seen, I think it depends on the time of day - there were times I drove it and there were deer and sheep all over the place!

[@allanreid4935]

It's a great road on the motorbike.

[@theexengerfiles7227]

Heh, aye, I can imagine! :)

[@Blairged]

It's the 3rd highest pass in Scotland after Cairnwell and The Lecht.

[@theexengerfiles7227]

Thanks Tom, I've amended accordingly.

[@McConnachy]

Glenshee, Lecht, Bealach Na Ba, what bout the Banchory Fettercairn road, or the Old military road as it’s known? Think they are all old military roads, we must have been a major issue back in the day, that they sent Marshall Wade to rush 😂

[@theexengerfiles7227]

@@McConnachy Will probably be driving these roads and posting videos in the not too distant future...

[@McConnachy]

@@theexengerfiles7227 Its been blocked with snow until a few days ago. Along with the Tomintoul road, usually the most common road to be closed. I once got a taxi from Aberdeen, in June, the driver wanted a drive via the Cairn o mount to take the scenic route to my home near Fettercairn. It was blocked with snow 🤣

[@theexengerfiles7227]

@@McConnachy Heh, aye, typical! I hope he discounted the fare. The Bealach was blocked a few times during my time in Applecross, but Tomintoul was always accessible.

[@uwewelz4908]

Shooting this road eastbound is rare, especially in winter which is-with the early spring-the best time to avoid boring green landscapes. It's a pity that the image quality ist not more than fair.

[@theexengerfiles7227]

I expect to be re-doing this in 4k in the not to distant future, time and weather allowing...

[@wendywatson6525]

I've never driven up there and only passed 1 car on the way to the top!!

[@theexengerfiles7227]

I was very lucky! :) The time of year helped.

[@michaelbullen4146]

That was a bit hairy! But a beautiful drive in the summer, you have your wits about you even then, but the views are well worth it!

[@royfearn4345]

Very well driven given the weather and road conditions/potential drop-offs

[@theexengerfiles7227]

Thank you! I drove this road both directions most weeks for 6 months - always good fun.

[@6z_0]

❤️

[@shieldaigbencher]

I've only ever been over in Summer. I guess you had winter tyres? What were you driving?

[@theexengerfiles7227]

No winter tyres I'm afraid, just standard, on an old BMW 330i. Was driving it twice a week for months. More videos forthcoming...

[@uwewelz4908]

@@theexengerfiles7227 Lovely car with modest fuel consumption, but not in winter with summer tyres.

[@theexengerfiles7227]

@@uwewelz4908 Makes it more exciting! :D

[@kinocchio]

you gotta get a better camera and mount dude.

[@theexengerfiles7227]

Already done - this video was done on a shakey phone mount - now got a proper dashcam - I want to do this route again with the dashcam - just finding the time!

[@sigil5772]

Utterly hair-raising. My jaw (and other parts) were clenched throughout, especially when you started heading down the other side.

[@theexengerfiles7227]

Heh, I must've done that return journey at least 20-30 times - it was always exhilarating, and always fast (as I dared). I actually broke a suspension coil on one of the trips - there's a wee nasty dip which I didn't see until the last minute, at a decent clip!

[@sigil5772]

I was like ICE ICE ICE omg hope you've got chains on the tyres... never mind the hairpins, I was thinking just one slide you're falling down a whole mountain

[@theexengerfiles7227]

@@sigil5772 I didn't have any special tyres on, just standard road tyres. I was very mindful that there might be ice, so was generally quite careful.