Road · United Kingdom
Applecross from Lochcarron
A mountainous 29 km road cycling route from Lochcarron, Highland through Sanachan, Kishorn and Ardarroch, with 748 m of climbing over the Lochcarron climb.
At a glance
- Best for
- Short, climbing-heavy rides
- Distance
- 28.7 km
- Elevation gain
- 748 m
- Riding time
- 2 h 03 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Bike
- Road bike
- Surface
- Paved
- Best months
- Jun to Aug
- Navigation
- GPX download
- Start → finish
- Lochcarron
Map and elevation profile
Elevation profile
- 748 m
- 29 km
Route description
- Lochcarron
- Sanachan
- Kishorn
- Ardarroch
- Lochcarron climb
The route starts at Lochcarron and heads for Sanachan and Kishorn before passing through Ardarroch and finishing at Applecross. It includes two climbs: the first begins at 0.9 km and rises 132 m over 2.4 km at an average gradient of 5.4%, and the second starts at 12 km, soaring 606 m over 8.5 km averaging 7.2%, with a maximum gradient of 13.7%, reaching 622 m altitude around 20.5 km.
The road surface is fully paved. The route combines 62% minor roads and 36% main roads, primarily along the C1087 and A896. The entire 10.3 km on main roads lacks cycle lanes. Fast roads with speed limits 80 km/h or higher run for 27.1 km. The route features 38% climbing, 41% descending and 21% flat; a long descent of 8.1 km starts at 20.6 km.
Food and drink options are found near the start at Lochcarron, including the Waterside Cafe at 0.8 km and a Spar supermarket at 0.6 km. The Bealach Café & Gallery is just off route at 10.9 km. Beyond 10.9 km to the finish at 28.6 km, there is a longest stretch of 17.7 km without cafes, shops or water. At Applecross, The Junction bar and a petrol station are near the finish.
Why ride this route?
- Climbs the Lochcarron climb (8.4 km at 7.2 %).
- Tops out at 622 m, 20.5 km in.
Highlights
- Bealach na Bà viewpoint at 20.7 km
- Climb reaching 622 m altitude at 20.5 km
- Peaks near the route: Sgùrr a' Chaorachain 792 m
- First climb at 0.9 km gains 132 m
Along the route
Places passed
On the road
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | On this ride | Full ascent | Top on this ride |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unnamed climb | 0.9 km | 2.4 km · 132 m · 5.4 % · max 7.8 % | — | 141 m |
| Lochcarron climb | 12 km | 8.5 km · 606 m · 7.2 % · max 13.7 % | 8.4 km · 606 m · 7.2 % | 622 m |
Lochcarron climb · full ascent, starts at 12 km
< 4%4 – 7%7 – 10%> 10%
Know before you go
- Longest stretch without café, shop or water 17.7 km from 10.9 to 28.6 km
- 10.3 km on main roads without cycle lane
- 27.1 km on roads with speed limit 80 km/h or higher
- Steepest 500 m at 18.5 km with 13.4% gradient