Racing in Scotland & Ireland.

There is a Sportive at Applecross in September but don`t know of any road races over there.

Up in the Highlands for 10 days in mid July and Applecross(Bealach Na Ba)is on the agenda.
Rated a 10/10  in Simon Warrens 100 best UK Hill Climbs.

Thanks lads for the replies.
ekbalco
That's one of the bugs I have about road racing in the U.K.
It seems everything has got to be done for the sponsors,going through populated areas & finishing every stage in or close to a city.Ie.The so called Tour Of Britain spends about one day in Southern Scotland then the rest it's all based in England with the odd detour into Wales.I often wonder why don't they take a stage up into the Highlands & take them over some proper climbs but  of course then the sponsors wouldn't be happy.The recent Ladies tour for example it would have been nearly impossible to have found an easier route if they'd tried.
Geoff
You are going to be going over one of if not the greatest climb in the U.K.but don't be misled by the easy gradient at the bottom it gets steeper the higher you get & the road surface gets rougher.Don't whatever you do though is forget to take time out & admire the views.However the ride ian't finished once you get to Applecross,it's a great ride back down the side of the Torridon range back down to Lochewe.Whilst you are up there you must if you can find time go on Skye & go to the far North East of the island.The ride up the Qarang with its views will take your breath away.I'm not going to say enjoy your trip up there as I know you will,there'll be views there that you'll never forget.

Thanx for that allpoints. Never been over to the northern North West of Scotland spent plenty of time over towards Inverness as my best mate now lives just outside Drumnadrochit. 2 cracking climbs out  the back of Drum along with another corker off the A82 up to Abriachan.
Just hope i can make it to the top of Bealach Na Ba to enjoy the views.
The last 10/10 climb in the book beat me Rosedale Chimney Bank was going ok till I hit the 33% gradient

Geoff
You mention a climb there(the chimney).Last year I believe Le Tour went very close to Rosedale but I don't think they went up.You'd have thought surely they could have found a detour so they had to go up.True it was a great route they took but I feel they missed a challenging climb out here.

I did that Skye ride a couple of years ago stayed at a place called Staffin,tough going around there but as you say well worth it.Favourite ride is top N/W from Lochinver it is stunning along there.

Problem is with the ToB that host towns need to bid for it, so you get the same towns with an interest in promoting cycling going for it each year. Best chance is to lobby the local council to have a go at it.

Yes Allpoints they went past the slip road to the start of Rosedale Chimney but chickened out of taking them over .
Would have been ideal for Tour Of Yorkshire also but again not to be.
Would be interesting to see the pros struggle like us mere mortals....
Are there any other good tough or scenic(probably all of em) climbs over in the highlands ?

Geoff
I've been thinking about other climbs & to be honest I can't recollect anymore good uns,most are usually long drags.
A bit of advice though if you get to Kyle don't come back up that main road out of the place,head North up the coast then cut across if you want to be back over towards the East.It must be a 3ml drag at least on a busy quite fast road which in places isn't too wide.However if you're going to Kyle it's a great ride down to the place but not very scenic.If you're heading up the coast there's a spot you'll always remember.I can't remember exactly where it is but I don't think it's far from Scourie there's a bridge which you go over & at the North end you go through a cutting in the rock.I always found this bridge impressive.
Anyhow enjoy the hol.

Thanx for that allpoints will take a look.
Cheers
Geoff