Photo courtesy of North West Frontiers
As a holiday destination Ullapool has lots to offer - situated on the shore of Loch Broom this picturesque fishing town makes an ideal base for touring the West Coast of the Scottish Highlands. In the summer the waterfront is lively with yachtsmen and holiday makers visiting the variety of craftshops, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants. Ullapool has a post office, Royal bank of Scotland and a large Safeway. There is a leisure centre with a swimming pool and a 9 hole golf course is situated on the outskirts of the town
Ullapool is the main ferry terminal for the Western Isles, and many small cruise boats offer trips to the Summer Isles to see the many sea birds and seals which abound in the area. Excellent fishing for trout and salmon is available on local rivers and lochs, and there are plenty of opportunities for hillwalking or climbing. There is a wide choice of unspoilt and almost deserted beaches in the area
Head south on the A832 towards Gairloch, passing some wonderful beaches and scenery on the way, and you'll find the renowned Inverewe Gardens, where many exotic species of plants are able to flourish due to the benefit of the Gulf Stream. Inverewe is owned by The National Trust for Scotland and their site contains details of the gardens and the other properties they own in the area.
To the North near Achiltibuie is The Hydroponicum (where plants are grown without soil, gaining their nutrients solely through water based feeding). Although the drive is single track road most of the way, it is well worth the journey as the scenery is wonderful. While round this part of the coast it is worth driving North to the lovely sandy beach at Achnaherd which is surrounded by sand dunes. With its gently sloping beach it is ideal to visit with children. Car parking is available although there is a short walk to the beach.
There are many excellent beaches both North and South of Ullapool. One of the best is Achmelvich to the North of Lochinver.This sandy beach is safe for children and has been awarded the yellow flag for water hygeine, safety and facilities - Toilets and car parking are provided. Some others worth visiting are listed on theUllapool and Lochbroom website