Bealach na Bà and Applecross

The Pass of the Cattle climbs 626 metres from sea level in less than ten kilometres, with gradients of one in five and hairpins that need a proper turn in. It is the closest thing Britain has to an alpine col.

The trick is to keep going. North from Applecross the coast road runs empty for forty kilometres above Skye, rising and falling over rock and heather, and it is arguably better driving than the pass itself.