Ullapool, an appealing port and resort in Wester Ross, the fishing port of Ullapool in Wester Ross comes alive in summer when it receives a large influx of holidaymakers. Many move on by ferry to Stornoway on Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, but it is a good base for exploring the area, and has a marvellous setting jutting out into Loch Broom. Attractions include the award-winning Ullapool Museum and a multitude of craft shops and galleries.
Email Waterfront Cottage enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
Other places to stay in and around
Ullapool
Waterfront Cottage is a modern, well equipped self-catering holiday
cottage (built in 1994), in an elevated position above Loch Broom, Ullapool,
in the north-west Highlands of Scotland.
The Cottage is a perfect base for touring, hillwalking, cycling, bird watching, landscape photography and painting, golf, angling, and stress-free relaxation. It's also the perfect place to work, if your business is internet based, via our wifi broadband.
Waterfront Cottage Accommodation
The living area comprises a split level Dining Room / Lounge with Open Fire well equipped with satellite TV (Freeview channels), DVD with supply of DVD's, midi CD player/cassette/radio, kitchen CD/Radio/iPod dock, Broadband - wifi "up to" 8MB. Bring your laptop (we do not provide a PC).
The Dining Kitchen is well equipped, with Belling electric oven/hob in addition to Stanley Range, adjacent Utility area and guest WC.
There are 3 En-suite Bedrooms; one double and two twin rooms. There is a power-shower in the double bedroom, electric shower in Bedroom 2 and bath/electric shower in Bedroom 3. A cot, high chair and stairgates are available upon request.
The rooms benefit a very good decorative order, double glazing, oil central heating and fabulous views of Loch Broom, Ullapool and Beinn Ghoblach beyond.
There is a private drive and parking. Outside there is a mixture of natural wooded areas and gardens. Situated on a sloping plot high on a cliff above Loch Broom, the gardens are fenced, but care should nevertheless be taken in supervising young children when outside. Garden furniture available.
Waterfront Cottage Features:
• Sleeps 6 (1 double, 2 twin rooms).
• All bedrooms have en-suite facilities (one has bath/shower, other
two have a shower)
• Bed linen and towels supplied at no extra cost
• "up to" 8MB wifi broadband - bring your laptop!
• Saturday to Saturday weekly lets - arrival after 4.00pm, departure
by 10.00am
• Oil-fired central heating throughout, via a Stanley Range (similar
to an Aga)
• Open fire in living room (initial supply of coal & kindlers
included)
• Quiet, private location with parking on site
• outstandingly beautiful mountain and sea views, which can be enjoyed
from every room
• Mamas & Papas cot (with bedding), high chair and stairgates
available upon request.
• local owner (a photographer): personal welcome, advice and assistance.
Landscape Photography Holidays (based at Waterfront Cottage) and Single Day Photography experiences are available.
Pets
Pets not are permitted inside the Cottage.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is not permitted inside the cottage.
Local Attractions
Ullapool is a thriving village, and the centre is just a short 15 minute
walk (or short cab ride) away. Ullapool has a full range of facilities.
"Tranquil Ullapool epitomizes what every coastal Scottish village should look like. From the whiteness of its shore frontage to the breathtaking landscape that surrounds it, this is a place to go if you want unspoiled and remote village charm. Ullapool has excellent tourist facilities and makes a great base for exploring the Highlands." BBC.co.uk
The Independent travel guide The Lonely Planet describes Ullapool as "one of the most alluring Highlands spots, a wonderful destination".
Ullapool is a beautiful fishing village on the north-west coast of Wester Ross in the Highlands of Scotland. It is renowned as the entertainment, artistic and cultural centre for the north-west Highlands. There is an active Theatre, Art Galleries, a Landscape Photography Gallery, a Museum and many atmospheric pubs, where live music is frequently performed.
There are several (award-winning) restaurants and take-aways, a wide variety of shops, a Leisure Centre with Swimming Pool, Banks, Bookshops, Post Office, Library and a Golf Course. Not to be missed are the weekly performances by the award-winning Ullapool Junior Pipe Band (usually Thursday evenings during the summer).
Ullapool is surrounded by mountains, and is a perfect base for hill-walkers and ramblers. An Teallach, the Beinn Dearg range, the Inverpollaidh mountains, and many more, are all nearby. The main ferry to the Isle of Lewis leaves Ullapool Pier up to three times per day, and it is possible during the summer to make a day trip to Stornoway.
Activities in the Highlands around Ullapool
One Mountain Climbed...
Stac Pollaidh is Easy wit a good roadside car park. Excellent path all
the way to the summit ridge. Gets very busy, especially at weekends. To
avoid the crowds, start early or late. No previous mountain walking experience
required. Suitable for (resilient) children in good weather.
Warning - although reaching the summit ridge is easy, a traverse of the ridge involves some exposed scrambling, suitable for the experienced only. Sunset from the summit ridge is a memorable experience. Drive - 30mins (one way); Walk - 45 min's (one way) at a good pace.
An Teallach is Tough. The jewel in the Wester Ross crown, and #1 favourite among Munroists. A full day out. Eleven peaks, including two Munros (Sgurr Fiona & Bidean a' Ghlas Thuill). A high level of fitness and good mountain experience required.
Best approach is from roadside car park at Corrie Hallie, following the track up the burn (Alt Gleann Chorachain), and taking the higher path to gain the foothills of Sail Liath, and the climb begins...Unforgettable (no exaggeration). Optional stay over at Shenavall Bothy. Drive - 30mins; Walk / Climb - all day.
Other recommended local mountains: Munros - Beinn Dearg range, Seana Bhraigh, Ben More Assynt, Sgurr Mor collection. Others - Quinag, Suilven, Cul Mor, Cul Beag, Ben More Coigach, Canisp etc. More reading (available in the Cottage): The Munros (SMC), NW Highlands Hillwalking Guide (SMC), Walks in Wester Ross - Shorter Routes, The High Mountains (Butterfield), Wainwright on Scotland, OS Maps.
One Waterfall Viewed...
Falls of Measach at Corrieshalloch Gorge (short walk / short drive) under
Scottish National Trust. Car park off the Ullapool-Gairloch road, just
after the Braemore Junction. Good winding path to viewpoint (but take
sturdy footwear). Very deep spectacular gorge. Wobbly suspension bridge…not
good for vertigo sufferers. Drive - 15mins; Walk 10min's. Inverkirkaig
Falls (longer walk / longer drive)
The falls are 18m high and given the remote setting are considered one of the finest in Scotland. Park near the mouth of the River Kirkaig, and walk up beside the river to the waterfall (4km). Good path most of the way, if a little boggy. Walking boots recommended. Recover at Achins Bookshop / Tea Shop on return.
Suggest circular scenic drive route: Ullapool - Lochinver (pretty fishing village) - InverKirkaig (approx 1 hour); return via "mad-bad-road of Sutherland" - Stac Pollaidh - Drumrunie Junction - Ullapool. And don't ignore - Drumrunie waterfall, Lael Forest Garden waterfall and Rogie Falls (between Contin & Garve on A835 back towards Inverness).
One Garden Visited..
Leckmelm Garden & Arboretum Just a couple of miles down the road (towards
Inverness). Voluntary entry fee. Rare trees. Open April - October inclusive.
Inverewe Gardens Scottish National Trust. Just beyond Poolewe. The most
famous of Scotland's gardens is situated in North West Scotland amid scenery
of great natural beauty.
It is an oasis of greenery and colour, as far north as Labrador in the west and St.Petersberg in the east, it is warmed by the Gulf Sream and able to sustain plants from many temperate regions of the world. Entry fees charged.
One Beach Shell Found At...
Sandwood Bay is the most magnificent beach in the UK
and it's difficult to argue. A long walk is involved, having parked at
Blairmore - it's a day out rather than a quick trip - but very well worth
it. Oldshoremore beach is a good alternative, not far from Blairmore,
and the car park is (almost) on the beach.
Mellon Udrigle, a stunningly beautiful, small, quiet beach with outstanding mountain views. A Highland gem. Great shells!
More great beaches:
. Achmelvich (OS Ref NC 058252 - Map 15)
. Achnahaird (OS Ref NC 016135 - Map 15)
. Gruinard (OS Ref NG 952902 - Map 19)
. Gairloch (OS Ref NG 805755 - Map 19);
. Oldshoremore (OS Ref NC202585 - Map 9)
. Garvie Bay (OS ref NC041137 - Map 15)
One Golf Course At...
Ullapool Golf Course, our own little 9-holer (with some alternate tees
for second 9), on the northern edge of the village. Admittedly not a great
challenge for the scratch golfer (except in the frequently windy conditions),
but great for the occasional / holiday golfer. Inexpensive green fees;
club / trolley hire available; clubhouse. Superb coastal views. Open all
year.
Durness Golf Course, the most north-westerly course on mainland Britain - exposed! And try Gairloch, Strathpeffer, and the East Coast links (Dornoch, Golspie, Brora, Tain, Bonar Bridge etc)
One Day Touring...
Gairloch & Poolewe Tour: Ullapool - Gairloch - Kinlochewe
/ Torridon - Ullapool Taking in some, or all, of Corrieshalloch Gorge,
Inverewe Gardens, Loch Maree, Beinn Eighe Nature Trail, Torridon (Beinn
Eighe, Liathach views).
Coigach & Assynt Tour: Ullapool - Lochinver - InverKirkaig - Achiltibuie - Ullapool Taking in some, or all, of Highland Stoneware (Lochinver), Achins Bookshop (InverKirkaig), "mad-bad-road of Sutherland", Hydroponicum, Smokehouse, Summer Isles Hotel (Achiltibuie), Stac Polliadh.
One All Abilities Walk...
Leitir Easidh All Abilities Path is located about 6 miles east
of Lochinver on the A837. This new path has been constructed so that it
is suitable for wheelchairs and people of limited mobility. There are
regular resting places along the path which passes the shores of the lochs
of Loch Leitir Easaidh and Loch na h-Innse Fraoich.
Great views of the multi-topped Quinag. There are composting loos and shelters at each of the lochs. Trout fishing available by permit with adaptable boats suitable for disabled anglers.The path is managed by local based charity Culag Community Woodland Trust.
One Local Hill Walk...
Ullapool Hill Plenty of benches at regular intervals to pause and enjoy
the great views.
One New Thing Learned At...
Knockan Crag, Elphin (13 miles / 21km north of Ullapool on the A835)A
world renowned geological site, with informative walks (long or short)
around the cliff - lots to learn, and fantastic views, Knockan Crag is
renowned internationally due to the important geological feature that
was first identified there (the Moine Thrust).
It is also one of the most important sites for understanding how the landscape of Northern Britain was formed. The rocks at and around Knockan Crag also record the last 3000 million years of history for the landmass that we now know as Scotland.
There is an unmanned visitor centre, open all hours throughout the year, with information and interactive displays on the landscape and geology of the area, two circular trails for different abilities, a car park and toilets. Ullapool Museum - West Argyle Street (everything you could want to know about Ullapool's history).
One Local Coastal Walk..
.Ullapool - Rhue - return Sea air, shells and driftwood.
One Local Forest Walk...
Lael Forest Garden Ten miles down the road back towards Inverness. Several
signed, and unsigned, circular walks, some climbing quite high, with good
views. Spectacular waterfall at the main (northern) car park. Also a short,
reasonably level walk through the Forest Garden itself. Quite sheltered
- useful expedition in bad weather!
One Gentle Exercise Session At...
Ullapool Leisure Centre / Ullaspool Towards the top end of Quay Street.
Indoor full-sized court (badminton, soft tennis, table tennis, basketball,
football etc) and outside tennis courts. Fitness room. Indoor heated leisure
swimming pool - special times for family sessions, lane swimming - and
small sauna.
Note: the pool is currently (as of Autumn 2010) closed pending the replacement of the roof - unlikely to be reopened during 2011.
One Evening Meal Savoured At...
The Arch (West Shore Street - beyond the Pier, towards The Point) : fine
dining (viz Master Chef) in the upstairs restaurant, and very good pub
food downstairs, with an exhibition of black & white images by Angus
Bruce.
The Ceilidh Place (West Argyle Street). Great food, great atmosphere. Often has evening (musical) entertainment.
The Caley Inn (West Argyle Street). Part of The Caledonian Hotel.
One Boat Trip Around The Summer Isle On....
The Summer Queen (slow), Seascape Expeditions RIB (fast); Both
have booking offices down by the pier, during the tourist season. Best
to book in advance during peak season.
One Artistic Moment At....
The Gallery Cafe at An Talla Solais (Market Street). Art exhibitions and
workshops - see The Ullapool News for what's going on. Rhue Studio (Rhue).
The studio of James Hawkins, described by The Scotsman as "... one
of the best contemporary landscape painters in Scotland." Gallery
is open Mon - Sat, 10.00am - 6.00pm.
Best to phone in winter to confirm opening times. Not forgetting the frequent and varied displays at The Ceilidh Place and The MacPhail Centre.
One Evening Concert/Play At...
The MacPhail Centre (incorporated within the High School complex on Mill
Street). See Ullapool News for performances.
One Shopping Extravagance At...
Highland Stoneware (off Mill Street). Outstanding individually hand-painted
stoneware pottery and crockery. Sold in Harrods, expensive, but last a
lifetime. A plate or mug is the perfect memento of a Highland trip.
One Souvenir From...
The Gallery Cafe - what better than a print of the landscape local to
Ullapool to remind you of your visit? Ceol na Mara (Shore Street) - cheaper,
and more predictable. The Captains Cabin (Quay Street - near the pier)
- more expensive, but more unusual.
One Guilty Indulgence...
A bottle of Single Malt Whisky and some An Teallach Ale (available at
Costcutter, West Argyle Street).
One Famous Landmark Ignored...
John O'Groats, a very long drive from Ullapool, that you'll wish you'd
never made.
DIRECTIONS
Waterfront Cottage, Points of Braes, ULLAPOOL IV26 2TB, Wester Ross, Scotland.
Ordnance Survey grid ref NH138935.
Lat: 57:53:27N (57.89086), Lon: 5:08:28W (-5.14114)
From the south
From Inverness, take the A9 to the Tore roundabout, and there join the
A835 to Ullapool (55 miles). At the 40mph sign, before entering the village,
turn left at the "Tanglewood" sign. Immediately turn right over
the cattlegrid and the Waterfront Cottage drive is the first on the right
(straight ahead).
From the north
Drive through the village, and take the A835 south towards Inverness.
After the turn for Braes, indicate right and turn at the "Tanglewood"
sign. Immediately turn right over the cattlegrid and the Waterfront Cottage
drive is the first on the right (straight ahead).
Email Waterfront Cottage enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
