Founded in 1788 as a herring port by the British Fisheries Society and was designed by architect Thomas Telford – it is a popular stop-off on the NC500
Summer has finally graced Scotland, and with it comes the influx of tourists eager to soak in the country’s breathtaking landscapes. One of the top attractions is the NC500 in the Highlands, a 516-mile scenic route that loops around the north coast of Scotland, beginning and ending at Inverness Castle.
The North Coast 500 has become an essential part of any Scottish visit, guiding travellers through majestic mountains and along winding roads. It gained fame on Susan Calman’s travel show and was crowned Britain’s most beautiful road, typically taking about a week to fully explore.
A favourite pit stop along the way is Ullapool, one of the largest villages in the Highlands, nestled amidst mountains just waiting to be scaled.
Conde Nast Traveler hailed it as one of the “20 most beautiful villages in the UK and Ireland in 2020.
Their description summed up the place well: “With its jangling fishing boats and the imposing Caledonian MacBrayne ferry ready to whisk passengers off to the Outer Hebrides, there’s a buzz of activity in Ullapool.
“But take a moment to pause, perch on the wall in front of the white seafront cottages, and immerse yourself in the Highland hum.
“Head straight for The Seafood Shack when lunchtime rolls around (the crispy lobster burger with guacamole and lemon sour cream is a must-try), before popping over to The Ceilidh Place opposite to see what local musicians they have lined up”, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
Ullapool, only reachable by car, is a mere hour’s drive from Inverness along the breathtaking A835, part of the famed NC500 route.
The village is nestled amidst rugged mountains including Bheinn Ghobhlach to the west, An Teallach to the southwest (both across the loch), Beinn Dearg to the southeast near Loch Broom’s head, and Beinn Mhòr na Còigich to the north.
The village also offers convenient transport links to destinations like the Isle of Skye, another must-visit spot in Scotland.
Ullapool boasts a rich history, having been established as a herring port by the British Fisheries Society in 1788, with its design credited to architect Thomas Telford.
Telford, one of the world’s most renowned civil engineers, was also responsible for projects, such as the town of Telford in Shropshire, the Broomielaw Bridge in Glasgow, and the Caledonian Canal in Inverness. His work significantly improved transport across the UK.
Many of the buildings in Ullapool are centuries old, and a stroll through its streets reveals numerous historic houses from its fishing heritage and churches that have served as places of worship for generations. Notable sites include Ardmair beach and bay, where the smooth flat stones make for intriguing stone statues and skimming opportunities.
Other attractions worth a visit include Rhue Point Lighthouse, which offers a delightful walk, particularly as the sun sets over the Summer Isles. Additionally, those journeying to and from Ullapool should make a point of visiting Corrieshalloch Falls, one of the world’s most breathtaking gorges, sculpted over millions of years.