Ullapool Info . Map . Etc

[largewayround]

Hi

After recently returning from the Ullapool Area.
I thought it would be helpful to put together a little info about Ullapool and what to expect,(if you have not visited before).

Coming from the south/east via the A835 .. You will hopefully have wonderful views up Loch Broom with Ullapool in the distance.


There are quite a few, Parking Viewpoints along the shore, worth stopping for a picture or 2.

This next picture was taken from the last parking place before entering ullapool.


So we enter Ullapool, the first Landmark would be the Petrol Station on the Right, then to the Braes Junction.
To get to the Campsite ,follow the silver car (see Pic), along the sea front (Shore Street). Follow the Signs for campsite, past the ferry terminal.


Opposite the Pier, you will see the SEAFORTH, right on the corner..

Pub/cafe/takeaway, fish & chips. We had a couple of meals here and coffee.
Quite expensive but the food was no less than excellent.
I would highly recommend the place, the seafood (squid tapas was the best I have ever had)
See the website here, Ullapool: The Seaforth Seafood Bar and Bistro, Ullapool, Scotland
There website is interesting read, especially all the awards they have won.

I for one will be visiting the Seaforth again in sept, its about 10 minute stroll from the campsite.

The village has quite a few gift shops, craft shops and bars, they are all mostly down beside the seafront and surrounding streets.

I have made a little map with some of the vitals that you might need.
Shops/Tesco/Camping Store/Chippys/ATM's/Petrol/Police?

(Note , The Petrol Station in Ullapool is NOT 24 hours, but maybe someone else can supply the opening hours.)


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If you fancy a short ride out there are a couple of nice things to see, fairly close by.

Trip to the White Sands of Gruinard & Corrieshalloch Gorge


Ullapool to Braemore Junction.
Corrieshalloch Gorge
5 min walk to view the gorge.


“This spectacular mile-long gorge, 61m (200 ft) deep, is one of the finest examples in Britain of a box canyon. The river which carved this channel through hard metamorphic rock plunges 46m (150 ft) over the Falls of Measach.

A suspension bridge a little way downstream from the falls was built by John Fowler (1817-98, joint designer of the Forth Railway Bridge. From here you can look down into this spectacular, steep-sided slot gorge. 

Meltwaters created Corrieshalloch Gorge shortly before glaciers left the area. Its 60m deep with near vertical walls and in places its very narrow, only 10m across at the lip. The inaccessible ravine supports a rich and varied Atlantic bryophyte flora. The River Droma flows through the gorge in a series of waterfalls, the largest of which is the 46m Falls of Measach. Further downstream, a viewing platform provides an excellent vantage point looking up towards the falls.”


Back on the road along towards Dundonnell & Little Loch Broom, the loch opens up in front of you, fantastic views. As you climb the hill at the end of the Loch there is a large car park with great views to be had.

Head over the hill, and back down to sea level. You can not really miss Gruinard Beach, white sands and a large car park on the left hand side of the road.
Cross the road and you will see this..





If you are in need of supplies , there is a petrol station at Laide they have a small store with a small range of food etc.

The road is good, if a bit lumpy but watch out for sheep.

Return to Ullapool, road time .. approx 2 hours (not including stopping for beach / gorge or photos), so would make a good afternoons gentle rideout.


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Ullapool / Lochinver Loop (Half Single Track)

Head north from Ullapool to Drumrunie , take the single track road on left.
(See Map) The first part of this road is quite technical, depending on road conditions. Quite good passing places but loads of sheep on the road, blind corners and tourists. Please be careful..


8 miles down this road, take the Lochinver turn off .. .. Again Single track all the way to Lochinver .. Lochinver has the usual Shops / Petrol .. return via A837 ..
Take the turn off at Ledmore head back along to A835 to Ullapool

Its about 60 -70 miles, but with the approx 18 miles of single track, takes quite a while. A good afternoon ride out with great scenery... Remember the camera. Make sure you have enough fuel for yourself and the bike...

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If you are not used to driving on single track roads , please take your time.
You get a mix of tourists (coming around the corner taking up all the road) / locals (Fast drivers) / sheep (No road sense) / deer ( jump out in front of you), so concentration is the name of the game..

Soak up the scenery and be aware if someone needs to overtake you.
Use Passing Places to let people overtake.



I hope that this info , will help everyone have a enjoyable stay at Ullapool..

[Steve T]

Thanks for that Craig - great little piece giving a great insight into what awaits people when they head for the National.

The fuel station in Ullapool IS NOT 24hrs. So, for those heading south early on Sunday morning, ensure that you fill your tank on Saturday afternoon, as the next fuel available when heading down the A835 towards Inverness is Contin, also NOT 24hrs.

The nearest 24hrs fuel station is in Inverness itself - I'm sure Lowflyer can provide better details of fuel availability in & around Inverness - over to you John!

Thanks again Craig

[Boris]

The fuel station in Ullapool IS NOT 24hrs.

It's also one of the most expensive in the highlands so fill up in Inverness on the way up. Actually that's not quite true, the one in Lochinver is dearer. But it's at the end of the road (and reportedly owned by the same bloke)

[Frad]

That gets the juices flowing

That pub is definately getting some of my money for some seafood

Nice one LWR

[Boris]

I should have added. Thanks for the great write up Craig.

[Austin]

mmmmmm Gruinard.............. isn't that the island they infected with Anthrax in the '50s and its still a no-go area.

[Boris]

mmmmmm Gruinard.............. isn't that the island they infected with Anthrax in the '50s and its still a no-go area.

Yup that's the place. It's been decontaminated now.

[africajim]

Just keep an eye on which way the wind's blowing and you'll be fine Austin

[nomad]

Just keep an eye on which way the wind's blowing and you'll be fine Austin

or we could send a couple of rabbits in advance...
if there stil alive and hopping when we get there we'll know it's safe

now we just need two volunters

[largewayround]

We stopped in a car park opposite gruinard island, you get a good view , especially with the binoculars.. but not as good as the scopes that the bird watchers were using.. a whole bus load of them..lol

You can see the sheep and a breeding pair of hawks on the island, and look quite happy..

For more background on Gruinard Island
Gruinard Island - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Its funny, because you would never know that it happened here, its such a beautiful place..

cheers lwr