Ullapool is a large fishing community situated on the North West coast in Ross-shire. It’s large enough to provide shops, hotels, pubs, restaurants etc. It’s small enough to walk on foot but for the folks you might want to consider accommodation near-ish the harbour as most of the facilities centre around that area. The main appeal of Ullapool is its pr
acticality and its pretty aspect by Loch Broom. There are many interesting places to drive to from the village whilst using it as a base but there are a couple of things around you may want to look up.
The Ullapool Museum and Visitor Centre is well worth a visit just along from The Ceilidh Place. Small but packed full of interesting and touching memories of the Highland Clearances, when local crafting people were evicted from and burnt out of their homes and faced a new life by sailing over the Atlantic Ocean to Canada and America. The story is told lovingly here. The Corrieshalloch Gorge situated on the main road a few miles south of Ullapool is not to be missed. Drop by the lay by, step over the road and onto the suspension foot bridge. You’ll be looking down onto this view from several hundred feet:
Generally speaking, Ullapool is a nice place to while some relaxing time away. The harbour is a fascination and from there y one can also take various trips to view seals and bird life etc. It’s also a main dock for Caledonian McBrayne Ferries there being a crossing over to the Isle of Lewis, Part of the Hebridean Islands. Its a few hours on the boat, and not cheap, however. I wouldn’t recommend it for your trip on this occasion.
A few miles north on the main coastal road take you to Achiltibuie. The area has an outstanding view over to the Summer Isles, particularly at sunset, quite magical. It has an award-winning hotel with good food and views too. The Hydroponicum is another enjoyable visit. Some quite unlikely sights for Northern Scotland will greet you in here! Don’t forget to visit the local Achiltibuie smokehouse to buy your peat-smoked kippers…
Eating and drinking
I can thoroughly recommend the Ceilidh Place Hotel a block behind the harbour as a nice visit on and evening for food drinks or coffee. The Morefield Hotel at first glance doesn’t look terribly promising. It’s reached by driving through a small residential area a few minutes drive north out of the main village. If you enjoy fresh seafood however this is the place for you! Dining is basically in standard hotel bar or in the superior restaurant. The fact that both are crowded with customers most evenings speaks for itself. Facing the harbour with beautiful views is The Ferry Inn. You’ll find impromptu music nights in here with Scottish folk musicians bringing their instruments along for a sing-song. To be recommended.
THE TEARS OF A CLOWN 