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Hairpins & Bealachs – A view from the pass

Next up on my list is a slightly less adrenaline inducing adventure -just be sure to keep your wits about you on the narrow and twisting road to the Loch Diabaig Viewpoint. As it happens, there are actually two viewpoints about 200m from each other, but with vastly different outlooks.

The first one you will come to is just past the hairpin after you’ve driven past the turning for Inveralligin and has stunning views over loch Torridon. However, my favourite is the second viewpoint which overlooks Loch Diabaig. I’ve spent many evenings up here watching the sunset, with the Isles of Rona and Skye in the distance. On a very clear day you can even see The Storr on Skye! Directly behind you as you gaze out over the stunning landscape, Beinn Alligin looms and when the sun catches its peak it really is a sight to behold.

Slightly further afield is the now famous Applecross Pass or the Bealach na Bà in Gaelic. This sinuous stretch of tarmac rises 600m through a steep sided corrie and several alpine style hairpins grace the upper slopes. On a sunny day in the height of summer the road is often chaos, motorhomes stuck on the narrow sections and cyclists slogging relentlessly up the gradients make for slow going but at least it leaves time to admire the views!

Pick a slightly quieter time, however, and you’ll be greeted with one of the finest roads in the UK. The view from the top is breathtaking but venture on from the road and you’ll be greeted with even more stunning views. Venturing along the ridgeline offers up glimpses of the valley floor below, however, be sure to be aware of where you are as the cloud can descend very quickly and leave you completely clueless as to which where you left your car!

The journey down the other side of the pass is equally as stunning and make sure to stop off at the Applecross Inn for a well-deserved fish and chips. There are two options to get back to The Torridon, either back the way you came over the pass, or take in the very scenic coastal route which often has Highland cows along the roadside as well as a few white sandy beaches.

Why not enjoy these stunning roads with the The Torridon’s very own Morgan car experience available daily?

You can see more of Matt’s work at www.mattbuckleyphoto.com or on Instagram, @mattbuckleyphoto.


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Dan & Rohaise are proud owners of The Torridon a family run and independent Hotel and resort. Passionate about food, service, provenance and promoting hospitality as an Industry of choice, especially for young people.

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