Looking down the famous Bealach na Bà, one of Britain's most dramatic roads, as it twists its way between steep mountain slopes towards Loch Kishorn far below.
In 2025 during the summer, we went up to see my Auntie as it was her retirement from serving time in the emergency services and for that I salute her, but I also thought to myself, that I haven't been into the highlands at all before and the furthest north I had been was Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond. It was time to change that!
Heading to Lochcarron
27th July
So, after staying in Helensburgh with my parents at an Airbnb, it was time to make the long journey further up. For anyone who has never been further up in Scotland before, it is stunning, but also not for the faint of heart due to some of the roads up there.
A dramatic view across Loch Lomond, where dark clouds hung over the surrounding hills while the loch remained calm along the shoreline.Low cloud clung to the hills across Loch Lomond, creating a dramatic scene as the dark waters stretched away beneath a typically Scottish sky.
On the way I stopped off at Loch Lomond and at the Falls of Falloch.
The sign marking the short woodland walk to the Falls of Falloch, complete with a reminder that Scotland's beautiful landscapes often come with a few hazards to watch out for.A quick photo stop at the Falls of Falloch, where the River Falloch plunges into a deep rocky gorge surrounded by lush woodland in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.The Falls of Falloch in full flow, where the River Falloch crashes into a deep pool surrounded by steep rock walls and lush woodland.
I even stopped off at a small fishing village called Oban to have a rest for 30 mins.
Outside Nories in Oban, proudly displaying its claim to serve "The best fish and chips in Oban" — with an endorsement from Gordon, Gino and Fred to back it up.A panoramic view across Oban harbour, where ferries, fishing vessels and islands beyond highlight the town's role as the gateway to Scotland's west coast and Hebridean islands.Rosebay willowherb added a splash of colour to the landscape, while sunlight briefly broke through the clouds to illuminate the mountains beyond the loch.
Eventually after about 5-6 hours I made it to Lochcarron where I was staying in a lovely little guesthouse called "The Old Manse Guest House", which I would highly recommend and stay at again!
The Old Manse Guest House, a traditional Highland stone house that provided a comfortable and characterful base for exploring the surrounding area.The Old Manse Guest House enjoyed wonderful views across the loch, with the surrounding Highland hills reflected in the calm water beyond the garden.
Later that night I went to the Lochcarron bistro for something to eat and had haggis bon bons and a lamb shank pie. Just don't ask how much it all costs, as I still don't want to think about it.
Crispy haggis croquettes at Lochcarron Bistro, served with seasonal vegetables and a rich whisky gravy — a delicious twist on a traditional Scottish favourite.A hearty lamb shank pie at Lochcarron Bistro, served with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and rich gravy — the perfect meal after a day exploring the Highlands.
Goinng to Applecross
28th July
The next day I decided to make my way across the Bealach Na Ba, which is the pass to Applecross and is also known as the Stelvio Pass of Scotland.
The sign at the foot of the Bealach na Bà leaves no doubt about what lies ahead — steep gradients, tight hairpin bends and one of the most challenging and spectacular roads in Britain.
It is a stunning route to go up, but unfortunately people don't tend to take notice of this sign and try and take up motorhomes anyway, much to everyone else’s annoyance especially as it is all single-track roads.
A roadside stop on the Bealach na Bà, where dark clouds added even more drama to the already spectacular landscape surrounding one of Scotland's most famous mountain passes.A breathtaking panorama from the Bealach na Bà, where the winding mountain road cuts through rugged Highland scenery while views stretch across Loch Kishorn and the mountains of Wester Ross beneath dramatic skies.Even the viewpoint marker at the summit of the Bealach na Bà was glistening with rain, a reminder of the changeable weather that accompanied the journey across one of Scotland's most famous mountain passes.
Of course, with this being Scotland, the weather decided not to play ball for the time being, but they do say in Scotland "If you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes". I did that and it still didn’t clear to be honest!
The weather at the summit of the Bealach na Bà quickly deteriorated, with heavy rain, low cloud and mist reducing visibility to almost nothing.Any hopes of enjoying the summit view quickly disappeared as the Bealach na Bà became enveloped in thick fog, leaving only a few metres of visibility in every direction.
So instead of staying for the invisible view, it was time to go down the other side of the pass to the Applecross peninsula.
A panoramic view across Applecross Bay at low tide, with dark clouds rolling in over the hills while the rocky shoreline stretched away along the water's edge.A sign marking the Ministry of Defence's Applecross test range, a reminder that this remote corner of Wester Ross is home not only to stunning scenery but also to an active defence research facility.Looking across the Inner Sound from Applecross towards the Isle of Skye, where the distant mountains appeared beneath a constantly changing canopy of Highland cloud.
Whilst there, I went to the village shop, which was a small shop and post office in the middle of nowhere and was quite charming to be honest and want to the local inn for some food before heading back and at least this time the weather was playing ball, well sort of.
The Applecross Village Shop and Post Office serves as the heart of this remote Highland community, with views across the Inner Sound towards the Isle of Skye beyond.The famous hairpin bends of the Bealach na Bà snake their way down towards Applecross, emerging from the cloud to reveal one of the most spectacular road views in the Scottish Highlands.
Join me next time as I go to the Isle of Skye!!!!!!!!
