Great video We drove our 1971 campervan from Cornwall to Scotland , nc 500 , Lake District and Wales within 2 weeks . Brings back great memories, especially driving UP the pass. Our van is no bigger than a car so we didn’t encounter any issues, we didn’t even have mechanical issues in the 3614 miles that we drove 🙏 We went late September so we only could see rain and fog all the time in Scotland Thank you very much for sharing ❤
Now that's a road trip! and in just 2 weeks. I'm impressed you remember how many miles you did. We are just back from our trip to the South of Spain which took 6 weeks and we only did 3000 miles (caught the boat back from Bilbao) Glad you enjoyed our video and that it brought back some memories, cheers...Andy&Michelle
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures I only remember the mileage because I kept all my petrol receipts so that I could work out my average mpg 😂. I wish I had watched your video before because like you say , some of the garages were closed out of season, we ended up running on fumes a couple of times before we could fill up again. I think I would take a spare can if I did the trip again. Spain sounds like an amazing trip, I’m sure you made great memories on the journey
I have driven the pass once many years ago, not in a motorhome in my car, I was inspired to stay in Applecross after watching Monty Halls on TV where he lived the life of a crofter on the beach, it is breathtaking scenery and definitely should not be missed!
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures It was a really great six part series , well worth a watch. The local's all chipped in & helped he had an inflatable rib & his rescue dog Rubin. There was also a book to accompany the series.
Looks like you had beautiful weather on that trip, I had family holidays as a child to Applecross, so your road trip brings back happy memories for me. I haven't been back for probably 35 years now, maybe time I made another visit! By that way, at around 13:28 as you drive along , that red roofed white cottage on the left is the subject of a thousand instagram photos!! It is much photographed, thought you might have stopped to get your own version! Thanks for sharing the video.
Hi, glad to hear it brought back some happy memories for you 😀 Not like us to miss a good Instagram opportunity but did on this occasion🤣 we'll have to go back too! Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Just wonderful!!! Thank you both for bringing back my memories of The Applecross Pass. Going up the first time, in the summer of 1974, was awesome and daunting at the same time as we made our way to 'The West Highland School of Adventure', near Applecross, where 56 lads spent 30 whole days which involved 3 day expeditions including hiking, canoeing, climbing and sailing. A truly beautiful part of Scotland. Marvellous video... Mike
Just spent the afternoon watching your Scotland series. Clutching Finlay, my hairy coo, that I found in 2019 when last in Scotland. Still going. Up to Part 12. All on our 75 inch TV. It’s like I’m there. Thx so much for this series. I feel at peace with nature. ☺️
Hi Anne, its great to hear you are enjoying our Scotland trip...and on a 75" TV! Scotland is beautiful and we loved our time there 😀 🏴 Cheers...Andy&Michelle
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures Thx Andy and Michelle for responding. 😀 Hubby and I will be in Scotland for the 3rd time at the start of October. Certainly drawn to that country. Perhaps because I have heritage there. Again, loved this series of yours. 🤩
I have worked in Kishorn port and used to run from the point 1m 38 secs in, up the pass for 5km and then back down again, in heavy wind and rain. It was brutal, but felt brilliant on the way back down, with the views across the loch. Thanks for the video
Thanks, glad you liked it. We did have our fair share of bad weather in Scotland while we were there but this was definitely one day where we were really thankful for the sun 😎🌤 Good luck on the weather if you go next year, Cheers...Andy&Michelle
I have to say, it's testament to Carthago quality. If you did that in a Bailey or a Swift, they'd be rattling and banging so much we wouldn't be able to hear you speak. Haha biggest drone I've ever seen. Classic! :-)
Great video. Loved your graphics at the beginning. Really showed the terrain and the challenge ahead. Really looking forward to the “Weak Bridge” adventure. Lol
Smashing video, great scenery too. As a caravanner I've been known to take the odd chance. Don't think I'll be tempted to try the Applecross Pass somehow !! Thanks it was very much enjoyed.
I have no idea how but with every video your editing gets better and better Andy. I take my hat off to you for this one. Absolutely amazingly put together 😊
Another great video, blessed with good weather and photography. We’ve ridden the route on motorcycle 30 degrees + a few summers ago, but also in 2x campervans but not in a Motorhome - well done you. The scenery just makes me want to return soonest ! 👍
Thanks Stewart, we definitely dropped on with the weather that day 😎 but 30+ is amazing👍We'll be back at some point, still so much more to do there ⛰ Cheers...Andy&Michelle
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures We head to Norway in July and will be in the UK for August and September. We may have some small overlap at the beginning of August, but then sounds like we'll miss each other. Excited to see where you'll be in Austria - another one of our favorite countries - but we really need to improve on our German!
@@welltravelledlife Norway is very high on our must see list😀 Konigssee in Austria is in our plan but that's all, for the rest of our time we'll wing it! 😀
A lovely video and pleased you had great weather. I have driven the pass several times over the past thirty years. Last time was in Autumn 2020, the pass was very busy. The number of RVs many driven by inexperienced drivers caused a wealth of passing problems. I know this is contentious but I wonder if an outright ban of caravans and RVs should be mandated.
It was ok when we did it but I’ve heard horror stories from others so I think something needs to be done because it definitely isn’t suitable in busy times for large vehicles, glad you liked our video of it😀cheers.. Andy&Michelle
Ahhh the pass! I’ve seen horror videos of that, fair enough may was early season, what time of day was that? Some of our mates have done it on bikes (no engine). I’ve told Lyndz we are NEVER doing it and we are 7 metres 😅 But your photography is stunning and the view of course incredible so maybe one day. 😬They’re trying to remove it from nc500 this summer apparently it was chaos but it wisnae us; we were in wales. Love your videos but you already know that - Spain looks like the Italian job!!!!
We did it about 10:30am, not super early but were lucky enough for it to be quiet, it would be horrendous when its busy in a car never mind a motorhome! Can wait to start on the Spain videos, there's just one more from Scotland left now, 😀 Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Been up to the radio mast at Applecross many times, the view from the cliff up there at 2539ft is dizzying. Love the wide angle camera also the footage of the US Ospreys, what were the Americans doing?. Seen the French Army carry out mock attack at the Melvaig Radio Site up past Gairloch some years back, they threw a flashbang grenade in to the mast compound where we were working the Commander chap came in and apologised after.
We love those dizzying heights, a bit unusual for us to be there with our Motorhome 😀 The Americans must have been on some sort of field training exercise with the Ospreys, there were a lot of troops running around on the beaches too, it was great to see. Would have liked to see the flashbang grenade! Cheers...Andy&Michelle
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures …………. it wasn’t the usual snowy type of day when I set-off in 2005 in late April, it was a sunny day with blue sky’s. It didn’t snow until half way up but nowhere to turn around. 😬 I should of gone to Applecross the long way. 😂
We get the Ospreys over our house quite a lot from the nearby air bases. The pass looked very scenic. I think I'd be in 1st much of the time in our van.
Thanks 😊 This is definitely one road you would not want to take your caravan on, as for the road in Spain, you would definitely not want to even take a Motorhome on that one! Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Hi Guys,I done the same rote in June and the weather was poor yes it was like fog at the highest point low cloud ,it’s so exciting to drive but the passenger it must be so scary for them our motorhome was 7.5 it was a brand new higher motorhome ,I had watched UA-cams going up and down the Apple pass so I know I had to do it ,we stop in the camp site over night so pleased we did the mountains disappeared in the clouds and thick fog the weather that week it rained everyday lol then we went on tho the isle of sky so pleased we did what a fantastic island done the cost road all the way round ,the disappointment part I couldn’t walk anywhere as only one leg but my partner went to some of the views with the camera so I did not really miss to much this is why I like watching others travelling so I can see the places I missed ,I really enjoyed your blog very interesting great fun ,till next time take care keep safe, John 😂🌹😜👏🤷♀️🤷♂️🙌🎄🎅🏻🎅🏻
Hi John, we can imagine that it is totally a different but none the less enjoyable experience in poor conditions, yes most of the way the passenger is on the scary side! We also watched a few videos on UA-cam so we knew what to expect. Yes Skye is amazing, so many beautiful sights around to see. I'm glad you enjoy our vlogs and that they show you the places you cannot get to, that means a lot to us to be able to share this way and bring some joy😀 You take care and stay safe too John...Cheers Andy&Michelle ps, you win the prize for being the first to use the Christmas emoji this year on our channel 🎅🤶🎄
It was a great drive and defo steeper than the camera shows but over all too quickly 😜 Shame the pub was shut as a pint and a delicious meal would have topped it off perfectly 😋 We took the easier road out also and probably got the same pictures of the same Highland Coo's as you did 🚐💨🏴❤
Amazing scenery and you were blessed with fantastic weather. I actually prefer partial white cloud to clear blue skies, it makes mountains and waterscapes more dramatic. I'm surprised Teddy wasn't replaced with a Highland Cow plush, Michelle seems infatuated.
Even before I googled it I though it would this one, yes some places in Europe are a different league. Applecross does win though on being single track. The Stelvio Pass is on our todo list so expect a video someday! Cheers...Andy&Michelle
I waved thanks at that motorhome coming the other way (sitting at my desk) as well and Michelle's face on that Spanish clip....I've seen that on my better half's face a few times :)
Yes we were very grateful for the other motorhome reversing for us on the Pass, as for Michelle's face - it was well justified!! Cheers...Andy&Michelle
I've just done a quick google search (The source of all truth! 🤣) and I can't see that Motorhomes have been banned, if you have anything from an official source we'll be happy to publicise it to warn others of the change. Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Is this the one in the Lake District ? l couldn't get up it with my Ford Transit camper van ! It took many attempts ! l was lucky the road was dry ! Eventually l made it !
This is the one in Scotland, we’ve seen videos of the one in the lakes with vans getting stuck, that must’ve been stressful for you! Alls well that ends well! Cheers…Andy&Michelle
Hi Michelle Andy,I absolutely lover driving up Apple cross pass but we had rain and missed not nice other half keep saying how much further lol we stop in the campsite for the night glad we did as the mountains disappeared in the fog ,never again will I buy fish& chips from the camp site they wear disgusting and £9,50 each we also went the way you went such a beautiful scenery that was my highlight of the trip for me ,beautiful highland bulls them horns could do some real damage ,what time of year was it filmed how’s was June ,most enjoyable till next time take care keep safe,john 🤝👍🌹🌹👏🙏😘😚😚🌧💨
Hi John, yes the apple cross is a great drive, we drove it in May 2021. Can imagine its quite scary if there's no visibility or may just can't see the drops. If we go again we'll give the fish and chips a miss or at least take a look before we buy. Those horns on the highland cows look menacing but they always look so chilled so we feel safe around them 🐄 Cheers...Andy&Michelle 🐮🐟🍟🏔☁️
Pretty much confirmed that we won’t do this bit when we do the NC500 in May! First time in a motorhome, it’s a rental so will want to bring it back in one piece😂
Ha ha, that would be a difficult conversation when returning it! tbh depending on how long you have to do the NC500 you'd probably be best not taking the Applecross diversion anyway😀 cheers...Andy&Michelle
Yes we were blessed that day with the weather, we’ve just been watching your Swiss train crash video, really weird how that happened, can’t understand why the woman didn’t put the handbrake on, looking forward to seeing the next instalment from Tasch👍 cheers
Hi both. We’re hiring a 7.5m motorhome at end of April and really want to drive up the Applecross Pass. I’m a bit worried about the length of it though. Would you recommend avoiding? I’ve done it a couple of other times in shorter vehicles without any problems. Enjoy the motorhome show at NEC tomorrow - ‘was there yesterday …. Brilliant ! 😊
Hi, we didn't find the length of our motorhome at 7.5m a problem. The real issue will be how busy it is. If you think it's going to be busy the longer alternative route to the north is a beautiful drive round to Applecross. Yes looking forward to the show tomorrow 😀 cheers...Andy&Michelle
Wow - 3 hours! not much ROLLON going on there! At least maybe you got to take in the scenery but I can image it was quite stressful! Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Great photography. You may have answered this before. I assume this is shot on a GoPro Max (which we have just acquired) and your Motorhome looks like a Fiat Ducato (which we are waiting for). Can you please tell me how you mounted the 360 camera on the dashboard? It doesn’t look like it’s on the windscreen but instead on the dash. I’m intrigued to find out how you mounted it. Thanks in anticipation & I look forward to more of your great videos. Tony Australia
Hi Tony, both of your assumptions are correct 😀 it’s mounted in the centre of the dash on the pull up satnav mount in the down position with a curved GoPro adhesive mount, then I use a 6inch extender which positions it in the centre of the windscreen. It’s good to hear our vlogs reach all the way to Australia! Cheers…Andy&Michelle
Great videos! Did the Applecross several times, always a great experience! At what time of the year was your trip? Thanks for sharing your beautiful videos!
Do you put this as being harder than Hardknot pass in Cumbria. Having ridden them both I would not say Applecross was harder. Although the first time I rode it there was only 20m visibilty
Hi Paul, we've not done the Hardknot pass but have seen it a few times online. We'll give the Hardknot pass a go at the next opportunity to compare but like you say there can be other factors like visibility and how busy it is, cheers...Andy&Michelle
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures I know when we went back the next year and saw how high Applecross was and luckily we weren't too scared because we couldn't see haha
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures thanks for the reply I was thinking of doing nc500 next week in my car don't think il be doing that now due to storm wanda and the artic blast we been promised😅
Basic rule, vehicle going down gives way to vehicle going up. That’s an easy route, try the Hardknott Pass in the Lake District. That’s a proper test. I first did it in 1977 in a mini, no power steering and drum brakes all round and 4 people in it. I find it def easy but plenty don’t.
Yes heard about the hardknott Pass. Our problem is we are so back heavy we struggle on the steep stuff with traction on the front wheel drive, May do it on the ebikes!! Cheers…Andy&Michelle
I did the hardknot pass a few years ago in a 1955 hillman californian.on entering the first hairpin I turned the car round to everybody's dismey and did it in reverse gear with no clutch slip with ease
Hi, I've had a few comments saying there is a sign saying no Motorhomes but as I understand it's advisory. There is a longer but very nice way to reach Applecross approaching from the north (the route we took back from Applecross) if not possible via the pass. Thanks...Andy&Michelle
The Pass was amazingly quiet, even for May 2020 a few weeks after Scotland opened up after lock down. I've heard stories of it taking 3 hours to do the Pass.
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures Nice video of the pass, but 3 hours? On foot maybe. Its a doddle drive in a car/small camper. I drove an 8 metre truck up to Srinigar in the Himalayan foothills and to Kathmandu, also through the Himalayan foothills, no power steering - I know, showing off.
At 33 seconds in, there is a sign that clearly states the pass is not advised for very large vehicles or caravans after the first mile. So WHY, knowing you are clearly advised, being in a motor home, would you blatantly ignore that advice? Unbelievably DELIBERATELY obtuse, inconsiderate and egotistical 🙄🙄🙄
Hi.. 👋 it’s an advisory. Scotland had just opened up after the pandemic and as you would have seen it was quiet with very little traffic on the roads. Had it been later in the season and busier we wouldn’t have done it. It isn’t illegal and we seized the opportunity whilst not affecting other road users. It’s a great place to visit, as is the whole of Scotland and somewhere that’s included in our magical memories of 2021. Appreciate you watching 👍🏼🚐😃 Michelle and Andy
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures - yet you pass another motor home and others are there. And as we know there are many people on these roads with little or no large vehicle driving experience ( and too many old bikers hanging on to big bikes they can’t ride , I’m a biker BTW). I’ve a small campervan and I’d be very unlikely to ever take this route.
It only takes one campervan to breakdown or to roll off the road to cause problems for locals who use the route daily. Emergency Services, garage recovery and such like are few and far between in the area and their time could be better utilised. You would be better served driving a more sedate route where you can actually enjoy the scenery without fear of stripping your gears or wondering if the brakes that you have will hold up.
Oh well you wouldn’t be doing that now as motorhomes are now banned from this road due to several getting stuck on the hairpin bends and needing to be recovered
Tell that to countless other camper-vans that break various rules every day all over the world. They're all over UA-cam too. I bet the video-makers also regularly do "wild-camping" in parking lots, permanently taking up spots for other drivers, and think they're being "adventurous".
Tell the antisocial pillocks to drive up Park Rash in the Yorkshire Dales. And don't create even more eyesores by piling rocks up. Make friends with the Highland Midge. They have the delightful attribute of keeping the tourists down.
We dont want to see you on the turns, we want to see the road. You do this on every harpin, cutting out the most interesting part. Other than that nice video of beautiful scenery.
Am actually laughing here all the dramatic music. Its the applecross road.. it's just a road. If you live in Scotland its nothing new we drive on roads like that every day.
Entitled, antisocial behavour is now the new normal among those who think that it is their right to drive a home on wheels anywhere they want because, their Adrenalin hit is more important than our rights, safety, well-being and way of life.
I hope you pull over and let us locals past! You camper van drivers are so inconsiderate! Never using mirrors and noticing the mile long queue's behind while driving at 30mph on 60mph roads!
Inconsiderate going up there in that, ok till you meet another coming in the opposite direction, blocks the road for everyone. Think about the local people who have to use the road.
ha ha, yes true, we've ridden out bikes in Wales and some of those hills are brutal!! wouldn't take our Motorhome on them though!! 😀 Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Hard to believe people think it is ok to take a vehicle that size up there where it clearly states no large vehicles.....Do people these days only think of themselves...Zero consideration for anyone ..that goes for all campers who do this...
The correct name of the route is the Bealach na Ba. The Applecross Pass label is a lazy interpretation that does not reflect the true meaning of the name and it is disrespectful to the indigenous Gaelic culture. Gaelic names are very informative and tell us a lot about the history of a place. Changing place names erodes the the culture that formed the very place you chose to visit.
Great video
We drove our 1971 campervan from Cornwall to Scotland , nc 500 , Lake District and Wales within 2 weeks .
Brings back great memories, especially driving UP the pass.
Our van is no bigger than a car so we didn’t encounter any issues, we didn’t even have mechanical issues in the 3614 miles that we drove 🙏
We went late September so we only could see rain and fog all the time in Scotland
Thank you very much for sharing ❤
Now that's a road trip! and in just 2 weeks. I'm impressed you remember how many miles you did. We are just back from our trip to the South of Spain which took 6 weeks and we only did 3000 miles (caught the boat back from Bilbao) Glad you enjoyed our video and that it brought back some memories, cheers...Andy&Michelle
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures I only remember the mileage because I kept all my petrol receipts so that I could work out my average mpg 😂. I wish I had watched your video before because like you say , some of the garages were closed out of season, we ended up running on fumes a couple of times before we could fill up again. I think I would take a spare can if I did the trip again.
Spain sounds like an amazing trip, I’m sure you made great memories on the journey
I have driven the pass once many years ago, not in a motorhome in my car, I was inspired to stay in Applecross after watching Monty Halls on TV where he lived the life of a crofter on the beach, it is breathtaking scenery and definitely should not be missed!
Will have to check out the Monty Halls, haven't seen that 👍 Andy&Michelle
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures It was a really great six part series , well worth a watch. The local's all chipped in & helped he had an inflatable rib & his rescue dog Rubin. There was also a book to accompany the series.
Looks like you had beautiful weather on that trip, I had family holidays as a child to Applecross, so your road trip brings back happy memories for me. I haven't been back for probably 35 years now, maybe time I made another visit! By that way, at around 13:28 as you drive along , that red roofed white cottage on the left is the subject of a thousand instagram photos!! It is much photographed, thought you might have stopped to get your own version! Thanks for sharing the video.
Hi, glad to hear it brought back some happy memories for you 😀 Not like us to miss a good Instagram opportunity but did on this occasion🤣 we'll have to go back too! Cheers...Andy&Michelle
That was a lovely drive; thanks for taking us with you. Nice background music too 😊
Glad you enjoyed the drive, it is really amazing scenery up there😀 cheers...Andy&Michelle
Well done, glad you uploaded, I will be doing that by Friday, respect 👌
Thanks Tim, enjoy the experience 😀 cheers…Andy&Michelle
Just wonderful!!! Thank you both for bringing back my memories of The Applecross Pass. Going up the first time, in the summer of 1974, was awesome and daunting at the same time as we made our way to 'The West Highland School of Adventure', near Applecross, where 56 lads spent 30 whole days which involved 3 day expeditions including hiking, canoeing, climbing and sailing. A truly beautiful part of Scotland. Marvellous video... Mike
Glad you enjoyed it Mike, 30 days and 3 expeditions sounds like heaven😀 cheers...Andy&Michelle
Just spent the afternoon watching your Scotland series. Clutching Finlay, my hairy coo, that I found in 2019 when last in Scotland. Still going. Up to Part 12. All on our 75 inch TV. It’s like I’m there. Thx so much for this series. I feel at peace with nature. ☺️
Hi Anne, its great to hear you are enjoying our Scotland trip...and on a 75" TV! Scotland is beautiful and we loved our time there 😀 🏴 Cheers...Andy&Michelle
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures Thx Andy and Michelle for responding. 😀 Hubby and I will be in Scotland for the 3rd time at the start of October. Certainly drawn to that country. Perhaps because I have heritage there. Again, loved this series of yours. 🤩
I have worked in Kishorn port and used to run from the point 1m 38 secs in, up the pass for 5km and then back down again, in heavy wind and rain. It was brutal, but felt brilliant on the way back down, with the views across the loch.
Thanks for the video
That is some run up there, could probably label it as the UK's Toughest 5k Road Run! Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Ooh that Spanish teaser looked interesting!! Nice vid guys 👍
Not my finest hour that but the rest of the Spain mini tour was amazing, looking forward to getting some vids out, Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Great trip again guys. Always enjoy your videos.
Thanks Nigel, glad you enjoyed it😀 Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Brilliant video again guys, looked absolutely stunning, will give it a go next year hopefully, you are so so lucky with the weather 👌🌞👍
Thanks, glad you liked it. We did have our fair share of bad weather in Scotland while we were there but this was definitely one day where we were really thankful for the sun 😎🌤 Good luck on the weather if you go next year, Cheers...Andy&Michelle
That was truly amazing. Don’t think I will do it, but thanks for doing it for me 👍😂🤩
Thanks Cheryl, we were relieved to get to the top without any drama’s! 😅😀
Amazing scenery and you had such great weather. 😀. I love that Michelle loves the highland cows 🏴xx
She's definitely got a soft spot for those highland cows! 🐮 Cheers...Andy&Michelle x
I have to say, it's testament to Carthago quality. If you did that in a Bailey or a Swift, they'd be rattling and banging so much we wouldn't be able to hear you speak.
Haha biggest drone I've ever seen. Classic! :-)
Can always rely on Michelle to come out with a classic line, I just switch the camera on and wait, its never that long!! Cheers 😀
Great video. Loved your graphics at the beginning. Really showed the terrain and the challenge ahead.
Really looking forward to the “Weak Bridge” adventure. Lol
Thanks Malcolm, the weak bridge is an interesting one, taking a 3.85t Motorhome over a 3t bridge 😬 Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Thanks for this nice Video 😊. We come to this region and Isle of Skye in May/June.
Glad you liked it, have a great time on Skye when you visit, it's an amazing place😀 Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Smashing video, great scenery too. As a caravanner I've been known to take the odd chance. Don't think I'll be tempted to try the Applecross Pass somehow !! Thanks it was very much enjoyed.
Glad you enjoyed it Alan 😀 you sound like me with taking the odd chance! 😇 This one though is definitely not for caravans, Cheers
I have no idea how but with every video your editing gets better and better Andy. I take my hat off to you for this one. Absolutely amazingly put together 😊
You are too kind! But thank you 😊😊😊
We drove this in April this year - the only problem we had was one small hired campervan who had no idea how to drive it. Great video btw
Glad you enjoyed it, the views are great up there😀 cheers…Andy&Michelle
Another great video, blessed with good weather and photography. We’ve ridden the route on motorcycle 30 degrees + a few summers ago, but also in 2x campervans but not in a Motorhome - well done you. The scenery just makes me want to return soonest ! 👍
Thanks Stewart, we definitely dropped on with the weather that day 😎 but 30+ is amazing👍We'll be back at some point, still so much more to do there ⛰ Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Bealach na Ba - Gaelic for "Pass of the Burning Clutch".
We’ll be there this summer. Might be worth a wander! Thanks for your view of it. New subs here. We’ll go look for more of your adventures.
Thanks for subscribing 😀 all the best for your travels…Andy&Michelle
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures Hope you'll keep a lookout for us as we'll be in the UK for August and September.
@@welltravelledlife we’ll keep a lookout 😀but we are off to Austria 3rd week in August for 6 weeks! 😀
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures We head to Norway in July and will be in the UK for August and September. We may have some small overlap at the beginning of August, but then sounds like we'll miss each other. Excited to see where you'll be in Austria - another one of our favorite countries - but we really need to improve on our German!
@@welltravelledlife Norway is very high on our must see list😀 Konigssee in Austria is in our plan but that's all, for the rest of our time we'll wing it! 😀
A lovely video and pleased you had great weather. I have driven the pass several times over the past thirty years. Last time was in Autumn 2020, the pass was very busy. The number of RVs many driven by inexperienced drivers caused a wealth of passing problems. I know this is contentious but I wonder if an outright ban of caravans and RVs should be mandated.
It was ok when we did it but I’ve heard horror stories from others so I think something needs to be done because it definitely isn’t suitable in busy times for large vehicles, glad you liked our video of it😀cheers.. Andy&Michelle
Probably there should be a size or weight limit of the motorhomes that can use the pass & definitely no cars towing caravans!
Just drove this a few days ago. Lots of large vehicles and it was dangerous. So I do agree with a size limit.
Ahhh the pass! I’ve seen horror videos of that, fair enough may was early season, what time of day was that? Some of our mates have done it on bikes (no engine). I’ve told Lyndz we are NEVER doing it and we are 7 metres 😅 But your photography is stunning and the view of course incredible so maybe one day. 😬They’re trying to remove it from nc500 this summer apparently it was chaos but it wisnae us; we were in wales. Love your videos but you already know that - Spain looks like the Italian job!!!!
We did it about 10:30am, not super early but were lucky enough for it to be quiet, it would be horrendous when its busy in a car never mind a motorhome! Can wait to start on the Spain videos, there's just one more from Scotland left now, 😀 Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Nicely done guys that’s a great video safe travels 😊
Thanks Andre 😊 Andy&Michelle
Your videos are so good it should be a BBC documentary
Very kind of you to say, still have a way to go to get to BBC quality but keep trying! 😀 Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Been up to the radio mast at Applecross many times, the view from the cliff up there at 2539ft is dizzying. Love the wide angle camera also the footage of the US Ospreys, what were the Americans doing?. Seen the French Army carry out mock attack at the Melvaig Radio Site up past Gairloch some years back, they threw a flashbang grenade in to the mast compound where we were working the Commander chap came in and apologised after.
We love those dizzying heights, a bit unusual for us to be there with our Motorhome 😀 The Americans must have been on some sort of field training exercise with the Ospreys, there were a lot of troops running around on the beaches too, it was great to see. Would have liked to see the flashbang grenade! Cheers...Andy&Michelle
That first (as you called on film ‘easy’)hairpin bend…… I got a 14 ton lorry briefly stuck across the hairpin in snow in 2005 😂
Easy for our 3.85t !! Wouldn’t want to be driving a 14t up there, must have been a worrying experience, cheers.. Andy&Michelle
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures …………. it wasn’t the usual snowy type of day when I set-off in 2005 in late April, it was a sunny day with blue sky’s. It didn’t snow until half way up but nowhere to turn around. 😬
I should of gone to Applecross the long way. 😂
😂
We get the Ospreys over our house quite a lot from the nearby air bases. The pass looked very scenic. I think I'd be in 1st much of the time in our van.
Yes definitely a low gear journey, it's always difficult to appreciate the gradient on film, love the Osprey😍 Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Great video of two people sitting in a van on the way up.
Thanks 😀 Andy&Michelle
Another great video. I can see why no caravans that way. Looked amazing the alternative route back. Even a teaser of Spain.
Thanks 😊 This is definitely one road you would not want to take your caravan on, as for the road in Spain, you would definitely not want to even take a Motorhome on that one! Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Hi Guys,I done the same rote in June and the weather was poor yes it was like fog at the highest point low cloud ,it’s so exciting to drive but the passenger it must be so scary for them our motorhome was 7.5 it was a brand new higher motorhome ,I had watched UA-cams going up and down the Apple pass so I know I had to do it ,we stop in the camp site over night so pleased we did the mountains disappeared in the clouds and thick fog the weather that week it rained everyday lol then we went on tho the isle of sky so pleased we did what a fantastic island done the cost road all the way round ,the disappointment part I couldn’t walk anywhere as only one leg but my partner went to some of the views with the camera so I did not really miss to much this is why I like watching others travelling so I can see the places I missed ,I really enjoyed your blog very interesting great fun ,till next time take care keep safe, John 😂🌹😜👏🤷♀️🤷♂️🙌🎄🎅🏻🎅🏻
Hi John, we can imagine that it is totally a different but none the less enjoyable experience in poor conditions, yes most of the way the passenger is on the scary side! We also watched a few videos on UA-cam so we knew what to expect. Yes Skye is amazing, so many beautiful sights around to see. I'm glad you enjoy our vlogs and that they show you the places you cannot get to, that means a lot to us to be able to share this way and bring some joy😀 You take care and stay safe too John...Cheers Andy&Michelle ps, you win the prize for being the first to use the Christmas emoji this year on our channel 🎅🤶🎄
Great vlog x thank you for sharing x
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it 😀 Cheers...Andy&Michelle x
It was a great drive and defo steeper than the camera shows but over all too quickly 😜
Shame the pub was shut as a pint and a delicious meal would have topped it off perfectly 😋
We took the easier road out also and probably got the same pictures of the same Highland Coo's as you did 🚐💨🏴❤
Yes a great drive for the adrenaline and views 😀 cheers…Andy&Michelle
Just wow.🎉 I'd have been in the back of your van with a blanket over my head. 😂 And I'm a Highlander. 😅
Glad you enjoyed it, we were a bit nervous beforehand but all was fine! 😀 cheers...Andy&Michelle
Amazing scenery and you were blessed with fantastic weather. I actually prefer partial white cloud to clear blue skies, it makes mountains and waterscapes more dramatic. I'm surprised Teddy wasn't replaced with a Highland Cow plush, Michelle seems infatuated.
Totally agree with you about the clouds, they really add to the effect and yes she is infatuated! 🙄🤣 Cheers...Andy&Michelle
living the dream :) great vid
Trying our best to! 😀 Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Now you’ve practiced you need to do Stelvio Pass, we did it in our 7.5m it’s another league!! Good luck
Even before I googled it I though it would this one, yes some places in Europe are a different league. Applecross does win though on being single track. The Stelvio Pass is on our todo list so expect a video someday! Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Super video thanks folks. Inspiring. What time of year did you visit? Apologies if you have already answered.
Hi Brian, glad you liked it 😀 this was filmed 19th May Cheers...Andy&Michelle
I waved thanks at that motorhome coming the other way (sitting at my desk) as well and Michelle's face on that Spanish clip....I've seen that on my better half's face a few times :)
Yes we were very grateful for the other motorhome reversing for us on the Pass, as for Michelle's face - it was well justified!! Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Motorhomes have now also been banned, somehow people didn’t think they were large vehicles
I've just done a quick google search (The source of all truth! 🤣) and I can't see that Motorhomes have been banned, if you have anything from an official source we'll be happy to publicise it to warn others of the change. Cheers...Andy&Michelle
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures
The sign has been changed
I have a photo but that’s no good to you unfortunately
Is this the one in the Lake District ? l couldn't get up it with my Ford Transit camper van ! It took many attempts ! l was lucky the road was dry ! Eventually l made it !
This is the one in Scotland, we’ve seen videos of the one in the lakes with vans getting stuck, that must’ve been stressful for you! Alls well that ends well! Cheers…Andy&Michelle
Hi Michelle Andy,I absolutely lover driving up Apple cross pass but we had rain and missed not nice other half keep saying how much further lol we stop in the campsite for the night glad we did as the mountains disappeared in the fog ,never again will I buy fish& chips from the camp site they wear disgusting and £9,50 each we also went the way you went such a beautiful scenery that was my highlight of the trip for me ,beautiful highland bulls them horns could do some real damage ,what time of year was it filmed how’s was June ,most enjoyable till next time take care keep safe,john 🤝👍🌹🌹👏🙏😘😚😚🌧💨
Hi John, yes the apple cross is a great drive, we drove it in May 2021. Can imagine its quite scary if there's no visibility or may just can't see the drops. If we go again we'll give the fish and chips a miss or at least take a look before we buy. Those horns on the highland cows look menacing but they always look so chilled so we feel safe around them 🐄 Cheers...Andy&Michelle 🐮🐟🍟🏔☁️
Pretty much confirmed that we won’t do this bit when we do the NC500 in May! First time in a motorhome, it’s a rental so will want to bring it back in one piece😂
Ha ha, that would be a difficult conversation when returning it! tbh depending on how long you have to do the NC500 you'd probably be best not taking the Applecross diversion anyway😀 cheers...Andy&Michelle
Try the Healy Pass in Ireland not as high but just as stunning great video.
Ireland is on our list of places to visit - thanks , made a note of that 👍 cheers…Andy&Michelle
You touched lucky with that weather!
Michelle stealing chocolates while Andy is hard at work taking photos 😂😂😂
Yes we were blessed that day with the weather, we’ve just been watching your Swiss train crash video, really weird how that happened, can’t understand why the woman didn’t put the handbrake on, looking forward to seeing the next instalment from Tasch👍 cheers
Now try Timmelsjoch in Austria for a few more numbered hairpins😉
Another great video and caught the chocolate thief 😂😂
Thanks Tony and yes caught red handed!! 🤣🤣🤣 Cheers...Andy&Michelle
3D camera on the dash? Never thought of that. Is the sound just what the 3D camera picks up when your in the van?
Yes, a 360 on the dash, the road noise picked up by the 360 usually isn’t too bad but the road to applecross wasn’t good at all, cheers
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures It was great. Always had challenges filming in the van.. never thought of a 3D one and rotating it in the edit
Hi both. We’re hiring a 7.5m motorhome at end of April and really want to drive up the Applecross Pass. I’m a bit worried about the length of it though. Would you recommend avoiding? I’ve done it a couple of other times in shorter vehicles without any problems.
Enjoy the motorhome show at NEC tomorrow - ‘was there yesterday …. Brilliant ! 😊
Hi, we didn't find the length of our motorhome at 7.5m a problem. The real issue will be how busy it is. If you think it's going to be busy the longer alternative route to the north is a beautiful drive round to Applecross. Yes looking forward to the show tomorrow 😀 cheers...Andy&Michelle
Thanks - am alot happier now 😁👍🏻
great vid you were lucky with the traffic we went over late July it took 3 hours with the heavy traffic ROLLON
Wow - 3 hours! not much ROLLON going on there! At least maybe you got to take in the scenery but I can image it was quite stressful! Cheers...Andy&Michelle
yes it was a Sunday lol rollon slowly
I was thinking of cycling it
Quite a few do, a nice circular around the peninsula if you have the miles in your legs😀 cheers...Andy&Michelle
It's called bealach na ba pass btw
Thanks Naomi 😀👍…Andy&Michelle
Great photography. You may have answered this before. I assume this is shot on a GoPro Max (which we have just acquired) and your Motorhome looks like a Fiat Ducato (which we are waiting for). Can you please tell me how you mounted the 360 camera on the dashboard? It doesn’t look like it’s on the windscreen but instead on the dash. I’m intrigued to find out how you mounted it. Thanks in anticipation & I look forward to more of your great videos.
Tony
Australia
Hi Tony, both of your assumptions are correct 😀 it’s mounted in the centre of the dash on the pull up satnav mount in the down position with a curved GoPro adhesive mount, then I use a 6inch extender which positions it in the centre of the windscreen. It’s good to hear our vlogs reach all the way to Australia! Cheers…Andy&Michelle
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures Many thanks for your advice.
Great videos! Did the Applecross several times, always a great experience!
At what time of the year was your trip?
Thanks for sharing your beautiful videos!
Thanks 😊 yes we enjoyed the experience too, such a beautiful area, the Scotland trip was filmed during the month of May, cheers…Andy&Michelle
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures Thanks for the information. We will be there next year again.
Nice vid.
Pass is no trouble at all in a car less than 14 feet long... till you meet,or have to follow something..big.
Great video..always good to watch. Can I ask how long the rwo of you have been together, you always work well together.
Too bloody long! 😀 just over 15 years 🤣
Looka like a nice cycle ride
Yes it would be, we said we'd do the whole circuit again on our ebikes but need to get a bigger battery! Cheers..Andy&Michelle
Do you put this as being harder than Hardknot pass in Cumbria. Having ridden them both I would not say Applecross was harder. Although the first time I rode it there was only 20m visibilty
Hi Paul, we've not done the Hardknot pass but have seen it a few times online. We'll give the Hardknot pass a go at the next opportunity to compare but like you say there can be other factors like visibility and how busy it is, cheers...Andy&Michelle
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures I know when we went back the next year and saw how high Applecross was and luckily we weren't too scared because we couldn't see haha
conditions look good what time of year was this
This was filmed at the end of May, during May it ranged from snow to beautiful sunny days, that’s Scotland for you! Cheers
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures thanks for the reply I was thinking of doing nc500 next week in my car don't think il be doing that now due to storm wanda and the artic blast we been promised😅
Basic rule, vehicle going down gives way to vehicle going up.
That’s an easy route, try the Hardknott Pass in the Lake District. That’s a proper test. I first did it in 1977 in a mini, no power steering and drum brakes all round and 4 people in it.
I find it def easy but plenty don’t.
Yes heard about the hardknott Pass. Our problem is we are so back heavy we struggle on the steep stuff with traction on the front wheel drive, May do it on the ebikes!! Cheers…Andy&Michelle
I did the hardknot pass a few years ago in a 1955 hillman californian.on entering the first hairpin I turned the car round to everybody's dismey and did it in reverse gear with no clutch slip with ease
Doing this in May next year. Are campers now banned from it because that would suck
Hi, I've had a few comments saying there is a sign saying no Motorhomes but as I understand it's advisory. There is a longer but very nice way to reach Applecross approaching from the north (the route we took back from Applecross) if not possible via the pass. Thanks...Andy&Michelle
The Pass was amazingly quiet, even for May 2020 a few weeks after Scotland opened up after lock down. I've heard stories of it taking 3 hours to do the Pass.
This was actually May 2020 a few weeks after Scotland opened up after lock down. We've heard stories of it taking 3 hours to do the pass😱
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures Of course.
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures Nice video of the pass, but 3 hours? On foot maybe. Its a doddle drive in a car/small camper. I drove an 8 metre truck up to Srinigar in the Himalayan foothills and to Kathmandu, also through the Himalayan foothills, no power steering - I know, showing off.
That's where you need a decent lump to pull you along. I wouldn't go near a full size motorhome with anything smaller than 3 litre.
I felt Hardknott pass to be toughest and most daring though
Did it in the 70s caravan on the back
That's impressive, hope you got a photo! 😀 cheers...Andy&Michelle
At 33 seconds in, there is a sign that clearly states the pass is not advised for very large vehicles or caravans after the first mile. So WHY, knowing you are clearly advised, being in a motor home, would you blatantly ignore that advice? Unbelievably DELIBERATELY obtuse, inconsiderate and egotistical 🙄🙄🙄
Hi.. 👋 it’s an advisory.
Scotland had just opened up after the pandemic and as you would have seen it was quiet with very little traffic on the roads. Had it been later in the season and busier we wouldn’t have done it. It isn’t illegal and we seized the opportunity whilst not affecting other road users.
It’s a great place to visit, as is the whole of Scotland and somewhere that’s included in our magical memories of 2021.
Appreciate you watching 👍🏼🚐😃 Michelle and Andy
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures - yet you pass another motor home and others are there. And as we know there are many people on these roads with little or no large vehicle driving experience ( and too many old bikers hanging on to big bikes they can’t ride , I’m a biker BTW). I’ve a small campervan and I’d be very unlikely to ever take this route.
Speak for urself as a biker
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures still utterly selfish and stupid. Big camper vans are total pests when they go where they don't belong.
It only takes one campervan to breakdown or to roll off the road to cause problems for locals who use the route daily.
Emergency Services, garage recovery and such like are few and far between in the area and their time could be better utilised.
You would be better served driving a more sedate route where you can actually enjoy the scenery without fear of stripping your gears or wondering if the brakes that you have will hold up.
Bealach na Ba (AKA Applecross Pass) is the correct version.
Oh yes...sorry. Corrected now, Thanks...Andy&Michelle
Pass of the Cattle.
Oh well you wouldn’t be doing that now as motorhomes are now banned from this road due to several getting stuck on the hairpin bends and needing to be recovered
Probably a good thing😀
Honister pass next trip 😉
We've done the Honister on our ebikes, seriously steep, it really took it out of our batteries! Cheers...Andy&Michelle
It is very antisocial to take motorhomes over Bealach na Ba. The only large vehicles that should be allowed over there should be work vehicles.
Tell that to countless other camper-vans that break various rules every day all over the world. They're all over UA-cam too. I bet the video-makers also regularly do "wild-camping" in parking lots, permanently taking up spots for other drivers, and think they're being "adventurous".
Tell the antisocial pillocks to drive up Park Rash in the Yorkshire Dales. And don't create even more eyesores by piling rocks up.
Make friends with the Highland Midge. They have the delightful attribute of keeping the tourists down.
5:55 I had to stop there to let the clutch cool down and im automatic lol
Good job there’s a place to park up there, cool the gears and the nerves! 😀
We dont want to see you on the turns, we want to see the road. You do this on every harpin, cutting out the most interesting part. Other than that nice video of beautiful scenery.
Three or four people with the mindset that the advisory signs don't apply to them coming together on this route and the road is blocked.
Am actually laughing here all the dramatic music. Its the applecross road.. it's just a road. If you live in Scotland its nothing new we drive on roads like that every day.
Done it
Wynrose and Hardknott pass is much more challenging
Thanks Tony, I've just been on google street view looking at these, added to the todo list but maybe on the bikes! Cheers...Andy&Michelle
@@ExtremeMotorhomingAdventures you won't regret it. Its a fantastic road . Just not in peak season
toughest climb my arse - try going to the Lakes. Hardknott Pass in a 6m van.
Entitled, antisocial behavour is now the new normal among those who think that it is their right to drive a home on wheels anywhere they want because, their Adrenalin hit is more important than our rights, safety, well-being and way of life.
I hope you pull over and let us locals past! You camper van drivers are so inconsiderate! Never using mirrors and noticing the mile long queue's behind while driving at 30mph on 60mph roads!
I assure you Joe, we are very conscientious when on the roads and always on the look out to let cars pass, cheers...Andy&Michelle
Somehow I just don't believe that! Just because you ignored the sign saying no large vehicles over the Bealach na ba! Hahahaaaaa
That's not it's name 🤦♂️
Hi, we know its the Bealach na Bà but we thought more would recognise that name, could be wrong! 😀 Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Inconsiderate going up there in that, ok till you meet another coming in the opposite direction, blocks the road for everyone. Think about the local people who have to use the road.
a doddle compared to the roads of the Welsh valleys.
ha ha, yes true, we've ridden out bikes in Wales and some of those hills are brutal!! wouldn't take our Motorhome on them though!! 😀 Cheers...Andy&Michelle
Forgot to say how much I've enjoyed your very informative movies. 😀
@@garry843 Thanks Garry 😀
Hard to believe people think it is ok to take a vehicle that size up there where it clearly states no large vehicles.....Do people these days only think of themselves...Zero consideration for anyone ..that goes for all campers who do this...
The correct name of the route is the Bealach na Ba.
The Applecross Pass label is a lazy interpretation that does not reflect the true meaning of the name and it is disrespectful to the indigenous Gaelic culture.
Gaelic names are very informative and tell us a lot about the history of a place.
Changing place names erodes the the culture that formed the very place you chose to visit.
Sorry, no intention to disrepect, updated to it's correct name "Bealach na Ba", thanks for letting us know...Andy&Michelle
Tourists should be banned using this road without a guide