A Fishing Village With History
The coast and glens around Ullapool have been settled for thousands of years. Reminants and ruins are still visible on many hillsides and some of the iron age forts and burial sites are still accessible today. The Norsemen colonised much of the region and their influence is still present in many place names - including Ullapool itself - derived from the Norse 'Ulla-Bolstadr' meaning 'Ulla's steading'. Crofting and fishing have played important roles in the economics and culture and are still crucial to the community and play their parts in the land and sea around us. The 'modern' part of the village was designed by Thomas Telford in 1788, intended as a port for the herring fleets fishing The Minch and Atlantic beyond, and his grid system is still visible in the streets rising up from the shore and harbour. Herring ('Silver Darlings'!) and mackerel continued to play important roles for the village and region for many years, culminating in the 'klondyke' industry - a huge fleet of soviet and east European factory ships anchoring off the shores of Ullapool processing fish that was exported around the world.
Ullapool Today
These days Ullapool is recognised as a central element of the Highlands. Whilst having a relatively small population, there is a strong tourist trade, a busy ferry service to Stornoway and the Hebrides, and the local prawn and visiting Scottish and European white fish boats continue to land at Ullapool Harbour.
The village still retains much of its original charm and character whilst offering visitors a modern vibrant sense of Highland life, culture, art and music, and is the home to many great festivals, events and a base for Highlands travellers and explorers.
The ferry service to Lewis makes us a great stop off for those venturing out to the Hebrides to work or visit. Tour boats from Ullapool Harbour visit the Summer Isles and Annat Bay, whilst visiting yacht, pleasure boats and international cruise ships anchor and dock in our sheltered loch and come ashore to visit our beautiful village.
Our proximity to the Coigach, Torridon and Assynt ranges provide walks and climbs for all abilities and we are the gateway to the North West Highland Geopark - a magnet for geologists and earth scientists and regarded by many as the 'the cradle of geology'! The rugged coastline, peaceful forests and secluded glens are a sanctuary for wildlife - some exclusive to this part of the world - as well as walkers, bikers, fishermen and nature watchers.
The bars and restaurants in the village offer a chance to sample both Highland fayre and produce and taste the music and culture of this region as musicians and bands play in the evenings. Music, literature, dance, drink and arts are all celebrated throughout the year at a variety of festivals ranging from the small and personal to larger internationally recognised events. Be it for relaxation and escape or active exploration, Ullapool has a welcome for you.
Getting Here
Most people drive to Ullapool, either as a destination or whilst touring. For those traveling from elsewhere by alternative routes, we have regular buslinks from Inverness and cars can be hired at Inverness town centre or airport.
Driving
From the south: take the A835 north from Inverness, Ullapool is clearly sign posted. When you reach Ullapool, drive along the sea front, at the harbour turn right up the brae, take the first left at the clock and cross roads onto West Argyle Street, follow the road to the bend right overlooking the sea and Loch Broom and proceed halfway along West Terrace to Silver Darlings.
From the north: drive into Ullapool, stay on the main road until the road drops down towards the sea, take a right onto the sea front, at the harbour turn right up the brae, take the first left at the clock and cross roads onto West Argyle Street, follow the road to the bend right overlooking the sea and Loch Broom and proceed halfway along West Terrace to Silver Darlings.
Flights to Inverness
EasyJet flights from throughout the
UK to Inverness
FlyBe flights from throughout the
UK, Continent and Channel Isles to Inverness
BA flights from Gatwick to Inverness
Inverness Airport Inverness Airport
Information
Rail to Inverness
National Rail train links from
throughout the UK to Inverness
Buses Inverness to Ullapool
CityLink Inverness to Ullapool
Stagecoach Inverness to Ullapool
DE Coaches Inverness to Durness
(through Ullapool and takes bikes in
summer)
Stornoway Ferry
CalMac Ullapool - Stornoway Ferry
Car Hire Inverness
Hertz Car Hire from Airport and Rail
Station
Avis Car Hire from Inverness Airport