NC500 How To Drive The Applecross Pass

We travelled over the Applecross pass a.k.a. Beach Da Ba in a 7.5 metre long motorhome. Let us show you how easy it can be and give you a few hints and tips for if you are planning to attempt the road yourself.
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[@dogferocious8927]

The Ferrari driver probably stopped behind you in the passing place thinking that you had stopped to give way to an oncoming vehicle. He would not pass you until he had established that the road ahead was clear. Great scenery.

[@Bmlventura]

If you indicate when cars coming towards you, and indicate for cars to overtake you... How you think the ferrari driver would understand? He could jist overtake you to find that you pullover for a car coming opposite direction right?

[@nickpritch3152]

So so right some just think they no it all 🤔🤔🤔😔

[@amrs1960]

exactly that Ferrari drive hasn't got x-ray vision, he couldn't see through the massive camper van. I would have done the same given the same situation and made sure there was no one else coming before overtaking

[@terrym1964]

Ferrari driver did nothing wrong. He waited whilst you pulled over and made sure the road ahead was clear. Maybe you could have helped the guy out by winding your window down put your arm out and gesture that it was OK to overtake.

[@s9olo]

This guy is an expert at everything, you name it, he's done it

[@leehigginbottom5169]

So he “believes” lol

[@Willsey]

Well its because he is from yorkshire.they are all like that.

[@balazsczirjak8042]

Been a spaceman too

[@joemdee]

@@Willsey actually I think he said he was from Lancs. I quite enjoyed the video but found it quite funny in an Alan Partridge sort of way. I don’t think Bealach na Ba is terribly difficult but maybe it is in a campervan. He should try the road from Helmsdale up through Kinbrace with the Balcas log trains firing along it. They give way to nobody. Makes it interesting.

[@alexrobinson2281]

I’m from Yorkshire 😂 Centre of the universe , full of shite

[@rscosworthfan]

the ferrari guy(or gal) may have thought another vehicle was coming in other direction so thats why he hesitated passing you

[@jennyreddaway2666]

Thank you, Dan, from those of us who drive on single track roads daily, for highlighting the rules on using passing places. The only one you missed out - because the situation didn't arise - is reversing if you're nearest a passing place. A lot of people don't like reversing and try to squeeze past - this results in damage to the edge of the road which contributes to the overall deterioration (along with our weather!).

[@victorhodgson8767]

Jenny Reddaway and to add to that, it is good practice to pull into the "offside" passing place to give clear roadway to a much larger vehicle approaching, think tractor with trailer, or lorry.

[@jennyreddaway2666]

@@victorhodgson8767 I agree and drivers used to single track roads often do but during the main tourist season, at least where I stay, many visitors just aren't familiar with the rules of driving on these roads and it just confuses them even more.

[@billmuir8766]

I drive this road in a regular basis, vehicles travelling up-hill should be given priority/right of way as per the Highway Code - particularly larger vehicles. A passing place no matter which side of the road, is a passing place no left or right , right or wrong although passing places on the left are advantageous. None of the passing places are too narrow - just drivers who can’t gauge their vehicle size.

[@rscosworthfan]

i Agree

[@stevejones8665]

Spot On totally agree with you 1st to the passing place pulls in. Always try to give way to those coming up the hill and especially if they are a larger vehicle. 👍👍

[@travelingchalksworld5138]

Totally agree 🚐☕️☕️👍🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🌈🙏🏼💙❤️💙❤️

[@topnotchpiperdad]

Bill Muir so Bill are we talking drivers or drovers, because I would not trust 50% of them to drive cattle?

[@ukswiftersThe]

Highway Code says pull into passing places on left and stop opposite passing places on the right. So the guy in video is correct in what he says about stopping and allowing the oncoming vehicle to pull into their left

[@supertramp6011]

I followed an 18 wheeler logging truck up here on my trials bike,as I was living in Applecross . I thought Ibetter tell him that there is nowhere to turn around,and the hairpin corners would be impassable. He absolutely breezed it,very skillful driver. .... but thiss pass is crazy in snow and mist. Take care folks.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👌

[@johnking5687]

drove this road in june 2019, loved it. worked out pretty quickly how to drive on single track roads

[@davidtall0121]

Luv ya deep digger dan I'm due on the apple cross today or tomorrow in my 33 year old fiat ducato camper I will youtube it to bud followed you for year bang band bang 😂

[@gulliver7952]

Did this in the early 60s when camping. Then this was the only road to Applecross. The road to Shieldaig was just a rough track to a few farms and the Youth Hostel, post man used a motor bike to deliver the post. The 1st two hairpin bends are a lot wider now. Then you had to shunt a car round and in those days all you had for a barrier was a few well placed rocks, no crash barriers at all. When we got to Applecross we camped on the beach.

[@777archangel2]

I'm So happy that you guys had an exciting time together on the pass!! Your a fantastic couple! Luv you guys.

[@pgill174]

Stunning scenery Dan and Mazzy,,, thanks for taking us along :-)

[@leerobinson4078]

"You don't want to do it like that. You want to do it like this"

[@travelingchalksworld5138]

Passing places are passing places it doesn’t matter which side of the road where they are🚐☕️☕️👍🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🌈🙏🏼💙❤️💙❤️

[@ianrothwell3992]

LOL funny comment

[@gallivantinggalantes]

Wow, well driven Dan, I think Mazzy and yourself really enjoyed the drive. Looked a little scarey but, you nailed it. Enjoy your stop at Apple cross x

[@MrJasdog107]

Great video we did Applecross Pass last year the NC500 is a fantastic road trip for a motorhome.

[@stephenbrown9400]

Done the pass on 2 wheels @6:44 I stopped to take a break and realised it's not only motormotorhomes which struggle. 2 Harley air heads were stopped, Dutch riders with pillions with luggage and a very hot day. They had overheated! Like the vids. Keep going.

[@whiskeycook3323]

The MacKenzie guide we hired took us on those roads this past year and we didn’t talk too much to him. We were enjoying his expletives 😂

[@JamalonOfficial]

Classic Scotland 😂

[@Dave64track]

Great driving with some really fantastic views along the way thanks for sharing guys.

[@pkparks65]

My dad used to do regular deliveries to Applecross using a lorry before 1976 when the new road was built. So this route was the only option. I went along with him during the school holidays. You didn't get the same amount of tourist traffic in those days. But I do remember there were some very tight places to pass when you met someone else there 🙂

[@Ashs-mini-vlogs]

Definitely one of the best videos you guys have done in ages awesome

[@Brian3989]

I enjoyed your video. Many years ago visited Applecross, before the Shieldaig road existed! The Pass of the Cattle name came from cattle which often had swum across from the islands and were driven cross country to big market at places like Callendar.

[@letsgosomewheretravels9476]

Last time we went we gave it a miss but after your video we may now give this a try next time

[@tburnsmatheny]

Loved this video. Felt like I was riding along . So cool. Thanks

[@andybrown223]

Well done Dan , that was good driving. spectacular views, beautiful 👍

[@alanwatkiss7993]

Great vid Dan, I'm doing the NC 500 next month very informative. What a lovely voice Maz has sounds like an air hostess

[@jenniferbailey44]

Well driven. Interesting to watch. Lovely views. We have a 7.5 metre motorhome and we may try this route when we have some more experience of driving it.

[@HomefromHomewithLinRich]

Wow I enjoyed that. Thank you - Lin xx

[@touringtourne]

Thank You for showing Applecross pass. I will go there next summer when I will spend a month in England and Scotland.

[@juliepownall2000]

Hi Dan & mazzy thanks for that it was amazing ideal this time of year very quiet on the road lovely scenery 👍👏

[@debbiea6782]

Well done guys! Beautiful views.

[@CaptChaos1964]

I first went up the pass 36 years ago, then again 24 years ago, not so many camper vans, or anything else around back then. Cracking scenery.

[@radiogramgramophonetoons5802]

I drove a 14 tonne HGV up that small narrow road in April 2005. When we turned left onto that small road, there was a guy cleaning that sign on the left and it said “possibility of snow”. Myself and my work passenger looked at each other and said ‘nah-April-Snow-nah’ ... 😂 As we started going up it started with very very light snow, but we couldn’t turn around. The snow got thicker and thicker on the road and when we got to a very sharp right hair-pin bend, there was a bit of a pull-in on the left (12.22 on your video, where the two cars were), . With a shunt on the hairpin bend with the back wheels spinning, with a nasty drop over the small barrier, I managed to reverse into the pull-in. Then a council gritter lorry came down the road and warned us not to go any further. Needless to say we heeded their warning and gingerly went back down the snowy road, slowly, very slowly !!! Then went the long way round to Applecross. 😂

[@anthomygregory8103]

."

[@klausbaumann9293]

That would be a wonderful experience for my family to travel down that road... And I probably would scare my wife the way I drive.. Good driving Dan.....

[@systemSkynet]

actually looks like an awesome drive. great video guys

[@choltrig]

Seriously good advice from a more than sensible experienced champion driver well done

[@shieldaigbencher]

I’ve followed a large Lochcarron Garages recovery truck with a Shogun and a Focus on it doing the Belach from Applecross to Lochcarron with no problems.

[@lordmellis7135]

Fascinating. Thanks guys. A great video

[@mikeh2006]

Drove up here a few years ago in the summer no problem. Went again yesterday while on a winter break to scotland. Totally different story. Slow and steady in the snow and ice whilst occasionally sliding towards the edge. The visit to apple cross itself was cut short somewhat, as I wasnt entirely keen on driving back over it in the dark.

[@mommunson]

Wow it was beautiful

[@travelingchalksworld5138]

I drove over there in the eighties in a 16 tone flat bed lorry no problems 🚐☕️☕️👍🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🌈🙏🏼💙❤️💙❤️

[@TudorSmith]

Absolutely love this video. So informative. I can't wait to give this road a go!

[@clivemitchell4316]

Do it, I did it last week. Real fun to drive up and down.

[@TudorSmith]

Cheers. Definitely a video in the making for my channel 👍

[@zafychap]

Awesome video excellent driving Dan, with Mazzy on camera duties lol. Wow the scenery over this pass is just amazing thanks for taking us on the fantastic journey!..We are enjoying lockdown evenings catching up with your earlier vlogs Guy’s😊

[@evpalfy2464]

You are an excellent driver Dan

[@davethorpe2947]

we were followed by a Skoda Octavia towing a caravan, having met a Travis Perkins wagon on the hairpins, loved it

[@lyndonbarber2881]

Loved it dan great views will have to try one day❤❤

[@pattyfarghaly1821]

What a stunning place and quite the ride. ❣❣

[@DoktorDetroit]

Enjoyed that, beautiful ride.

[@keithie6]

Hey Dan & Mazzy that was a crazy road , looks like a trail from here, crazy how it's so narrow, My motorhome would never make those tight turns travel safe guys , good luck on your next adventure ( BIG thumbs up from Alaska )my rv is 9.75 meters long

[@heftybuttocks]

Thanks for sharing this video. Bought back memories of my trip along this same road in August 2019. I was driving a Subaru Impreza for Apple Maps and we had allot more traffic, especially Motor Homes causing major traffic jams at almost every passing place. I'm not saying motor homes should not use this road, but it does get very busy in summer and some people, as you pointed out, just don't know how to avoid creating problems. Still, I enjoyed my trip and hope to do it again one day. By the way, I would fix your camera to the windscreen which will help keep the image stable and stop the viewer feeling sick.

[@biking-northwest]

Thank you for introducing me to this road. I definitely have to ride this road on my motorbike.

[@alisonandrews2013]

Thanks for sharing , great views 😀👍👍👍👍👍

[@PK_Blinder]

It was quite funny when the excited Mazzy went very quiet when she found out it was a 25 minute walk to the pub... ;-)

[@juliemoy769]

Forgot sorry 😞. Absolutely fantastic 👏 👌 ❤ J.Moy xx

[@TravelTrollsTV]

Thank you 🤗

[@tracyroberts7918]

Well done guys....great video.

[@adrianpipe3323]

Great video thanks Guys. That road is an absolute must for anyway heading up there, such an experience. I think the pronunciation is about right - I think its bee-al-uch na ba. If you're a few days ahead I guess you may be up around those stunning beaches just north of Ullapool by now, hope you're having a great trip so far.

[@robclague8495]

Superbly driven Dan.

[@moonhogg]

I'm considering hiring a motorhome and touring Scotland for my 50th birthday, making up my own NC1000! You've just convinced me of one road I shall definitely be trying! Thanks for that. Off to check out your other NC500 videos for more ideas!

[@TravelTrollsTV]

Great idea. Thanks for watching.

[@GretatheEvilGremlin]

moonhogg Be sure to take in the West coast and Loch Lomond, it’s stunning.

[@kenfisher5346]

Wow, drove this a few times in the 80s and can't believe it hasn't changed at all! A Fiat Uno I think the first time.

[@westriding100]

Your video was first class and the information provided will be useful, thank you. West Riding

[@wacman]

Brings back memories, drove up from Leicester in Oct 2017 in my car and did the NC500 on my own (Misses not interested).

[@stewarttaylor2816]

Nice pronunciation of bealach na ba, credit to you sir 👍 hope you had a great trip around Applecross. It's a wonderful place to visit

[@jamescampbell6669]

I have done the pass twice now and done it in our camper this summer but it is only 6m. Amazing feeling after compmeting it. Just a small note, you should not be pulling into passing places to look at views anywhere especially the pass.

[@margaretlewis7125]

Gorgeous video. Thank you because I could never do that road!

[@colharris5283]

Road is great and easily completed in a car, just make sure that the weather forecast is good before setting off.

[@FancyMcDancy]

Really useful. I plan to do the NCN500 on my bike next year. This appears do-able - just.

[@JamalonOfficial]

Seeing people Biking up that road is pretty impressive. We could never 😂 Our NC500 was so so good. Defo love to do it on motorbikes

[@scorpio1122a]

Some lovely views

[@TX200AA]

I drove round Applecross in a Bedford CF based motor caravan in either 1976 or 77 just after the north Applecross road was opened. We came in on the new road and back over the pass of the cattle, going up into cloud, and emerging to see an oil rig being built down below in Loch Kishorn. .In those days Applecross saw few tourists and the only shop was the Post Office, which doubled as a small cafe. The postmistress apologised that all she had was salmon, and made us the most beautiful fresh salmon sandwiches.

[@heikestoll1205]

I just drove this pass a week ago (second time). If you pull over to let somebody pass, always roll down your window and wave them past, otherwise they think you’re waiting for oncoming traffic!

[@shieldaigbencher]

Well driven Sir.

[@lindahenderson2987]

Bravo - great drive. Wish you could see if Applecross was too busy to visit

[@andreasmith2007]

Wow congratulations! That was a bit scary more scary than paranormal overnighter.

[@delboy9904]

I am just watching this. This was the very first video i watched of you both many moons ago. I don't recall seeing the ending so I'm watching it again. I still need to watch your latest videos as i am behind 2 or 3.

[@TravelTrollsTV]

Yes this is our most watched video.

[@danfrost3043]

I don't have a very long attention span but I watched this right to the end. Gread Vid, loved It. Subscribed. Greetings From New Zealand.

[@garrystacey7018]

Great video thanks for sharing 🤗👍🏻

[@paulmicheal283]

Wow nice drive been to scotland a few times in my car never done applecross because of the traffic. But nice driving by you it annoys me when people don't know how to use passing places but I wish more people were respectful like you and pull over to let faster traffic past many a time I been driving near loch ness to have some idiot doing 30 to 40 mph and not pull over this includes car drivers not just motorhomes who I expect to go slow because of the size and sometimes when they can't pull over because they nowhere suitable I just hang back and enjoy the drive unlike some people who think that driving 1/2 a meter of the bumper will suddenly speed the vehicle in front up.

[@russellappleby9472]

Cycled up in February,2.5 hours to get to the top 12 minutes to come back down.motorhome piss easy!!!

[@mowheeler5319]

Thanks you guys. Thanks for sharing.

[@lynn7005]

Loved this !..thankyou ! 😁

[@vindivergilio3482]

Great job, Dan. You pilot that barge pretty good. You can drive my rig anytime. Reminds me of a road over here in the States just outside of Flagstaff, Arizona that goes over the Rocky Mountains I once drove an 18 wheeler on when I started driving big rigs for a few years. . I think it is U.S. 44. Not as narrow, but the grade is so steep, going up I didn't get past 5th gear (18 speed tranny) or 40mph. It really tests your skills because on that road, if u loose a gear, the only way to recover is to come to a dead stop and start again. Going down.....OMG! Ya better know how to use the gears. There were tons of cars broken down with overheated brakes, never mind the trucks. They had "run-a-way" emergency lanes filled with gravel to veer off on if ya lost yer brakes. My company driver trainer said I was his first trainee to make the run with no problem. Secret: take it SLOW & STEADY. Anyway. Great video, see ya in the next one.

[@TravelTrollsTV]

Sounds like another road ld love to try.

[@sue6664]

what a beautiful veiw.

[@TravelTrollsTV]

it certainly was would recommend

[@russellpointer4731]

9:45 Breathtaking

[@rscosworthfan]

cars pulling in on opposite side to you so you can pass well maybe they think your vehicle is a bit big to fit in there so they are trying to make your life a bit easier so you can just keep going......just saying

[@Grington300]

And they're right to do so.

[@kieranwalsh3438]

Agree.

[@jsk9756]

Great video dan. Really enjoyed,I never heard of that road. Very interesting Scotland is beautiful , I’ve only been as far as Dundee ,Edinburgh Glasgow. Want to do John o groates when we pick up our motor home ❤️❤️

[@thomasrobertson2241]

Good job driving on that narrow road. I couldn't do it!

[@scotsnow8543]

With regard to the passing places, it doesn't matter what side of the road the passing place is on, if you are the closest vehicle to the passing place then you signal and move into it. So the car that moved into the place on 'your' side of the road did it the correct way.

[@leemingmerlin]

No that it is not the way to use a passing place! Never cross into the opposite side of the road!!

[@scotsnow8543]

@@leemingmerlin it's a single track road you tit, there is no opposite side!! I've been driving on these roads for 30 years, if you're 20 metres from a passing place on the right hand side of the road and the oncoming car is 60 metres away, you move into the passing place and the oncoming car will pass on your passenger side. It's not rocket science. People like you are the ones who cause the problems.

[@lawriedavidson6351]

@@leemingmerlin If you never cross into a passing place on the other side of the road, there are long vehicles like long wheelbase coaches and articulated lorries that won't fit in the passing place. In these cases the small vehicle has to fit in the passing place, so wrong to say you never do it. As long as you signal clearly, it sometimes has to be done.

[@frankwbeveridge]

Great drive Dan and camera work from Mazzy. You made it look easy. I've got say though, I never knew Scotland had so many pickles.🤔👍🖖🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@bripeck]

Well done! This is the best video I’ve seen on the pass. You’ve earned my subscription! I’m planning on driving this in September so this was very helpful!

[@TravelTrollsTV]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@GCStalker]

Beer lorry gets over the pass to deliver to Applecross Inn.

[@Frillar]

usually goes via shieldaig actually.

[@JamalonOfficial]

The most important Job in Applecross 🍺✌🏼

[@supertramp6011]

Gordon Stalker checks in but it never leaves!🤣🤣🤣🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@BluTrollPro]

@@Frillar Depends, usually in winter we'll go the Shieldaig road, in summer in a 3.5 or 7.5T you can easily run over the pass, a 32T 8 legger will do it provided the driver knows the road.

[@juliemoy9116]

Great little vlog xx

[@nickbowes2627]

Hello, we have just done the NC500 in our Swift kontiki 669 tag axel and 9 meters long over apple cross, we stayed at the apple cross camp site then did it in reverse the next day. we are mad lol, but we did it.

[@steveguesswho3179]

I enjoy watching your channel. I’ve been a fan of Dan after watching Digger Dan videos. You crack me up. I’m from Oregon USA and like seeing all the things you guys are doing. Mazzi is a great addition and the reason I keep watching, lol. I am trying to watch from the start but I want to see the new videos too. I have to do an internet search sometimes to see what your talking about. I like “Wild camping” I have never heard it before, we say Dry camping, but I’m going to use Wild camping from now on.

[@davidrice6357]

Nothing like this in Australia, keep up the great work guys.. 😁

[@jennysage6796]

Great Alpine Road, Victoria

[@chipsandcurrysauce9313]

Steve Grahame outback trucker would get his road train up here no drama mate👍

[@Blaze_The_Fire_Wolf]

This roads definitely the most Dangerous/Scariest in Britian but thankfully you and Mazzy made it out safe.

[@daviddawes7316]

The ferrari driver probably pulled in behind you because he probably couldn't see beyond you on the single track road so thought you were pulling in to let oncoming traffic past because you pull in and indicate regardless of whether you're letting cars behind or oncoming pass you. Maybe indicate for oncoming and hazard lights for cars behind.

[@daviddawes7316]

Also In Scotland, and places like the Isle of Man most drivers are accustomed to single-track roads. When opposing traffic is encountered, the first driver to reach the nearest passing place pulls over, NO MATTER WHICH SIDE, and flashes the headlights to signal the other car to proceed forward. It is customary for both drivers to then acknowledge each other with a wave as they pass. At night, both drivers acknowledge each other by flashing their headlights as they pass.

[@markhalliday2397]

Isle of Lewis/Harris, ferry from Ullapool. Google the beaches of Harris, especially Luskentyre 😍

[@richardblaxley7398]

Most enjoyable Always enjoy a challenge. Been over it on my motorcycle Must be the easiest way. Also in the works van, no issues if your a competent driver.

[@BobEarnshawMoHo]

It is interesting to see you drive the pass, I'm sure we would be fine in ours, we'll have to give it a go. Certainly better out of season.

[@TravelTrollsTV]

Yes l don't think l'd try it in season. Having said that l don't think l'd go up there in season.

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Bob’s van and our van are approximately 7.75m long on an ultra low ALCO chassis and with a witter tow bar, it is likely that I would ground the tow bar on the steep inclines. I once had a nasty scrape just leaving a petrol station in The Brecons and it was only a steep camber in the road. I didn’t want to damage Bertie but we successfully navigated the B869 road north and south of Clachtoll which is more interesting than this one as it follows the coast in places and passed through villages. Great Vlog and thanks for taking us with you. 😄👍🏻 Trev n Sue

[@pelletboilers1066]

I think the Hardknot and Wrynose passes in the Lake District are trickier especially in a motorhome, quite a few years ago we where going up the Hardknot pass with a car in front it started to slow down and I could smell his clutch burning, he stopped all of a sudden and opened the back door and turfed out an elderly lady to save weight ! we had to pick her up and take her to the top it was the grandmother.

[@willc1199]

Reminds me of The Vee in the Knockmeldows Mountains in Co. Waterford.Roads wider in The Vee but has spectacular scenery also. Lismore at the base is a nice little village at the base .

[@davidfrazier1186]

Dan is The Man !

[@fionamclean5706]

Glad you enjoyed my country Scotland🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@russellnewton6660]

I have been wondering if it would be possible to do this in a motorhome, so I guess you have answered my query. It does look dodgy though, well done.