Ullapool
Ullapool is a bustling fishing and ferry port found on the banks of Loch Broom, with 1500 residents it is the largest town on the Western Highland seaboard. The town as it stands today largely dates back to 1788 when it was designed by Thomas Telford under commission from the British Fishery Society (or the "British Society for Extending the Fisheries and Improving the Sea Coasts of This Kingdom of Great Britain" to give it its full name!).
At one point it was noted that herring were so plentiful in Loch Broom that they were being used locally as manure to dress the fields. The herring are no longer a commercial catch but in recent memory mackerel and shellfish brought boats from as far away as Spain and Eastern Europe, including the impressive Klondykers - huge Russian factory ships which would drop anchor in the loch and fish the surrounding waters for up to 6 months at a time.
Sadly with the decline of the Scottish fishing industry the local fleet has been reduced to only about a dozen boats which ply the waters in search of mostly prawns (langoustine), as well as lobsters scallops and crabs. The heart of the town is still very much its harbour and the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis brings important trade. It is a memorable first sight of the town as you approach on the ferry as it springs into view flanked by the impressive mountain scenery. Porpoises often play in the wake of the boat and seals are a common sight.
Ullapool has many charming shops and some lively pubs with regular live music and an annual guitar festival but still maintains the feel of an active working town rather than a showcase. The surrounding area has some of Scotland's most fantastic mountains which sweep right down to the sea and it is a great place for walkers and hikers. It is also a geologists dream with many extensive cave systems to the North. Particularly in summer the area is also blessed with breathtaking sunsets.
A few miles in land from Ullapool you will find Corrieshalloch Gorge. At a mile long and 200 feet deep with the Falls of Measach tumbling 150 feet below the old suspension bridge it is one of the most astonishing sights in the area and one of the few examples of a true box canyon in the UK. The views from the bridge and from the small viewing platform are very memorable but bear in mind that as the bridge is well over 100 years old there should only ever be 6 people at a time on it, and only 2 on the viewing platform.
What we do in Ullapool:
- Spend the night at the hostel
- Check out some live music
- Watch porpoises in the Loch
Tours that may visit Ullapool include:
Other places that may be of interest:
