The Bealach is pretty fearsome from either approach, but climbing from Tornapress probably gives the best descent. The climb itself starts pretty steady with spectacular views of the eastern cliffs of the mountain you are about to cycle over. On turning east and heading into Coire na Ba, things pick up a little and it doesn't really relent at all till near the top, where switchbacks drop the gradient to something a bit more manageable. The steepest sustained section is just prior to the switchbacks, where the gradient averages maybe 14-15%. It is a grind unless you are one of those sprightly road cyclists, and the entire climb itself should not be underestimated. With the switchbacks completed it is a short run to the top of the route, with spectacular views over to Skye. The best views down the Bealach itself are slightly before the summit, captured in a separate highlight. It's also worth noting that there are other road users, and although there plenty of passing places, you may have someone on your tail for a while - from my experience, motorists are sympathetic to those struggling to get up there. Having got to the top, the descent to Applecross itself is fantastic, but care is required due to a few very sharp bends. From Applecross, the masochistic can return the way they came, or the slightly less masochistic can head north around the coastal road to Shieldaig. It is pretty lumpy, particularly when getting towards Shieldaig, but nothing anywhere near as steep or sustained as the Bealach.