From the sea to the sky and back. 21st August

Finally, the Grandaddy of them all makes its appearance. How do you do justice to the Bealach na Ba given its rating as the hardest in the book?

 More later..... But first Cairngorm. Having spent an unsettled night at the Well of Lecht I finally set off at 7.30 for Aviemore. (The thing that has struck me as I’ve driven around the Cairngorms is that there is a really hilly long ride circumnavigating the Cairngorms to be done at some stage. Could be a weekend boys trip!)

After a stop for petrol I arrived at Glenmore, got out the car and was immediately besieged by the wee bastards that are midges. I remember now why I don’t want to live here!. Even cycling uphill they still managed to keep us with me. Anyway, I MTFU and reached the top, 

with some spectacular views back to Aviemore. 

A quick blast downhill, and I was on my way to Applecross, and my first sight of the Bealach.

After a substantial drive I arrived at Tornapress and parked up by the bridge. I really was going to cycle from the sea to the sky! It’s not the highest road in the UK, but with a climb of 620+ m it’s certainly one of the greatest climbs.

What struck me was how busy it was, with lots of traffic both ways. It was fairly easy initially, but as I climbed into the corrie it became more ominous and the gradient increased.  The final few hairpins were alpine and the only comparison I can make is to the top bit of the Galibier! 

As I crested the summit the heaven opened and the first 2 mile sof the decent towards Applecross were wet and greasy. I had decided that I was going to climb over to Applecross and then come back up, so was mightily relieved that the weather improved and gave some great views into the valley below.

A quick photo opportunity at Applecross,

 and then I was back climbing the pass. This brought back some great memories as I had climbed the Bealach this was before with Ems when she was 11! This side is steadier, with a pretty constant gradient in the first part with a steeper narrower finish.

Then, joy of joys, the greatest, longest descent ever, starting with some epic hairpins and then becoming a long, fast swooping ribbon of tarmac that finally dropped me back at the car.

And how to finish the ride, well just round the corner is the Kishorn Seafood Bar and look what was waiting!

All that was left was a final climb “Rest and be thankful” Again, a long drive ensued, via Fort Willaim and then the Connel Bridge, bringing back many memories of the JOGLE last summer with the boys!

I was chased by a storm along Loch Awe, and the heavens opened as I reached the car park at the top. 

After a patient wait, I was rewarded with clear skies and a swift descent down the pass. Turning round, the climb back passed quickly and it was a classic Scottish valley, all wet vegetation, slabby rock strewn streams and narrow tarmac with passing places. I reached the top about 9pm, and then set off for home, arriving just after midnight.

Here endeth two long days. Six hills completed and over 700 miles driven!

35 miles 1788m