Have you cycled up Bealach-na-ba?

[mattsccm]

As hills go nothing is especially nasty. Just goes on a bit.

[Polisman]

As hills go nothing is especially nasty. Just goes on a bit.

Agreed, compared to continental passes its quite easy, just a slog really. The coast road round to Shieldaig is much more challenging, imo.

[pq]

I rode it years ago carrying camping gear. It rained and was very windy, but I don't remember it being especially hard - at least not compared to the Pyrenean climbs I now have on my doorstep. I probably had 20/28 as my lowest gear, most likely rode up in the 24. As others have said the coast road north from Applecross is harder because the constant ups and downs mean you can't settle into a rhythm.

[gloomyandy]

I seem to remember the getting started after pulling in to a passing place (the road was quiet busy and this was before the NC500) being rather tricky, I had front and rear panniers and getting enough forward momentum to get started was hard! I was passed by a guy on a "racing" bike with look pedals and I passed him on the hairpins at the top, he was walking because he couldn't get clipped back in!

I'd also agree that the road north is harder, I was very glad to get to Shieldaig and my camp for the night!

[Tigerbiten]

I've done it a couple of times now on my bent trike.
My second time was faster than my first simply because I had a lower gear, 9.4" vs 12.5".
This let me keep the cadence up hence slightly more speed for less effort.

The road up from the Iceland ferry is very similar to the one up the Bealach.

Luck .........

[bri7800]

I rode it on a warm sunny day back in May 2017. Stayed at the Applecross campsite. I did the coast road to Sheildaig first, then over the Bealach back to Applecross. Tough 40 miles but very beautiful

[Tinnishill]

The Applecross locals are fund raising for a project that unfortunate cyclists might be grateful for;

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland- ... s-50288153