Bealach na Bà

pass · GB · 626 m

57.4328, -5.7525

The highest road pass in the United Kingdom, reaching 626 metres in the Applecross peninsula of Wester Ross. Built in 1822, it climbs in a series of tight hairpin bends from sea level at Tornapress. The name means pass of the cattle: before the road existed, Highland drovers moved stock over this saddle to market. The surface is single-track with passing places. From the viewpoint the ridgeline runs south toward the Cuillin of Skye, visible on clear days. The road is routinely closed by snow between November and April. Its Gaelic spelling uses the grave accent on the a, but Gaelic speakers may pronounce it roughly ba-lahk na bah.