UK's ‘scariest road' which millions of drivers are told to AVOID revealed… and it's a huge attraction for thrill-seekers

The Sun

19-05-2025

The UK's most dangerous road has become a tourist hot spot despite warnings about its perilouslu steep climbs and sharp turns
The Bealach-na-ba pass, also known as the Applecross path, holds the ominous title of Britain's most dangerous road.
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The hazardous tarmac stretches from east to west from Tornapress to Applecross, in the west of the Scottish Highlands.
The road's infamous reputation extends beyond the British isles, and attracts tourists from across the globe.
A warning sign at the bottom says: 'This road rises to a height of 2,053 feet, with gradients of one in five and hairpin bends.
"Not advised for learner drivers, very large vehicles or caravans after the first mile.'
In a top 10 list of the most dangerous roads in the world - compiled by car insurance company StressFreeCarRental.com - the Bealach na Bà ranked 9th.
Bealach-na-ba translates as 'pass of the cattle' - giving tourists an insight into what the path was first used for.
In the 7th century, an Irish monk named St Máel Ruba set up a religious community in Applecross, and a subsequent path was established enabling the transport of cows across this Highlands peninsula.
The road itself was first built in 1822 – when gravel surfacing meant snowfall couldn't be shifted for weeks at a time making the road either lethal or closed.
This meant Applecross was effectively inaccessible during north-west Scotland's harsh winter months, only changing in 1975 with the construction of an alternative coastal road.
The path is dangerously thin - wide enough only for one car apart from at designated passing points.
The road winds across breathtaking Scottish mountains, demanding drivers navigate endless hairpins, switchbacks and 'Devil's elbows' turns.
The sheer size of the ascent makes things even more terrifying – it is the biggest climb in the UK, rising from sea level to 626 metres.
These road-goers, and any others who don't fancy putting their nerves to the test, can take the alternative 7.5-mile coastal route instead.
But, anyone willing to brave the Applecross Path is rewarded by some of the best viewpoints Scotland has to offer.
Drivers can also enjoy a drink and a stay at the Applecross Inn, situated at the road's end, which gazes westward across the sea towards the Isle of Raasay.
The Bealach-na-ba path has become increasingly popular over the last decade, with its sweeping landscape views being popularised by its inclusion in the The North Coast 500 (NC500).
The NC500 is a coastal route across the Scottish Highlands which was established in 2015, and encompasses the regions remarkable landscapes and landmarks.
It has become highly popular among motoring tourists, cyclists, caravanners, and even featured in 2019 The Grand Tour special 'Well Aged Scotch ' - airing in 2019.
Those who have conquered the stomach-churning road took to TripAdvisor to describe their adventure.
One motorist said: "It was well worth. Steep at times, some big drops (although always behind barriers), but plenty of passing places.
There are also two or three designated spots to park and take in the views, which, even in awful weather, were stunning."
Another weighed in: "Best road in the UK. easy for cars, passable for camper vans if u can drive."
However, others warned of the treacherous risks.
"Thankfully my husband drove. It is stunning BUT do not underestimate how difficult this is in a motor home", one driver warned.
"We were fortunate that we did not meet anyone coming down on the hairpins.
"The passing places are not generous. I would encourage folk to be more savvy than we were and understand how tricky this is."
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