It’s no wonder that Ullapool, a little community on Scotland’s northwest coast, scores high on many travel lists. This tranquil village sits on the banks of Loch Broom, surrounded by a rough shoreline of rocky cliffs and stone beaches, sprinkled with little islands out toward the Minch that appear to float on the surface of the sea. Visitors come from all around to see the vistas, but there’s so much more to this lovely community.
Where is Ullapool?
Ullapool is a small village located in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland, in the county of Ross-shire, with a population of around 1,500 people.
Despite its remote location, Ullapool is easily accessible by public transportation from the rest of Scotland. You can find it along the A835, situated on the banks of Loch Broom, about 55 miles northwest of Inverness.
It is also a major hub for ferry services, with a ferry connecting the mainland to the Western Isles of Lewis and Harris, with a route to Stornaway.
What to do in Ullapool?
- Museum
- Galleries
- Corrieshalloch Gorge
- Outdoor Activities
- Knockan Crag
- Golf Course
- Bone Caves
- Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry
- Leisure Centre
- Swimming Pool
- Boat Trips
- Shops
Museum
One of the top attractions in Ullapool is the Ullapool Museum, housed in an old school building. This fascinating museum tells the story of the village’s past, with exhibits on the local fishing industry, the history of the village, and the local flora and fauna. The museum is a great way to learn about the rich culture of Ullapool and the surrounding area.
Gallery
Art lovers won’t want to miss the Ullapool Gallery, which showcases the work of local artists and craftspeople. The gallery features a range of paintings, sculptures, and handmade crafts, offering something for every taste. It’s the perfect place to find a unique souvenir or gift to take home.
Corrieshalloch Gorge
Located just 12 miles south of Ullapool by Braemore junction, Corrieshalloch Gorge is a beautiful and scenic spot that attracts visitors from all over. The mile-long canyon can be viewed from a suspension bridge that spans over it, offering breathtaking views of the 46-meter Measach Falls, fed by the river Droma.
The falls are surrounded by stunning wild landscapes, including mountains and forests. You can either take a short walk from the nearby car park to reach the falls or visit the new Corrieshalloch Gorge Gateway, a £2.3 million visitor centre currently under construction. The centre will feature toilets, a cafe, and electric vehicle charging stations when it is completed.
Outdoor
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Ullapool as well. The area is well known for its fishing, with many lochs and rivers offering excellent opportunities for both fly fishing and sea fishing. Hikers and walkers will also find a range of trails to explore, with routes leading through the surrounding countryside, through forests, hills, and along the coast. The Ullapool to Achiltibuie Coastal Walk is a particularly popular choice, offering stunning views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.
Knockan Crag
Knockan Crag is a geological site located in the Assynt area of the Scottish Highlands. It is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning views and unique geological features.
The site is home to a series of cliffs and rock formations that were formed over 400 million years ago during the Devonian period. These cliffs offer a window into the past, showcasing the various layers of rock and the ancient organisms that once lived there.
Visitors to Knockan Crag can take a self-guided tour of the site, following a series of marked trails that lead to various viewpoints and informative panels. There is also a small visitor information area on site that offers more about the geology and history of the area.
Ullapool Golf Course
Ullapool Golf Course is a 9-hole golf course located on the outskirts of the village, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and water.
The course is suitable for golfers of all skill levels, with a combination of long and short holes, as well as several bunkers and water hazards to challenge players. It is a par 70 course, measuring just over 6,000 yards in total.
In addition to the golf course, Ullapool Golf Club also has a clubhouse that serves food and drinks, as well as a pro shop where players can purchase golf equipment and clothing. The club is open to members and visitors and offers a variety of membership options for those who wish to join.
Bone Caves
There are several bone caves located near Ullapool in the Scottish Highlands. These caves were formed by the weathering of the surrounding rock, and are home to a variety of animal remains, including bones and teeth.
One of the most well-known bone caves in the area is the Inchnadamph Bone Cave, located in the Assynt area of the Highlands. This cave contains the remains of animals that lived in the area during the Pleistocene era, including polar bears, reindeer, and wolves.
The cave is a popular destination for palaeontologists and other scientists, who study the remains found there to learn more about the history of the area and the animals that lived there.
Ullapool to Stornoway Ferry
The ferry trip from Ullapool to Stornoway is a popular way to travel between the Scottish mainland and the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.
The journey takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes and is operated by Caledonian MacBrayne. The ferry departs from Ullapool Harbour and travels across the Minch, a body of water that separates the Scottish mainland from the islands of the Outer Hebrides. The ferry makes the crossing several times per day, depending on the time of year and demand.
Upon arrival in Stornoway, passengers can disembark and explore the island’s many attractions, including the Lewis Castle, the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, and the Stornoway Black Pudding Company. The ferry also offers connections to other islands in the Outer Hebrides, including Harris and North Uist.
Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool
The Ullapool Leisure Centre is located in the centre of the village and offers a range of facilities and activities for people of all ages, including a 25-meter swimming pool, a fitness gym, and some sports courts.
The swimming pool at the Ullapool Leisure Centre is heated and open all year round, offering a range of activities such as public swimming sessions, aqua aerobics classes, and private swimming lessons. The pool also has a sauna, steam room, and spa pool for relaxation and wellness.
In addition to the swimming pool, the leisure centre also has a fully equipped fitness gym with a range of cardiovascular and weight training equipment. There are also sports courts available for activities such as badminton, basketball, and tennis. The leisure centre also hosts some fitness classes and other activities, such as yoga and Pilates.
Boat Trips
If you’d rather take it easy, you can take a boat trip to the Summer Isles, a group of small islands located off the coast of Ullapool. These islands are home to a wide range of wildlife, including seals, otters, and a variety of bird species, and offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Shopping
Ullapool has a range of shops and businesses catering to the needs of both locals and tourists. Some of the types of shops you can find in Ullapool include several clothing stores, offering a range of fashion options for men, women, and children. These stores sell everything from casual wear to formal attire, with one shop solely for outdoor clothing and equipment. There are souvenir shops, art galleries and bookstores to name a few more.
Where to Eat in Ullapool?
This charming village in the Scottish Highlands has a range of options to suit every taste and budget. From sit-down meals at top-rated restaurants to quick bites at cafes and pubs, Ullapool has something for everyone.
One of the standout dining spots in Ullapool is the Seafood Shack, where you can enjoy fresh seafood caught from Loch Broom, the surrounding coasts, and the Minch. Looking for something quick and convenient? Ullapool also has a couple of fish and chip takeaways, a pop-up pizza joint, a Chinese takeaway, and an Indian restaurant/takeaway.
For a more upscale dining experience, the Dipping Lugger is the place to go. Or, for a more casual atmosphere, check out the Ceilidh Place, Arch Inn, which serves a range of pub classics and modern dishes, as well as a selection of beers, wines, and spirits. Both of these pubs also have outdoor seating areas with views of the beautiful Loch Broom.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, Ullapool has a range of dining options to satisfy your appetite.
“
Ullapool, a village by the sea,
Where the waves crash against the shore,
Fishing boats bob on the waves,
Their nets full of fish and more.
The air is fresh and salty,
The wind blows through the trees,
The landscape is rugged and wild,
But it’s a place that gives one ease.
The people here are friendly,
Their hearts as warm as the sun,
They’ll welcome you with open arms,
And show you all that must be done.
So come and visit Ullapool,
A place of beauty and delight,
You’ll fall in love with its charm,
And wish to stay here every night.
”
When it comes to accommodation, Ullapool has a range of options to suit all budgets and preferences. There are several hotels and bed and breakfast accommodations in the village, as well as several self-catering cottages and holiday homes. For those seeking a more authentic experience, you can stay in some traditional Scottish pubs and restaurants in the village, also offering a variety of local and international cuisine.
Despite its small size, Ullapool is a thriving hub of cultural activity, with some festivals and events taking place throughout the year. The Ullapool Guitar Festival attracts musicians from all over the world, with concerts and workshops held in the village’s main hall. There are also many music venues in Ullapool, including the Ceilidh Place, which hosts regular live music performances.
In short, as well as being the inspiration for our candle ‘Ullapool’, it is a charming and picturesque village that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, you’ll find it all in this peaceful corner of Scotland.
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