IV26
Public Toilets in West Argyle Street (Showers too!)
Population: 1,541
Free parking in town centre next to Tesco (IV26 2XB)
Free Wifi
Council area: Highland Council
UK Parliament: Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Council area: Highland Council
UK Parliament: Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Tesco Supermarket
Calmac Ferries to the Outer Hebrides
Boat Trips
Many Restaurants
Leisure Centre
Camp Site
I am spending a week in Ullapool this summer so I thought it would be a good time to add this page to my blog and I will update it after my visit in August 2021. I have been to Ullapool dozens of times, but usually we are just passing through, or doing a big shop as we did when we stayed in Lochinver, Laide or Gairloch. This time we will be staying in Ardmair and spending a week in the area.
We decided this year it was time for a longer stop in Ullapool. Firstly we are bringing my parents as well as the children. Secondly, we feel bad that we use it as a shopping base, it has so much to offer and with my parents love of seafood I decided it was a good choice as there are so many good places to eat in the area. I am looking forward to doing all the things I never had time to do before, as the NC500 is a journey, and for me it is one that never seems to end!
Ullapool (Scottish Gaelic: Ulapul) is a sea port and a village of around 1,500 inhabitants. It is about 45 miles north-west of Inverness. Ullapool is the largest settlement for many miles around, and an important tourist destination. The North Atlantic Drift passes Ullapool, moderating the temperature. A few New Zealand cabbage trees are grown in the town (They look like palm trees). The town lies on Loch Broom, on the A835 road from Inverness.
The Ullapool Museum
Local museums are a good place to get to know an area, and to meet local people as they are usually staffed by locals who know the area and are more than happy to answer questions and make recommendations.
Ullapool Museum is located in the old Thomas Telford church and there are some interesting original features inside the building. The collections include agricultural and fishing exhibits, two of the main industries that existed after Ullapool was founded as a fishing station back in 1788. There are children's activities and a wee gift shop too. You can also research through the extensive local archives and genealogy records and photographs at the museum and there is a village audio guide available too.
Places like this on the route need our support, especially after the last 12 months of lockdowns, so pop in for a visit and a chat, you will learn new things and meet new people. Perhaps you can ask them where their favourite place is at your next destination or further along the route. I use museums as a place to learn about an area, as well as an opportunity to interact and gain local knowledge from the experts - the locals!
The museum is usually between April and October
Disabled access to ground floor and toilet.
Entry £5, under 16s free.
Gift aided entrance greatly appreciated
Seascape Expeditions
Seascape Expeditions are based in Ullapool and visit the Summer Isles and Loch broom. They offer set tours, trips to Isle Martin and private trips, excursions and charters. All weather clothing is provided and they are certified to MCA Code of Practice and fully equipped with the latest safety equipment and electronics. Please Click on the picture above to go to their website for more information or to book a trip. You can also telephone them on 01854 633708. On updating I note that their prices have doubled since 2021
2023 Prices
Isle Martin Trip
£27.50 - Return Ticket to Isle Martin
£20.00 - Under 16's
2 hours or more ashore
£20.00 - Under 16's
2 hours or more ashore
Summer Isles Trip
£50.00 - 1 hour and 15 minutes
£30.00 - Under 16's
Long Summer Isles Trip
£75 - 2 hour Trip
£50 - Under 16's
Shearwater Cruises
Formerly known as 'Summer Queen Cruises'. Shearwater Cruises are based in Ullapool Harbour. They offer trips to Loch Broom and the Summer Isles. Cruises are approximately 2 hours 15 minutes taking in the region's wildlife and scenery. The Summer Isles are a collection of wonderful islands ranging in size from little more than rocks to the last inhabited island Tanera Mor. The isles and sea are home to numerous sea birds, seals, dolphin, porpoise, whales and eagles. Telephone - 01854 612472. Updated prices have risen by £5 since 2021
2023 Prices
Summer Islands Cruise
Adults £40
Children £30
Adults £40
Children £30
Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve
Knockan Crag holds the key to an amazing story of colliding continents and scientific intrigue. The low cliff of Knockan exposes rocks that set the scientific world ablaze in the 19th century, with the discovery that a slice of old rock sits on top of much younger ones. At Knockan crag, you can bridge 500 million years of history with your bare hands. You can see for yourself the marvel that allowed one of the world's greatest geological mysteries to be solved. The crag is a globally important geological site and was formed by the Moine Thrust, the force of two continents crashing together.
Explore the Reserve through the Rock Room, Rock trails and art, or if you are looking to explore further, why not follow the Rock Route through the North West Highlands? There are three trails to choose from, catering for different abilities and all of which provide fantastic views over the rugged mountains and glittering lochs of this dramatic landscape. They also feature sculptures and poetry and offer some amazing viewpoints.
Knockan Crag is open all year and facilities include a car park, toilets, visitor centre and trails ranging from easy to strenuous. Follow the link for more details about Knockan Crag
Corrieshalloch Gorge
About 12 miles south of Ullapool is the Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve, a popular natural attraction in the area. The 45m high Falls of Measach is the main reason people stop here which is quite dramatic after a good downpour. You can also follow the trails through the woodland for views of the surrounding area and look out for different species of ferns growing in the microclimate of the gorge. I have visited many times and it is better after heavy rainfall. The car park is very busy so I would arrive early.
It is a short walk from the car park to the Victorian suspension bridge which was built by one of the chief engineers who constructed the Forth Bridge. The crossing gives me the heebie-jeebies but there is an excellent view of the waterfall and the River Droma far down below as it runs through the mile long box canyon.
If (unlike me) you have a head for heights, you can cross the bridge and head further along to a viewing platform which juts out above the gorge. Those brave enough to walk to the edge will have a great vantage point to appreciate the full drama of the whole canyon.
Staying in Ullapool
With so much to see, do and eat you will no doubt want to pitch up here for a night or more and there are three choices in Ullapool. There are two decent camp sites here, one is three miles to the north at Ardmair point and the other one is in a more central location to Ullapool. The both have great views! Anyway the choice is yours so I'll add links and details here so you can compare the options.
Ardmair Point Holiday Park
"Ardmair Point Holiday Park is renowned for its tranquil setting and breathtaking views across Loch Kanaird and Ben Mhor Coigach mountain ridge. It’s a stunning base for a family holiday, for travellers taking the North Coast 500 route and wanting to explore the North West Highlands and enjoy the many activities. We have range of pitches suitable for all camper vans, caravans and tents on our Campsite. Our self-catering accommodation includes two lodges and 6 chalets, all of which are located on the waterfront..."
Broomfield Holiday Park
Broomfield was established 60 years ago by a local family who still run the site. The site extends over 12 acres of level grass, overlooking the Summer Isles and Lochbroom. The importance and quality of the site was recognised when the park itself was made a conservation area to protect the land and views. This site is two minutes walk from the village and there are many bars, restaurants and shops within easy access from the site. Whether visitors wish to stay within Ullapool or tour the region surrounding us, Broomfield offers a welcoming and pleasant site from which to appreciate the marvels of the Highlands.
The Royal Hotel Ullapool
There is also a third option for staying in Ullapool which is an overnight at the Royal Hotel. For just £10 per night including electric hook up you can use the hotel parking at the rear of the hotel. The toilets are open from 7am to 11pm and there are 4 Electric Hook Up connection points. The location is very handy if you are catching the ferry to Stornoway the next morning. Why not enjoy a bite to eat and something to drink while you are there. I haven't had a chance to try the overnight here yet, but I've heard great things so thought I'd share.
I also wanted to add that with the popularity of the route a lot of people are opting to do it in winter when it is less busy. The stop over at the Royal Hotel is available all year round as they do not close for the winter as the camp sites do. We do have a list of sites that are open all year round and you can find it in our group files. I will be creating a new blog post on the topic later in the year.
Food and Drink
Some of the best food and drink on the route can be found in Ullapool. For personal recommendations and specific questions please post in our Facebook Group. You definitely won't go hungry in Ullapool!
This is definitely one of my MUST DO recommended places on the route! The Seafood Shack opened in May 2016 with one intention, to provide Ullapool with local seafood that is fresh and cooked simply yet delicious.
The Seafood Shack is run by Kirsty and Fenella who were both born and raised in Ullapool, Kirsty has worked in catering and seafood for a number of years. Her family still live in and around Ullapool and her partner owns one of the local boats and lands much of what is served.
Kirsty and Fenella have gone on to win numerous awards and have been featured on many television programmes including Mary Berry’s “Everyday Life” series 2017. They have recently published a book of recipes which is their first ever Seafood Shack Book, it is called "Food and Tales from Ullapool" and you can purchase it online via their website.
What more can I say, they have a small menu and the produce is always fresh! They are currently closed for the winter but will be back in 2021 and I will update their opening hours and information when they re-open this season. Currently a lot of businesses are closed due to the lockdown.
This shop was a really unexpected treat serving some of the best ice-cream we've eaten and they also served really good coffee.
Plenty of main-stream flavours on offer and also several really creative ones such as the pear and stilton and a blueberry ice-cream from hand-picked blueberries. Also available have been lavender, liquorice and sea buckthorn, pink marshmallow, pistachio and coconut as well as regular flavours like mango swirl, Turkish delight, chocolate and strawberry.
4 West Argyle Street, Ullapool, IV26 2TY
Telephone - 01854 612228
West Coast Deli is a family run delicatessen. They stock an extensive range of local Highland produce, sourced from small suppliers including venison salami, black pudding, farmhouse cheeses and fresh baked bread. Also stocked here are traditional continental delicacies, such as Italian salami, European cheeses and Mediterranean olives and oils.
They also have a deli cafe where they make fresh food on the premises. They serve soup, rolls, salads, pies, toasties and cakes. So if you are just after a coffee and a roll, something for supper, a graze box or a picnic for your day's travel, this is a good place to pick up some tasty morsels! 5 Argyle Street, Ullapool, IV26 2UB Tel - 01854613450
Shopping in Ullapool
There are lots of local shops in Ullapool so I thought I'd add some links to support their businesses here, as well as listing shops and services that you might need on your travels. If you are staying here for a few days why not check out the local shops and buy some gifts to take home with you. I will include opening hours, website links and contact details if I have them. A lot of cruise ships stop here so there are a good number of shops that cater to visitors. Here is a LINK to more local businesses
(If you are a local and would like to be added here, please drop me a line. I am coming up for a week this August and am looking forward to visiting as many places as I can!)
Boots the Chemist
3 Shore St, Ullapool IV26 2UJ - Open 9.00am to 5.30pm (Closed Sundays)
Telephone - 01854 612114
Loch Broom Filling Station
Garve Rd, Ullapool IV26 2SY - Open 7.30am to 8.00pm daily (8.30am to 7pm on Sundays)
Telephone - 01854 612298
High Octane Fuel available here
We have filled up here many times and the staff are always friendly. It can get very busy!
I am often asked where LPG is available and this is one of the few places on the route. It is not available at the filling station on Garve Road (Details Above)
Bosch Car Service
Morefield Industrial Estate, 2, Morefield, Ullapool IV26 2SR
Open from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday
Telephone - 01854 613355
Lochbroom Hardware is situated on the corner of Quay Street and Shore Street, Ullapool. It occupies the ground floor beneath The Captain’s Cabin and is very close to the Harbour and Ferry Terminal. Lochbroom Hardware is an Aladdin’s cave where you will find Camping gear, Outdoor clothing, Electrical goods, Plumbing materials, Tools, DIY materials, Paint, Toys, Household goods, Garden tools & Accessories, Fishing tackle and Permits for local fishing. They also stock NC500 merchandise. Great shop with so many things you might need on your travels!
A unique collection of quality pottery to use and enjoy, each piece is entirely made and freehand painted by exceptionally skilled crafts people. Visitors are welcome to look round the pottery and watch whatever processes are going on. The shop has many one-off pieces as well as our range of gifts, table and cookware. Lovely pottery, I've been to Lochinver so I'm looking forward to another visit!
Lael Crafts Gallery has a wide selection of local and Scottish arts and crafts. Tweeds and textiles, wood and weaving, prints and paintings, jewellery, ceramics, sea glass and silver, pens and baskets; to name just a few. Set in wooded surroundings 10 miles south of Ullapool, on the A835, two miles north of A835/A832 Braemore Junction.
Made In Ullapool is a social enterprise that supports vulnerable people in a work environment. All profits go back into supporting the project whilst offering customers a great product.
1-3 West Shore Street, IV26 2UR Ullapool
Telephone - 01854 612702
The shop is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm
The Captain’s Cabin is situated on Quay Street, Ullapool, Wester Ross, right in the heart of the village, beside Lochbroom Hardware and The Ullapool Bookshop. It is very close to the Harbour and Ferry Terminal. Here you will find a well established Gift and Craft Shop, offering Pottery, Knitwear, Soaps, Scottish Gifts, Local Crafts, Games & Toys, Candles and much more.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
This page was last edited by Fiona on March 11th 2023
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