Unmissable Things to do in Ullapool - NC500 Roadtrip
On the shores of Loch Broom, sits a small port village in the Scottish Highlands, Ullapool. Ullapool is known to be one of the main tourist destinations in the Western Ross area in Scotland.
This small vibrant and bustling town has everything for travellers to make their vacation in Ullapool a memorable one. From leisure to adventure and fabulous events to sublime nature to comfortable stays to a variety of food options, there is literally plenty of things to do in Ullapool that you can add to your North Coast 500 itinerary.
Ullapool is also listed among the top 10 outdoor destinations by Outdoor Fitness Magazine. Not only this, the town is often touted as an impeccable outdoor destination with Canadian-style adrenaline in summer and in winter, Scandinavian twinkle.
With that being said, let’s have a look at the list of all the best things to do in and around Ullapool for a guaranteed unforgettable holiday experience in this beautiful town.
There are many great things to do in Ullapool and it the perfect place to add onto your NC500 if you are touring around the north coast of Scotland. In this guide we discuss the following in more detail.
Ullapool Hill
Summer Isles Cruise
Ullapool Museum
Sutherland Scenery
Rhue Lighthouse
Riverside Walk
Ullapool Festivals
Ullapool Golf Course
Ardmair Beach
Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve
Stac Pollaidh
Live Music at Celidh Place
Best time to visit Ullapool
Things to Do in Ullapool
If you are on a trip to the North Coast region of Scotland, then Ullapool makes for a perfect destination to be added to your NC500 itinerary. There are many things to do in this region that you don't want to miss out on your trip!
Ullapool Hill
The list couldn’t be started with any better attraction other than Ullapool Hill. This is a short but steep ascent up to the most beautiful views across Ullapool and Loch Broom.
Along with that, you can capture the views of the surrounding countryside as well. The climb to the top of the hill is particularly gorgeous in the autumn season when the weather is pleasant and not too warm. The colours are also a reason to visit at this time.
There are two ways to get to the top of Ullapool Hill - one is the short climb and another one involves a steep drive. The highest point of the peak is 270m at the peak of Meall Mor. Along the route, there are a few benches where you can just take a break and savour the views and the ambiance of the surreal surroundings.
Summer Isles Cruise
Whilst in this part of Scotland, make sure to indulge in one of the most amazing activities in the area boat cruising around the Summer Isles. The cruise departs from the Ullapool pier and the whole experience lasts for around 2 hours.
Make sure to check the weather beforehand and plan this particular activity on a bright sunny day for the best experience. Or in Scotland, if you can at least avoid the rain and wind then that is a bonus! A Summer Isles Cruise is one of the unmissable sights on the North Coast 500.
You can rest assured on the cruise as there are plenty of options to just relax and take in the beautiful views as you cruise down the Lock Broom around the famous Summer Isles and back along the Peninsula of Coigach.
On the ride, you will be taken to some of Scotland's best coastlines. Along with that, you will also get an opportunity to witness the rich wildlife of the region in dolphin and seal sightseeing. Make sure you also look out for a variety of seabirds including the white-tailed eagle.
The knowledgeable guide that takes you out on the boat trip will tell you all about the scenery that surrounds you and the wildlife that you are seeing. A highlight of the cruising is when you enter the mouth of Cathedral Cave on Tanera Beag. This spectacular sea cave is also popular for diving.
The payment for the cruise has to be made in cash. So, it is highly advisable to carry the cash with you when you are going on the Summer Isles cruise.
Ullapool Museum
Ullapool Museum is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ullapool. The museum takes you back to the time and tells the story of the early settlers of Loch Broom and their struggle to make the challenging environment their home.
Ullapool Museum is not just only known for its exceptional display of exhibits but is also an architectural gem that still has its original features. At the Ullapool Museum you can expect to see a wide display of the social history of the region as well as information related to education & learning, the sea, crofting, and artifacts.
Drive around Sutherland
The north highlands are split into various different regions, Ullapool is located in Sutherland. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland and is known for sheer diversity in its landscape which includes verdant greenery, vast plains, majestic mountains, and also gorgeous beaches. Sutherland was also the southern land of the Vikings.
Head out for a drive and take in this beautiful landscape whilst you are visiting Ullapool.
Rhue Lighthouse
At the entrance of Loch Broom, there is Rhue Lighthouse, a perfect spot from where you can capture gorgeous sunset views. There are rocks around the lighthouse from which you can look across to the Beinn Ghoblach situated on the other side.
You can easily reach this location by car. There is a parking spot up at the location and from there, the lighthouse is located at a distance of just 3-4 miles. Head on the A835 road heading north of Ullapool to reach the site.
If you are seeking some movement then you can also choose to walk all the way up to the location from the town of Ullapool. The walk is around 6 miles.
Riverside Walk
If you are looking for a simple and less tiring activity to do in Ullapool, then the Riverside Walk perfect. River Ullapool is one of the key highlights of this beautiful town and offers a beautiful opportunity for people to just stroll around the network of paths alongside the river.
This is certainly a peaceful escape from the the centre of Ullapool and you may even be lucky enough to witness some wildlife around the river.
Ullapool Festivals
Ullapool hosts a number of events and festivities throughout the year. It is worth doing a little research on what festivals are going to be celebrated when you are in Ullapool.
Being touted as the hub for festivals, comedy, performances, music, and other events, there is a festival in Ullapool every month starting from April to October.
Below are all the annual events that are celebrated and observed in the town during these months:
Ullapool Dance Festival - April
Ullapool Adult Feis - April/May
Ullapool Book Festival - May
Elphin Music Festival - June
Ullapool Skiff Rowing Regatta - July
Gairloch Highland Gathering - July
Inverness Highland Games - July
Belladrum Music Festival Inverness - August
Assynt Highland Gathering (Lochinver) - August
Thunder in the Glens Aviemore - August
Loopallu Music Festival - September
Ullapool Guitar Festival - October
Ullapool Golf Course
If you are a keen golfer, then make sure you add golfing to your list of things to do in Ullapool. The village is home to one of the most beautiful golf courses in Europe, the Ullapool Golf Course.
Ullapool Golf Course opened in 1997 and is located at a picturesque location on the shores of Loch Broom. If you wish to play, it is recommended that you book in advance.
Ardmair Beach
As we mentioned that the town of Ullapool has a mix of everything when it comes to tourism. And so, here is another aspect of Ullapool tourism – Ardmair Beach.
It is one of those locations in town where you can spend some quality time with friends, family, or even alone amidst a sublime setting.
You can also plan a visit to this beautiful beach in the evening if you are craving some astonishing sunset views.
When you visit Ardmair Beach, make sure you look out for otters and seals.
Along with tourists, the beach is also a popular spot amongst locals to bring their dogs for a walk.
This tourist spot is easily accessible by car and there is a parking spot adjacent to the bay. People also go camping here as there is a local campsite overlooking the beach for an amazing overnight stop.
Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve
For those who love wildlife spotting, Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve is a must-visit attraction in Ullapool. Undoubtedly, the landscape around Ullapool is something that makes this place worth visiting. And if you want to know, the history behind the creation of such an astonishing landscape, then Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve is the place.
There is a beautiful circular route through the reserve which is easy to cover for travellers of varying fitness levels. The crag is the key highlight of this place which was formed as a result of two continents crashing together.
There are a number of ways to explore the reserve - Rock Room, Rock Route, and Rock Trails and Art. Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve is well maintained and at the site, you will see a small visitor centre, toilets, and a car park.
Stac Pollaidh
There are many highlights in the north west of Scotland, however, one place which is definitely worth mentioning is Stac Pollaidh, also known as Stack Polly. The charm of this mountain is that even if you have visited it before, you surely want to do it again.
Now talking about the geographical location of Stac Pollaidh, well, it is located 14 miles from Ullapool.
There is a circular trail that is quite steep in many spots and takes around 3 hours to reach the summit. The entire route offers great vistas over Assynt, the Summer Isles, and Achiltibuie to the north, south, and west, respectively.
There are two summits of the mountain - the rocky ridge and the eastern summit. The easier of the two is the eastern summit and the path to the mountain is excellent making it easy to cover by walking. Whereas, the rocky ridge hike is quite steep and strenuous.
The summit sits at 613 metres.
Live Music at the Celidh Place
The Celidh Place is a lovely cafe/restaurant in Ullapool serving up delicious food and drinks. If you are in Ullapool over the weekend, check out their live music schedule and enjoy some local talent whilst you are in the area.
Best Time to Visit Ullapool
Since Ullapool is a northern highland town, it is a wise call to check the weather beforehand. The town witnesses oceanic weather that makes the temperature quite cool yet mild throughout the year. However, rainfall is prevalent throughout the year.
The best time to visit Ullapool for dry weather would be in the month of April and lasts until September. This is the time when the town witnesses lesser rainfall than the remaining months of the year. The average temperature during this time ranges from 13-14 degrees celsius.
The rainy season isn’t ideal to visit Ullapool at all as rainfall is particularly heavy during the season which starts from October and lasts until March. The temperature during these months varies between 3 and 4 degrees celsius and a lot of attractions will be closed during this time.
So there you have it, all of the best things to do in Ullapool, including mountains, wildlife, views, and beaches. If you have visited Ullapool recently, let us know what you thought of the sights listed above, or if you have any suggestions let us know in the comments below.
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