Things to Do in Ullapool, Scotland

Ullapool is the prettiest town on the NC500. Sitting on the shores of Loch Broom in Wester Ross, it has white-painted houses lining the harbour, fishing boats coming and going, mountains all around, and one of the best seafood shacks in Scotland.

Ullapool is a natural base for some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery – Stac Pollaidh, the Coigach Peninsula, the Summer Isles and the Bone Caves are all within an hour. Here’s what to do with a couple of days in Ullapool.

Ullapool at a glance

• Where: Wester Ross, on Loch Broom, north-west Highlands
• Drive time: 1 hour 30 from Inverness, 4 hours from Edinburgh and Glasgow
• Best for: NC500 stopovers, seafood, mountain country, ferry to the Outer Hebrides
• Best walk: Stac Pollaidh (3 hours) or Ullapool Hill (2 hours)
• Don’t miss: The Seafood Shack on West Argyle Street
• Best time to visit: May, June and September. Avoid school summer holidays
• Where to stay: The Ceilidh Place for atmosphere, Westlea House for B&B, the Stone Houses for luxury
• How long: 1 to 2 nights minimum

Things to do in Ullapool

Ullapool is one of Scotland’s prettiest seaside towns.

Designed by Thomas Telford in 1788 as a herring port, its name is most likely derived from the Norse for ‘wool town’. Now home to around 1,500 people, the village’s population swells in summer by those heading out to the Outer Hebrides or travelling further north on the NC500.

It is worth stopping for a while and exploring the area. Here is what to do in Ullapool.

Explore by foot – Ullapool walks

The best thing to do in Ullapool? Get out and explore on foot. From gentle strolls to the best hill walks, here are my favourite Ullapool walks.

Ullapool Hill

Otherwise known as Meall Mhor, this short but steep 5-mile walk takes you up 270m above Ullapool for a fabulous view of Loch Broom. Climb Ullapool Hill.

Lael Forest Garden

With around 200 species of trees from all around the globe. Follow the 1-mile Gorge Trail to explore the forest garden and the spectacular Allt na h-Ighine gorge.

Knockan Crag Nature Reserve

Knockan Crag is more interesting than it sounds. It is the site of one of the most important geological discoveries ever made in Britain – that older rocks could lie above younger rocks, which proved that the Earth’s crust moves. The 1.25-mile interpretive trail explains the Moine Thrust in a way that makes geology genuinely interesting, and the views over Assynt from the top are spectacular. Free to visit, parking off the A835. Walking trail around Knockan Crag.

Stac Pollaidh

Assynt’s landscape of otherworldly rock formations is jaw-dropping. One of the most popular hills to climb in Scotland is the stunning Stac Pollaidh – at 612m, Stac Pollaidh is not a Munro, but gives great views for its height.

The circular trail around the hill will take around 3 hours.

The Bone Caves

Discover these unusual caves on a cliff face, where the bones of polar bears (yes really!), wolf, lynx, arctic fox and brown bears have been found.

The walk up to the Creag nan Uamh (Crag of the Caves) along the Allt nan Uamh burn is beautiful. Watch out for where the burn emerges from the base of a crag.

Explore the Bone Caves with this circuit (3 miles, 2 hours).

Take a sunset stroll to Rhue Lighthouse

At the entrance to Loch Broom is Rhue Lighthouse, just a 10-minute drive from the village centre with lovely views to the Summer Isles and to the mighty Beinn Ghoblach and Ben More Coigach.

There is a car park at the headland and the lighthouse is a 10-minute, three-quarter mile walk. The lighthouse is a great place to watch the sunset. Walk to Rhue Lighthouse.

Ullapool by water

With its position on Loch Broom, the best way to explore Ullapool is by boat.

Sail over to Isle Martin

Managed by the Isle Martin Trust since 1999, catch the ferry across to the uninhabited Isle Martin which has nice walks, a beach and small museum.

The ferry runs on Saturdays and Sundays from Ardmair Jetty. The ferry costs £15 per person and runs all day from 11am to 4pm. The crossing takes 5 minutes. Visit Isle Martin.

Sea kayak to the Summer Isles

The Summer Isles – an archipelago in Loch Broom, including the largest, Tanera Mòr – are perfect for a day’s paddling. You might spot seals, dolphins, or even whales.

Sea kayaks can be hired from Summer Isles Kayaks or Kayak Summer Isles, who are also dog friendly.

Take a boat trip on Loch Broom

Whether you prefer your boat trips sedate or full of adrenaline, a trip out on the waters of Loch Broom is a great way to see Ullapool and the surrounding mountains, including Cathedral Cave on Tanera Beag.

Ride a RIB with Seascape Expeditions, or take a cruise with Shearwater Cruises on the M.V Shearwater. You never know what wildlife you might spot from the water – even white-tailed sea eagles — on their 2-hour cruise.

Further south, take a Hebridean Whale Cruise to spot otters, seabirds and even dolphins and sharks in the waters off Gairloch.

Things to do near Ullapool

Got a little longer to explore? Here is what to do near Ullapool.

The Coigach Peninsula

The Coigach Peninsula is the loop of single-track road that runs west off the NC500 just north of Ullapool, signposted to Achiltibuie. It is one of the most beautiful drives in Scotland and most NC500 traffic skips it. Don’t.

The peninsula takes you past Stac Pollaidh, around to the village of Achiltibuie, on to the start of the Summer Isles boat trips, and down to the spectacular beach at Achnahaird. Allow at least half a day. The road is single-track with passing places throughout. Watch for stags, particularly at dawn and dusk.

Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve

Corrieshalloch Gorge is a 12-mile drive south of Ullapool on the A832, and is one of the most dramatic short stops in the Highlands. The River Droma drops 45 metres into a narrow box canyon at the Falls of Measach, and a Victorian iron suspension bridge crosses the gorge 45 metres above the falls. The bridge sways alarmingly when more than three people are on it. There is a viewing platform a little further along that gives the best photo angle.

It is an NTS site, free to access, with a small visitor centre and cafe. Allow 30 to 45 minutes.

Handa Island

One of Scotland’s most beautiful islands and a nationally important wildlife reserve, Handa Island is home to puffins, rare bonxies and stunning views of the Assynt mountains.

A visit to the island is by boat (£15 cash only) and takes around 4 hours – 10 minutes on the ferry, and a couple of hours to walk around the island. There is also a seafood restaurant at Tarbet from where you catch the ferry.

Ardessie Falls and Wailing Widow Falls

To find the beautiful Ardessie Falls, follow the Allt Airdeasaidh to the falls with lovely views back along Loch Broom. Visit the Ardessie Falls.

The Wailing Widow Falls can be found near the Kylesku Bridge and are one of the longest-drop falls in Scotland.

Ardvreck Castle

Ardvreck Castle is the ruined 15th-century MacLeod stronghold on the banks of Loch Assynt, 30 minutes north of Ullapool. The castle was hit by lightning in the 18th century and has been a ruin ever since. The reflection of the ruins in the loch on a still morning is the iconic Assynt photograph. Free to visit, parking by the roadside on the A837. Allow 30 minutes.

Inverewe Garden

Inverewe is a 30-minute drive south to the village of Poolewe and is one of the most surprising places in Scotland – a sub-tropical garden in the far north-west, kept warm by the Gulf Stream. Plants from Tasmania, Chile and the Himalayas thrive here in soil that is officially the same latitude as Hudson Bay.

Inverewe House was opened to the public in 2017 and gives a snapshot of 1930s estate life. The gardens are extensive — allow 2 to 3 hours minimum. NTS site, free for members, otherwise £15 for adults.

Ullapool beaches

Looking for beaches near Ullapool? There are lots of beautiful beaches to discover, and here are my favourites:

• Mellon Udrigle Beach — a beautiful sandy beach at Gruinard Bay by the village of Laide. There is a campsite beside the beach.
• Achmelvich Beach — turquoise waters and white sands. Achmelvich and its neighbour Clachtoll Beach are some of the best in Scotland.
• Achnahaird Beach — accessed by road from Altandhu and Achiltibuie, Achnahaird Beach is one of Scotland’s best and has views of Stac Pollaidh.
• Ardmair Beach — Ullapool’s local, rocky beach.

Things to do in Ullapool in the rain

Of course it is going to rain in Scotland, but don’t just wait for a wet day to explore.

Visit the Ullapool Museum and An Talla Solais

Telling the story of Loch Broom, visit this lovely museum housed in a Thomas Telford church. Find out about Loch Broom’s fishing history, the Highland Clearances and the Dutch sailing ship — The Hector.

Find out more about Ullapool Museum.

An Talla Solais is Ullapool’s visual arts centre with changing displays including ceramics and paintings from local artists.

Where to Eat in Ullapool

Ullapool has a strong food scene for its size, mostly built on the seafood landed at the harbour. Most places get busy in summer – book ahead for sit-down meals and turn up early for the casual spots.

The Seafood Shack is probably the most famous food stop on the North Coast 500 and the reason a lot of people stop in Ullapool. It is a trailer on West Argyle Street run by Kirsty and Fenella, and they cook whatever has come off the boats that morning. Order langoustines if they have them, the haddock wrap if not. The crab claws, lobster mac and cheese and tempura monkfish all turn up regularly. There is no seating beyond a few picnic tables. Open daytime only, April to October. Cash and card. Don’t leave Ullapool without eating here.

The Dipping Lugger is the most exciting place to eat in Ullapool. An 18th-century former manse on the harbourfront, transformed by Robert Hicks and Helen Chalmers (who also own the Highland Liquor Co., makers of Seven Crofts gin) into a Michelin-listed restaurant with three rooms upstairs. Head chef David Smith runs a seven-course tasting menu out of a one-person kitchen, all served at the same time to fewer than 20 diners. Three AA Rosettes, AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year Scotland 2025. Worth booking weeks ahead, particularly if you want one of the rooms.

The Ceilidh Place has been an Ullapool institution since 1970. It is a hotel, restaurant, bookshop and music venue all in one, and the food is consistently good – local seafood, Highland lamb, proper Scottish cooking without being fussy about it. The bar is the warmest place in town in winter. Live music most weekends.

The Arch Inn sits right on the sea wall and has the best harbour view of any pub in town. The terrace is the place to be on a sunny evening with a pint. Food is solid pub fare with a seafood lean – try the mussels or the fish and chips. Rooms above the pub if you want to stay.

The Ferry Boat Inn is the proper Highland local. Cosy, low-ceilinged, busy with regulars. Good for a pint and a chat with whoever is at the bar. The food is honest pub cooking and the haddock and chips is excellent.

Where to stay in Ullapool

For dinner, bed and breakfast: The Dipping Lugger. The Dipping Lugger has just three rooms above one of the best restaurants in the Highlands. Loch views, espresso machines in the rooms, an honesty bar across the hall stocked with Tunnock’s teacakes and good wine. From £430 for dinner, bed and breakfast for two. Currently open Thursday to Sunday. The standout option in town for foodies.

For super luxury: The Stone Houses. The Stone Houses are architect-designed luxury self-catering houses just outside town with incredible views over Loch Broom. The standout option in the area.

For B&B: Westlea House. Westlea is a quirky, beautifully done B&B in Ullapool with an art-filled interior and one of the best breakfasts in the Highlands.

For atmosphere: The Ceilidh Place. Rooms above the Ceilidh Place restaurant and bookshop. Each room is individually styled. Light sleepers should ask for a room away from the bar in summer.

For the waterfront: The Arch Inn. The Arch Inn is on the waterfront with simple rooms and the best terrace in town.

For the local feel: The Ferry Boat Inn. Rooms above the pub at The FBI. Basic but cosy and right in the middle of everything.

For camping and glamping: The Highland Bothies for glamping pods, or Ullapool Campsite at Broomfield Holiday Park right by Loch Broom.

For hostels: Ullapool Youth Hostel is a SYHA hostel in town with cheap dorm beds.

When to Visit Ullapool

May and June. The best months. Long days, decent weather odds, the midges aren’t yet at their worst and the NC500 traffic hasn’t quite peaked. Wildflowers are out on the cliffs and the Summer Isles boat trips are running.

July and August. Peak season. The town fills with NC500 traffic, the Seafood Shack queue is round the block, and the midges are vicious in still weather. Book accommodation months ahead. If you can avoid the school summer holidays, do.

September and October. My pick of the year. The midges have gone, the light goes golden, and the heather on the hills around Stac Pollaidh turns purple in early September. Most boat trips are still running into October, the seafood is at its best, and the roads are quieter.

November to March. Quiet, atmospheric, often very wet. The Seafood Shack is closed. The Ceilidh Place, Arch Inn and Ferry Boat Inn all stay open. Storms off Loch Broom can be spectacular. The Stornoway ferry to the Isle of Lewis runs year-round but check the timetable as winter sailings are reduced.

April. A transitional month – the weather can be glorious or brutal, and many of the boat trips and smaller cafes don’t reopen until the end of the month.

Where is Ullapool?

Ullapool sits on Loch Broom in Wester Ross in the far north-west of Scotland.

Driving times to Ullapool can vary due to the remoteness of Ullapool, but some popular routes are below.

• Edinburgh to Ullapool – 4 hours via Inverness
• Glasgow to Ullapool – 4 hours
• Aberdeen to Ullapool – 3.5 hours
• Ullapool to Oban – 3 hours 45
• Ullapool to Skye – 2.5 hours
• Fort William to Ullapool – 2.5 hours
• Applecross to Ullapool on the NC500 – 2 hours
• Ullapool to Durness on the NC500 – 1 hour 45
• Inverness to Ullapool – 1.5 hours
• Ullapool to Lochinver – 1 hour

FAQs

More things to do near Ullapool

Read more: things to do in Assynt

Read more: things to do in Wester Ross

Love, from Scotland x