Day 3, Applecross Torridon and Kinlochewe

This was going to be a tough day in the mountains.  Firstly I had to cross the Infamous Bealach na'ba to Applecross (a climb to over 2000ft from sea level) followed by a long loop around the coast, through Torridon finishing in Kinlochewe.

I was up and away early as I wanted to get over the Bealach before too many campervans were shuffling their over the pass.  It was another glorious morning as I headed round the coast to the start of the climb.  It was pretty tough going especially on a bike laden down with pannier bags.  However the views across the loch to Plockton and Skye were amazing and I actually quite enjoyed it in a sick sort of way !!!!!!

Start of the Bealach na'ba

I'm going that way !!!

Up, up forever up !!!

Looking back toward Plockton

Crazy corners !!!!

I finally got to the top and there was only a couple of camper vans up there.  I stopped to take a few photos and left as the smell of campers frying bacon was driving me crazy.

The down hill was super fast especially on a bike with heavy panniers.  I was going so fast I could smell by disc brakes burning !!!!.  I had to stop a couple of times to let them cool down.  I eventually arrived at the beautiful village of Applecross where I rewarded myself with a coffee and that bacon roll !!!

Pano from the Bealach na'ba

Downhill all the way to Applecross.

The views on the way down.

The next stage was a beautiful run along the coast looking over to the Isle of Raasay.  Started of nice and flowing but started to get a bit lumpy, and I was glad to get to the village Sheildaig for lunch.  I ate at Nanny's, I totally recommend it if your in Sheildaig.

Looking over to Raasay

Dean and Boardy in good spirits

Beautiful coastline.

Soup and a Milkshake at Nanny's

The next stage was a sharp climb out of Sheildaig (tough going after lunch) and then a fabulous cycle through the Torridon mountains.  I stopped for a wee leg stretch at the Torridon Countryside center.  I then pushed on for the final 10 miles past Beinn Eighe to Kinlochewe.  I was pretty hot and tired by the time I got off the bike and went straight to bar of the Kinlochewe hotel for a pint of lager !!!!!.  That evening I stayed at the Kinlochewe hotel bunkhouse.  I had a pleasant evening in the bar chatting to fellow cyclists and hill walkers,  discussing our days various adventures.

Why did the chicken cross the bridge ?

The road past Beinn Eighe.

Day 3 Route :