With its population of 1,600, Ullapool is the largest village on the north west coast of Scotland. It`s a perfect place to base yourself and explore the high and low roads of one of the most spectacular scenic areas in the world. After travelling in the less inhabited far north, it is a sight to behold as you crest Morefield Brae and take in your first view of Ullapool. An Teallach is the backdrop to the whitewashed houses, nestling on the edge of Loch Broom, with the ferry to Stornoway sailing/arriving and fishing boats coming in with their daily catch.
You will be pleased you stayed another day; and took the time out to relax and discover the real Ullapool.
The area has an abundance of wonderful gardens to visit. Have a leisurely day out from Ullapool and area visiting some of the following:
Inverewe. Follow the A832 to the south towards Poolewe to visit this outstanding garden impressively set on the shores of Loch Ewe.
Kerrachar Gardens. Follow the road north to Kylesku and take a short 30 min boat trip to this unique and remote garden.
Leckmelm. Just 4 miles east of Ullapool on the main A835 to Inverness, this arboretum, planted in the 1870s, is full of splendid and rare trees, specie rhododendrons, azaleas and shrubs. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, this tranquil woodland setting has an alpine garden and paths which lead down to the shore of Loch Broom.
Seaview. Head south on the A832 to this delightful garden on the shores of Little Loch Broom, halfway between Ullapool & Gairloch.
Hydroponicum. Travel north to Achiltibuie to visit the garden of the future. Overlooked by the mountains of Wester Ross, The Hydroponicum at Achiltibuie has been established since the mid eighties and is now the premier centre for the demonstration of soilless growing in the UK. Its spectacular growing houses produce extraordinary results, come & see for yourself…
Beaches
Wester Ross boasts some of the most beautiful beaches. Enjoy a stroll
along deserted golden sands or admire the beautiful stones:
The journey from Ullapool south towards Gairloch boasts some of the most glorious beaches on the west coast. Take a look at some of them from the beautiful Gruinard Bay to the remote Mellon Udrigle shimmering sands. Carry on to Gairloch and the Big Sands.
A
few miles north of Ullapool is the beautiful pebble beach at Ardmair
overlooking Isle Martin.A
short trip further takes you to the beautiful sandy beaches of the Coigach
peninsula – the most well known being Achnahaird.
Islands
Ullapool & Wester Ross is a land of islands. Escape to the islands.
From Ullapool, take a leisurely afternoon trip out to the Summer Isles
aboard the Summer Queen or enjoy a faster trip aboard the 12 seater
rib “Centaur”. The Summer Isles can also be reached aboard
the Hectoria from Badentarbert Pier at Achiltibuie.
Isle Martin lies some three miles north west of Ullapool opposite Ardmair Bay. A former RSPB bird sanctuary, the island is owned by the community and run by a Trust. In summer a voluntary ferry operates on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays, weather permitting.
For Birdwatchers, Handa Island is a must. Handa is managed for its wildlife by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The island's magnificent Torridonian sandstone cliffs rise to over 100 meters in the North-west. Each summer they come alive, when nearly 200.000 seabirds gather here to breed. Guillemots, razorbills, and great skuas reach internationally important numbers. There are also kittiwakes, arctic skuas and some puffins. You will find attractive plant-life and archaeological remains of an old village which was inhabited until 1847.
For
a longer trip, catch the ferry to the Western Isles. Caledonian Macbrayne
operate summer day trips and all year round crossings.
Fishing
The Ullapool area offers access to some of the finest Loch Fishing in
Scotland. A short journey northwards on the A835 towards Elphin are
the famous limestone lochs of Assynt, these hold large numbers of wild
brown trout, beautiful fish whose liking for the remote and scenic North
Highlands only adds to their appeal. These are fish whose habits vary
from loch to loch, providing challenge and variety for anglers of all
abilities.
Traditional `loch style' top-of-the-water fishing is prevalent here, with teams of 2 to 4 wet flies employed on a fast retrieved floating line. Many local anglers use this method but there is also scope for dry fly angling on floating line with slower retrieve.
Come to our land of unsurpassed beauty and solitude, and enjoy an unforgettable angling holiday with fine fishing, fresh air and the freedom of the open hill and moor. As most of our angling visitors will confirm, this is an area which will capture your heart and make you want to come back time and time again.
Whether you're an expert angler or a beginner, you can easily escape
from the crowds to enjoy superb angling backed up by easily-accessible
advice and instruction, tackle and boats, and a range of accommodation
to suit all needs and budgets.
Fishing permits available from Ullapool and Loch Inver Tourist Offices and advice and guidance Highland School of Fly-Fishing 01854 666334
Lighthouses
The Wester Ross & Sutherland coastline is the setting for some of
the most dramatic and romantic lighthouses in Britain. From Cape Wrath
in the north to Rua Reidh near Gairloch.
In between, there is Stoer Lighthouse with the famous Old Man just a
walk away. Drive north from Lochinver on the B869 single-track road,
past Clachtoll and Stoer, turning off just before Rienachait and heading
for the lighthouse. There is a car park at the lighthouse and a rough
track leading off over the moorland to view the old man.
Closer to home, Rhue Lighthouse and sea cliffs are situated at the end
of the Rhue road which leaves the main road 3 miles north of Ullapool.
Mountains
& Rock climbing
Ullapool & Wester Ross offer access to a mighty range of mountains
and climbing routes.
Accessible too, are the imposing peaks of Assynt & Sutherland.
An Teallach and the vast mountains of the Fisherfield forest to the
south compete with the draw to the north of Ben Hope, Ben Loyal &
Ben More Assynt to name a few.
Not
Munros, but a worthy day out to be had on – Stac Polaidh on the
Inverpolly Nature reserve, Suilven, Ben More Coigach & Ben Gobhlach.
For more information on hill walking in the Northern Highlands, take
a look at the Walking in Scotland web site.
Geology
Visit some of the most important geological sites in the world:
Come to Knockan Crag - just a half hour drive north from Ullapool and
discover the amazing story stored in Scotland's rocks. Follow Scotland's
journey from the South Pole through gripping graphics, cartoons, 'hands-on'
interactives, sculptures, games, poetry and the unique landscape of
Assynt.
Take a trip north to the limestone caves at Inchnadamph or even further north to the dramatic Smoo Cave.
Waterfalls
& Gorges
On the main A835 2 miles west of Contin and about half way between Inverness
to Ullapool, enjoy the walks and trails around Rogie Falls.
Closer to Ullapool (c. 12 miles east) just beyond the junction of the A832 are the spectacular Falls of Measach and the Corrieshalloch Gorge.
The road to Gairloch leads you by the Ardessie Falls between Dundonnell and Badcaul.
Circa 40
miles north of Ullapool in the village of Kylesku take a boat trip to
the dramatic Waters of Kylescue.
Circa 20 miles north of Ullapool, turn right at Ledmore Junction and
head for Lairg. Circa 7 miles from Lairg is the Falls of Shin centre
where you can see wild salmon leaping , enjoy forest walks, gift shops
and restaurant.
Low level
walks, Forest walks & Nature
It is not only the hardy mountaineer looking to bag munros who comes
to Ullapool & Wester Ross The area has a variety of low level and
way marked trails to offer the walker, birdwatcher, photographer, painter
or simple lover of nature.
The Ullapool Hill walks offer spectacular views over the village and Loch Broom with An Teallach appearing in the distance as you climb to the 300ft summit. The Tourist Information Office (Tel: 01854 612135) has leaflets for this walk. Alternatively, you can contact the Highland Ranger Service on 01854 633350 for details of walks.
Inverlael Forest offers access to the mighty peaks of Beinn Dearg and Seana Bhraigh but also has many miles of forest trails for walking, cycling & running.
The Highland
Council Ranger Service offers many guided walks and is the source of
much advice and information on walking in the area. Contact on Tel:
01854 633350.
Another source of information is the Walking in Scotland web site.
Villages
A tour in Wester Ross takes you through many charming villages and hamlets.
From Ullapool head east along the A835 to Braemore junction, stop a while in Leckmelm at the Arboretum. Enjoy a walk in the vast Inverlael forest, trails suitable for cycling, walking, running. Stop to wonder at the Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach. Turn south on to the A832 on the Wester Ross Coastal Trail and drive past mighty An Teallach, stop for refreshments in Dundonnell, admire the spectacular Ardessie falls, play on the sandy beaches and stroll around the Inverewe Gardens. A drive from Ullapool to Gairloch will take around one hour by car.
From Ullapool, head north taking the A835 past the sweeping pebble beach at Ardmair looking over to Isle Martin with Ben More Coigach towering behind. Continue north through Strathkanaird, 7 miles North of Ullapool, in the ancient parish of Coigach. Stop a while at the Knockan Crag Visitor Centre and Nature Trails here it is a short drive where you can turn left through the Inverpolly Nature Reserve dominated by Stac Polaidh & Suilven beyond to Achiltibuie. Enjoy the beaches, the smokehouse, the Hydroponicum or take a boat trip to the summer isles.
Alternatively continue north through the district of Assynt. Take the Assynt coastal road to view the Falls of Kirkaig, stop a while in Lochinver.
Head even further north through Kylesku, take a boat trip to the spectacular falls. Feel the atmosphere of Sandwood Bay, the ruggedness of Cape Wrath and the sands of Durness and Balnakiel Bay (Ullapool to Durness is a 2 hour drive).
Always remember that when you are in Ullapool, information is readily
available from a number of sources:
Access the website using the Internet facilities available at:
Ullapool
Tourist Hostel, West Argyle Street, Ullapool
Ullapool Community Library, within Ullapool High School.
Listen to the local radio station Lochbroom FM on 102.2
FM & 96.8 FM mornings & evenings.
Buy the Ullapool News (Tel: 01854 613334) every Friday for up to date news & events
Check out the touch screen 24hr information service at the Lochbroom filling station at the south entrance to Ullapool.
Call in at
the Tourist Information Office (01854 612135) on Argyle Street.