The Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb with an ascent of 626m from sea level in just 10km. It is set in a fabulous unspoilt landscape with outstanding views of the sea and hills. The Applecross Peninsula is renowned as a gem in Scotland’s crown of natural wonders. The idea of a sportive belongs to local cycling legend Clifford Davidson.
The event was first run in the summer of 2006 and it was immediately obvious that had captured the imagination of cyclists of all standards. Shortly after, due to demand, we introduced a 2nd shorter option which also included the opportunity to climb the big one! Bealach Mor retains the original route of 90 miles and the Bealach Beag introduced a shorter distance of 43 miles.
72KM
1426M OF ASCENT
The route will take you south east from the picturesque village of Shieldaig down through Glen Shieldaig to Tornapress. Things get tough now as the road swings sharply upward for the main climb to Bealach-na-Ba. The section of road from Tornapress up the Bealach and down to Applecross campsite is closed for the event. The reward is great as a massive vista over the west coast and the Isle of Skye opens before you as you plunge down to sea level again at Applecross. The hard work is not over as the next section around the north of the peninsula has hardly any flat as it clings to the coast, past rocky cliffs and sandy coves. Finally you return to charming Sheildaig nestling in the shelter of its loch. There the enthusiastic locals will assure you a warm highland welcome (and some good grub!)
The Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb with a 626m ascent from sea level in just 10km. It is set in a fabulous unspoilt landscape with outstanding views of the sea and the hills. The Applecross Peninsula is renowned as a gem in Scotland’s crown of natural wonders. The 78km route will take you south east from the picturesque village of Shieldaig down through Glen Shieldaig to Tornapress.
Things get tough now as the road swings sharply upward for the main climb to Bealach-na-Ba. The section of road from Tornapress up the Bealach and down to Applecross campsite is closed for the event.
The reward is great as a massive vista over the west coast and the Isle of Skye opens before you as you plunge down to sea level again at Applecross. The hard work is not over as the next section around the north of the peninsula has hardly any flat as it clings to the coast, past rocky cliffs and sandy coves. Finally you return to charming Sheildaig nestling in the shelter of its loch. You are assured of a warm highland welcome (and some good grub!) from the locals.
There will be a timing station at the bottom of the Bealach and another at the top. If you want your time on the climb recorded and be eligible to compete to become the Highlands answer to Chris Froome you must stop and ‘dib’ at both!
The Bealach is the UK’s biggest road climb with an ascent of 626m from sea level in just 10km. It is set in a fabulous unspoilt landscape with outstanding views of the sea and hills. The Applecross Peninsula is renowned as a gem in Scotland’s crown of natural wonders. The idea of a sportive belongs to local cycling legend Clifford Davidson.
The event was first run in the summer of 2006 and it was immediately obvious that had captured the imagination of cyclists of all standards. Shortly after, due to demand, we introduced a 2nd shorter option which also included the opportunity to climb the big one! Bealach Mor retains the original route of 90 miles and the Bealach Beag introduced a shorter distance of 43 miles.
BEALACH MOR ROUTE AND ROAD CLOSURE
144KM
2,100 M OF ASCENT
The route will take you east from Kinlochewe near beautiful Loch Maree to the wide canvass of Achnasheen and its surrounding hills. From there you head south on a fine new road down through Glen Carron to the sea at picturesque Lochcarron. Things get tough now as the road swings sharply upward for the main climb to Bealach-na-Ba. The section of road from Tornapress up the Bealach and down to Applecross campsite is closed for the event.
The route will take you east from Kinlochewe near beautiful Loch Maree to the wide canvass of Achnasheen and its surrounding hills. From there you head south on a fine new road down through Glen Carron to the sea at picturesque Lochcarron. Things get tough now as the road swings sharply upward for the main climb to Bealach-na-Ba. The section of road from Tornapress up the Bealach and down to Applecross campsite is closed for the event.
The reward is great as a massive vista over the west coast and the Isle of Skye opens before you as you plunge down to sea level again at Applecross. The hard work is not over as the next section around the north of the peninsula has hardly any flat as it clings to the coast, past rocky cliffs and sandy coves. Finally you pass through the charming village of Sheildaig nestling in the shelter of its loch and the final section begins. Weary legs will be revived through rugged Glen Torridon overshadowed by the massive craggy bulk of Liatach and its sisters on the famous ridge. Finally, relief is at hand with a gentle descent back to the finish at Kinlochewe.
There will be a timing station at the bottom of the Bealach and another at the top. If you want your time on the climb recorded and be eligible to compete to become the Highlands answer to Chris Froome you must stop and ‘dib’ at both!
The Highland Perthshire Challenge
Join us at the Highland Perthshire Challenge for your choice of 50 mile or 100 mile routes.
As always, you’ll experience some amazing scenery, a friendly volunteer team, and excellent refreshments along the way!
The Highland Perthshire Challenge 50 mile route is a more modest cycling challenge. The route takes in the historic Scottish towns of Blairgowrie, Dunkeld, and Pitlochry. It also passes notable landmarks such as the Meikleour Beech Hedge, the Birk’s of Aberfeldy, and lots of famous bridges.
The route starts and ends of Scone Airfield, just north of Perth. The Airfield has ample car parking and toilets. Accommodation, a restaurant and a cafe are available on site.
The Highland Perthshire Challenge 100 is a challenging 100 mile route.
Taking in the historic Scottish towns of Blairgowrie, Dunkeld, and Pitlochry, as well as passing notable landmarks such as the Meikleour Beech Hedge, the Birk’s of Aberfeldy, and lots of famous bridges.
The route starts and ends at Scone Airfield, just north of Perth. The Airfield has ample car parking and toilets. Accommodation, a restaurant, and a cafe are available on site.
The Fred Whitton Challenge is one of the most popular sportives in the UK and is also famed as being particularly difficult. Dubbed ‘The Daddy of them all’ by Cycling Weekly, riders rank it alongside European events such as the Marmotte in terms of difficulty. The ride is a real challenge and everyone who completes it has a true sense of achievement. The Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge is a charity event in honour of the late Fred Whitton who was a great advocate for cycle sport in Cumbria and North Lancashire. It is with respect to Fred and his ideals that the event remains just that, ‘a challenge’.
The Fred Whitton Challenge consists of a 113 mile sportive around the Lake District, now a World Heritage Site. Starting at Grasmere and taking in climbs of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott, Wrynose and Blea Tarn passes.
The very top riders complete the route in just under six hours but eleven hours and over are not uncommon for the average Sportive rider. This is a very tough route and going on rider feedback the hardest one day ride in the UK, the event includes all the Lakeland passes, one with a 30% gradient and this comes at 98 miles.
