The Complete Guide to Ullapool: A Highlands Coastal Town
An idyllic coastal town set around a charming whitewashed high street, Ullapool on Scotland’s northwest coast is as picturesque as it comes. One of my favourite stops on our Highlands trip, this is a complete guide to visiting Ullapool.
Our recent trip through northwest Scotland took a little more planning than usual, mainly because we didn’t want to pack up and move every night - we wanted a base. Somewhere we could settle into, while still exploring the wild, remote corners of this part of the Highlands.
We’d passed through Ullapool on a previous trip and had the most wonderful day in the coastal town. But this time, we decided to stay a little longer.
Ullapool feels like something of an unsung hero on the west coast. Many visitors stop briefly before moving on, heading for dramatic landscapes or continuing on to larger hubs like Inverness. But in doing so, they miss what Ullapool does best.
Because after a few days here, what really stands out is just how well it works as a hub. From Ullapool, you can explore the elemental landscapes of Assynt, trace sections of the North Coast 500, and reach some of Scotland’s most remote and beautiful beaches.
The town itself is small, with only a handful of streets leading down to the shores of Loch Broom. This seafront is the heart of Ullapool: a working harbour, ferry port, and gathering place, lined with independent shops, a distillery, and a scattering of excellent places to eat. Small lanes lead you just beyond the main street, where you’ll find tucked-away cafés and quieter corners.
Read on for my tips on exploring Ullapool, where to stay, memorable places to eat, and the best nearby landscapes and activities.
Where to stay
If you’re staying overnight, there are a handful of places that stand out for very different reasons.
The Dipping Lugger is the one to book for a boutique, design-led stay with real attention to detail.
Harbour House offers a calm, waterside setting with beautiful interiors.
Croft Cottage B&B is a great choice if you’re after something smaller and more personal, with a stylish finish.
Each brings something slightly different, but all feel very much in keeping with Ullapool’s quietly considered charm.
Is Ullapool worth visiting?
At first glance, Ullapool can feel small - but spend a little time here, and it quickly reveals its character. It is very much worth visiting, with a postcard-perfect high street, a genuinely strong local food scene, and easy access to some of the northwest’s most rewarding beaches, waterfalls, and walking trails.
For me, it’s the kind of place that works just as well as a short stop as it does a base for a few slower days.
Where to eat
We’ve put together a full guide on where to eat in the town, but here’s a quick guide to our personal favourites:
The Dipping Lugger is the standout. Their seafood-focused tasting menu showcases the best of the West Coast, with dishes that feel refined without ever losing their sense of place. It’s pricier than others on the list and requires pre-booking, but it’s a real foodie experience.
For relaxed lunches, The Bothy Coffee Shop is a firm favourite. Think generous plates, a proper Scottish breakfast, and simple, comforting food done well.
However, if your priority is coffee and a slightly more curated brunch feel, Cult Café delivers with beautifully made flat whites and elevated classics like avocado on toast.
One spot we kept coming back to was Rhidorroch Distillery Café. It’s light, airy, and quietly stylish, with a menu that leans towards lighter bites: fresh pastries, charcuterie boards, and crowd-pleasing toasties.
Finally, the Seafood Shack is a forever favourite and worth travelling for. Think langoustines, mussels, and scallops, all as fresh as it gets, served outdoors under big umbrellas.
Best things to do in Ullapool
These are our favourite things to do in Ullapool, and suggestions for day trips and nearby adventures.
Walk along the seafront
Like any charming town on the West Coast, the best way to begin is with a proper walk, getting lost in the streets. It’s compact, so it won’t take long to explore!
The high street runs along the seafront, the part of the town that faces Loch Broom. There’s a busy road at the start, where you’ll find shops and boat trips, but the best part is to be found just after the ferry terminal. From here, the road narrows and quietens.
This is West Shore Street, an appropriate name, and a line of charming cottages meets a rocky shoreline and the water’s edge. Continue to the road’s end for the best views; it’s especially lovely, particularly right around sunset.
Go on a boat trip to the Summer Isles
Seeing Ullapool from the water gives you a completely different perspective. Boat trips depart from the harbour and range from shorter wildlife cruises around Loch Broom to longer excursions out to the Summer Isles.
One of the best options is Shearwater Cruises, who run regular trips from the harbour. Their excursions typically last around two hours, combining coastal scenery with the chance to spot local wildlife along the way.
The Summer Isles themselves are a scattered group of islands just offshore, ranging from small rocky outcrops to Tanera Mòr, the largest and only historically inhabited island. The surrounding waters are rich in wildlife, and sightings can include seabirds, seals, dolphins, porpoises, and occasionally whales and sea eagles.
Tickets are around £47.50 for adults and £35 for children under 16, but it’s worth booking ahead during busier months to secure a spot.
Beach hop
Though not as widely known as beaches like Achmelvich and Clachtoll further north, on a nice day, Ullapool’s rocky shorelines are hard to beat.
Ardmair Beach is the easiest to reach - a curved stretch of white stones and shallow water, perfect for a slow wander, rockpooling, or simply taking in the views. Just along the road, Rhue Lighthouse sits on a small headland, offering wide, open views across Loch Broom and out towards the Summer Isles.
Sip local, small-batch gin at Rhidorroch Bar
Scottish gin is one of those things we always make time for, and Ullapool has a good one. Rhidorroch Distillery produces its Loch Achall Gin using local botanicals like gorse, rowan berries, and wild juniper.
You can try it at their bar right on the high street, a light, modern space that’s ideal for an early evening stop. Their G&Ts are excellent, and they also serve small plates if you’re after something casual.
Indulge in local seafood
We’ve mentioned a few foodie spots above, but no visit to Ullapool feels complete without a stop at The Seafood Shack. This small, outdoor spot is something of a West Coast institution, and it’s set for a glow-up in 2026.
Owners Kirsty and Fenella, along with their friendly team, serve up generous plates of freshly caught local seafood: think langoustines, mussels, and scallops, alongside hearty haddock wraps and oysters.
It’s as fresh as it gets, with much of the seafood landed daily by local fishermen. The setting is casual, often with a queue, but that’s all part of the experience. It’s also seasonal, so it’s worth checking opening times before you visit.
Shop local stores
Ullapool has a small but thoughtfully curated selection of independent shops, many of which are worth a browse.
The Highland Liquor Company Bottle Shop is a favourite - well stocked with Scottish gins, wines, and excellent artisan snacks. Ullapool Bookshop is another gem, with a strong focus on Scottish writing, travel reads, and gifts.
You’ll also find locally made goods at Made in Ullapool, beautifully crafted ceramics at Highland Stoneware, and fresh smoked fish at Ullapool Smokehouse, ideal if you’re self-catering.
Walk up Meall Mhor
If you’re looking for an easy hill walk straight from town, Meall Mòr is a great option. The path starts just behind Ullapool and climbs steadily, without ever feeling too strenuous.
It’s a relatively short walk (around 2 hours return), but the views open up quickly. From the top, you’ll get a wide panorama over Ullapool, Loch Broom, and the surrounding hills.
Go on day trips
Located in the far northwest of Scotland, Ullapool is the gateway to some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes, and there are endless day trips to be had. Most cover coastal stages of the NC500, and if you don’t want to drive the full loop, this is a great alternative.
Our favourite routes include trips into dramatic Assynt, where you’ll find Achmelvich Beach, Lochinver, Kylesku, Scourie, and Castle Stalker.
A slightly longer drive, this time south, leads to the coastal landscape and dramatic passes of Applecross, with Torridon and Shieldaig easily visitable on the route.
Or head east for city vibes at Inverness, alongside Loch Ness, the Black Isle, and a little further away, Dunrobin Castle and Dornoch.
The closest adventures, however, are those we’re listing below.
Visit Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve
A short drive north, Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve is one of the most interesting stops in the area.
Part of the North West Highlands Geopark, it tells the story of how Scotland’s ancient landscapes were formed. There are well-marked walking trails with viewpoints, sculptures, and poetry installations along the way, all set against a backdrop of striking mountains. It’s an easy, accessible stop that adds a bit of context to everything you’ll see around you.
Hike Stac Pollaidh
Few hikes in Scotland offer such a high reward for relatively little effort as the one to Stac Pollaidh.
The path loops around the base of this distinctive, rocky peak, with the option to scramble higher if you’re confident and conditions are good. Even without the scramble, the views are exceptional, looking out over lochans, peatland, and the jagged silhouettes of Assynt’s mountains. It’s particularly good at sunrise or sunset if the weather plays nicely!
Allow around three hours, depending on how far you go.
Visit Corrieshalloch Gorge & Waterfalls
Just south of Ullapool, Corrieshalloch Gorge is a dramatic natural feature that’s well worth a stop.
A short walk from the car park leads you to a Victorian suspension bridge suspended high above the gorge, with views down to the Falls of Measach thundering below. It’s a quick visit, around an hour, but a memorable one, especially after heavy rain when the falls are at their most powerful.
