Caledonian Hotel 'A Bespoke Hotel’
Ullapool - Quay Street
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From a charming fishing village, Ullapool has evolved over the years into a key tourist destination for the north-western Highlands. Founded in 1788 by the British Fisheries Society as a herring fishing port, it has become a strategic hub for connections to the Outer Hebrides and one of northern Scotland’s most authentic holiday destinations.
With a population of just 1,500, this picturesque village offers a tranquil and genuine atmosphere, far removed from mass tourism. Its white houses lined along the harbour, fishing boats bobbing on the water, and majestic mountains rising behind it create a picture-postcard scene that instantly captures visitors’ hearts.
Despite its small size, the village boasts a surprisingly vibrant music scene, local craft shops, welcoming cafés and restaurants serving the day’s catch.
The beating heart of Ullapool is undoubtedly its picturesque harbour, where fishing activity blends with the arrival and departure of ferries to Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis. A stroll along Shore Street, the main road skirting the harbour, offers the chance to admire the traditional white houses and pop into one of the cafés with views over Loch Broom.
During our visit, we spent several hours simply watching the boats come and go and soaking up the authentic atmosphere of this working port. Early morning is the best time to see fishermen returning with the day’s catch, whilst sunset offers spectacular views as the sun illuminates the surrounding mountains.
In the village centre, it’s worth visiting the Ullapool Museum & Visitor Centre1, housed in the old church designed by Thomas Telford, built in 1829. The museum tells the story of the village’s founding in 1788 as a herring fishing station by the British Fisheries Society. Collections include exhibits on agriculture and fishing, the two main industries that shaped the area’s history, and you can consult local archives and genealogical records. There’s a small admission fee and the museum is open Monday to Saturday, April to October.
For shoppers, West Coast Deli and various art galleries (such as Rhue Art Gallery) and craft shops offer quality local products, from artisan cheeses to Highlands-inspired jewellery.
Ardmair Beach2 is a picturesque shingle beach on the edge of Ullapool offering breathtaking views of the Highlands and surrounding islands. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset and, with a bit of luck, spot seals and even otters in the waters of Loch Broom. There’s parking adjacent to the bay, making it an easy and accessible stop, and the nearby campsite is an excellent option for staying with a view.
Achnahaird Beach3 regularly features in lists of Scotland’s best beaches, and it’s easy to see why. A vast expanse of golden sand surrounded by jagged mountains with a wild, remote feel makes it truly special.
The Coigach Peninsula has remained pleasantly quiet despite the growing popularity of the North Coast 500. During our first visit to Ullapool, exploring the Coigach Peninsula was the highlight of the trip. You’ll traverse some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes here. There are several picturesque settlements in the area, including Reiff4 and Polbain5, but our favourite was Achiltibuie6. From here you can also sail to the Summer Isles or walk amongst the ruins of ancient crofts that dot the landscape. Lunch at the Piping School Cafe is a must. Coigach is naturally beautiful and wild, a place where time seems to have stood still, and it’s one of our favourite “off the beaten track” corners of the country.
Isle Martin7 makes an interesting day trip. Although no one has lived permanently on the island since 1949, in centuries past Isle Martin hosted Christian missionaries, a large herring processing station, crofts and a mill. A community ferry runs from April to September and you can phone ahead to pick you up at Ardmair Pier, with a suggested minimum donation of £10 per adult. There’s a small museum in the old schoolhouse on the island and walking trails leading to a peaceful beach with views of the Summer Isles.
For the more adventurous, kayaking trips are an exceptional way to explore the coast and islands. Several local companies offer guided tours suitable for all experience levels, from half-day outings to multi-day expeditions with camping on the islands.
The Lael Forest Garden8 is home to around 200 tree species from around the world. Owned by the Forestry Commission since 1929, the land previously belonged to tree enthusiasts who collected rare seeds from across the globe. There are several waymarked trails to follow through the arboretum, suitable for all the family, except for the gorge walk which is a bit more challenging. About 16 km south of Ullapool, with ample free parking, it’s a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll.
For a modest admission fee, you can also walk through Leckmelm Garden9, first planted in 1870 and restored in 1984. Along the paths you’ll find exotic plants and impressive trees from around the world.
There’s also a path leading down to the shores of Loch Broom, offering a different perspective of the loch. Leckmelm is one of numerous woodland gardens developed on Scotland’s west coast in the mid-19th century, where high rainfall and the warm temperate climate of the Gulf Stream enabled delicate tree and shrub species to flourish.
For those seeking a leisurely walk, the Rhue Lighthouse10 is a perfect destination. It’s not particularly large or impressive, but sits in a charming location at the entrance to Loch Broom and is one of the best viewpoints near Ullapool for watching the sunset.
From the rocks around the lighthouse you can look towards the distinctive Beinn Ghoblach across the loch and towards the Summer Isles. There’s parking nearby and the lighthouse is about 1.2 km walk from there. To reach the car park, take the A835 north out of Ullapool and turn following signs for Rhue Art Gallery. For the more adventurous, it’s possible to walk the 10.5 km from Ullapool town centre and back along the coast.
The Riverside Walk11 is another option for a peaceful stroll. A network of paths along the river provides a pleasant experience that varies depending on the season and weather.
Ullapool Hill12 is a must for those who love panoramic walks. For spectacular views of Ullapool, Loch Broom and the surrounding mountains, there are two options to reach the summit. The first is a relatively short but steep path starting from the village centre, marked near Broom Park.
The highest point is at 270 metres on top of Meal Mor, with a round trip of around 8 km. The easier alternative is to drive along the A835 heading south and turn left, following the road climbing towards Braes of Ullapool. At the top there’s parking space near the transmitters, from where you can walk to Meal Mor or simply enjoy the view from the path.
For a more challenging outing, Stac Pollaidh13 is an iconic mountain located about 23 km from Ullapool. At 612 metres it doesn’t quite reach Munro status, but offers an accessible challenge for many hikers, though it’s not an easy walk. The path is steep in places and reaching the true summit involves climbing that should only be attempted by experienced mountaineers.
With reasonable fitness levels, the circular route takes about 3 hours. There’s parking at the starting point, but spaces are limited and fill quickly, especially in high season. A valuable tip is to arrive early in the morning, before 7am, to secure a spot and enjoy the mountain in relative solitude.
Another hike worth doing is Corrieshalloch Gorge14, a spectacular 60-metre-deep gorge carved by the River Droma, located about 20 km south of Ullapool. A short path from the car park leads to a Victorian suspension bridge built by one of the principal engineers of the Forth Bridge.
The swaying crossing offers breathtaking views of the Falls of Measach, a waterfall plunging 46 metres, particularly dramatic after heavy rain. Those not troubled by heights can cross the bridge and continue to a viewing platform jutting out over the gorge, providing an excellent vantage point to fully appreciate the drama of this mile-long canyon.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
Despite its small size, Ullapool boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with events running throughout the year. The Ullapool Book Festival, usually held in May, attracts nationally and internationally renowned writers for a weekend of readings, discussions and workshops.
The Loopallu Festival (currently suspended, though it may resume in the future) was a music festival that transformed this quiet fishing village into a lively hub of folk, rock and indie music for a September weekend.
During summer, traditional music concerts regularly feature in local pubs, particularly at the Ceilidh Place and Arch Inn, offering the chance to immerse yourself in Highlands music culture in an authentic and convivial atmosphere.
Central Ullapool is the ideal area to stay, as it puts restaurants, pubs, shops and the harbour within walking distance. There are some historic hotels here such as the Royal Hotel and Caledonian Hotel, offering comfortable rooms with views of Loch Broom. These hotels also have on-site restaurants serving traditional Scottish fare and, of course, fresh local fish.
We strongly recommend booking well in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit Ullapool during high season (May to September) or around special events. As a popular destination for exploring the North Coast 500 and a departure point for the Outer Hebrides, accommodation tends to fill up quickly.
With a car rental, Ullapool is reached via the A835 from Inverness, a journey of about 90 km (55 miles) taking approximately one hour 15 minutes. The route passes through stunning mountain scenery, with views of lochs and glens inviting frequent photo stops. From Edinburgh or Glasgow, the journey is longer, requiring around 4-5 hours’ driving.
Those preferring public transport can use Scottish Citylink bus services, which operate regular connections between Inverness and Ullapool, with journey times of around one hour 30 minutes. The buses are modern and comfortable, with WiFi on board, and offer scenic views along the route.
Once in Ullapool, most attractions within the village itself are within walking distance. To explore the surrounding area, however, a car is essential, given the rural nature of the region and limited public transport availability.
To rent a car in Ullapool we always recommend comparing the rates of all companies with DiscoverCars because in our opinion it offers the best prices, allows cancellation up to 48 hours before rental and offers a very cheap comprehensive insurance policy.
What's the weather at Ullapool? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Ullapool for the next few days.
Ullapool sits on the north-western coast of Scotland, approximately 55 miles (90 km) north-west of Inverness, the "capital of the Highlands", around 213 miles (340 km) from Edinburgh and 202 miles (325 km) from Glasgow.
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