Head to head
Single track drama or the great sweeping Highland A road?
Our pick is the Glencoe Road.
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Verdicts weigh road quality, scenery, traffic and how likely you are to actually enjoy the drive on the day. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 10 April 2026
The numbers
| Measure | Bealach na Ba | Glencoe Road |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers Atlas rating | 9.9 | 9.4 |
| Driving score | 9.8 / 10 | 9.0 / 10 |
| Scenery score | 9.9 / 10 | 9.8 / 10 |
| Length | 18.5 km | 30 km |
| Where | Applecross, Scottish Highlands | Glen Coe, Scottish Highlands |
| Season | Frequently closed by snow and ice from November to March | Snow and wind can close Rannoch Moor sections in winter |
Verdict
Glencoe is the better drive for most cars and most drivers, with fast open curves, an unbroken surface and scenery that does not let up for half an hour. Bealach na Ba is the bigger achievement but a smaller road.
In peak summer the A82 carries heavy tourist traffic. Bealach na Ba filters out coaches by law and by width, so it stays quieter.
The roads
Applecross, Scottish Highlands
Britain's highest road climbs via hairpins to a wild moonscape pass above Applecross.
11.5 mi · Rating 9.9 / 10 · 35 min
Glen Coe, Scottish Highlands
A sweeping run through Rannoch Moor beneath the brooding Buachaille Etive Mor.
18.6 mi · Rating 9.4 / 10 · 56 min
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