Last Updated on September 20, 2025 by Sarah Wilson
Ullapool was one of my favourite stops along the NC500. In fact, it gave me one of those “ooh, I could live here” moments – that is, until I remembered the reality of the long, dark Highland winters. Two minutes into endless gloomy afternoons, and I’d be packing my bags!
That said, visiting Ullapool in late spring or summer is a real treat. The town sits on the shores of Loch Broom, with stunning mountain backdrops and a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.
So, what is there to do in this lovely little town?
Strolling the Shorefront
One of the best things to do here is also the simplest: walking along the waterfront. The views across the loch are not just beautiful, but also serene. You’ll often see fishing boats coming and going, adding to the peaceful ambiance. It’s a perfect way to soak up Ullapool’s charm and unwind.
Ullapool Museum
If you want to learn more about the area, the Ullapool Museum is worth a stop. Housed in a former church, it tells the story of the town’s fishing heritage, crofting life, and the impact of the Highland Clearances. It’s small but packed with fascinating exhibits.
Lunch by the Water
For lunch, my friend and I found a lovely little spot – The Seafood Shack. It’s nothing fancy, just fresh, locally caught seafood served right by the harbour, but honestly, it was one of the best meals we had on the entire route. Perfect if you like your fish simple, tasty, and straight from the source.
Dolphin Watching
Ullapool is also a great place to get out on the water. Boat trips leave from the harbour, offering the chance to spot dolphins, seals, and even porpoises. Whether you see wildlife or not, the views of Loch Broom and the surrounding coastline from the boat are worth it alone.
Staying Near the Forest
We stayed just outside town, near a forest. Unfortunately, I was battling a nasty flare-up of sciatica that day, so exploring the trails wasn’t the option I hoped it would be. Still, it was a peaceful place to base ourselves – quiet evenings surrounded by trees, and only a short drive into Ullapool for food and gentle strolls along the waterfront.
Things I Missed But Wish I Had Done
Because of the sciatica, I had to take it easy, but there are some beautiful walks around Ullapool that I wish I could have done. Next time, I’d love to try:
The Ullapool Hill Path – a short but steep walk just behind the town with supposedly incredible views over Loch Broom.
Rhue Lighthouse – a gentle coastal walk a few miles north of town, with stunning views across to the Summer Isles. We drove up to here and sat on a bench, like two old ladies, and my goodness, it was so windy there.
Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve, about 15 minutes away by car, is famous for its dramatic geology and great walking trails.
Even if you can’t tackle the bigger hikes, just knowing these options are nearby makes Ullapool an even more tempting place to return to.
A Walk Up Stac Pollaidh
One walk I did manage was Stac Pollaidh, just a short drive from Ullapool. It’s one of the most distinctive peaks in the Highlands with its jagged ridge and dramatic outline.
I didn’t make it all the way to the top, but even part of the way up gave me incredible views – lochs glittering below, rolling moorland stretching for miles, and that vast, rugged landscape that makes this part of Scotland so special. It’s a steep path in places, but worth every step.
Final Thoughts
Ullapool may be small, but it has a way of getting under your skin. Between the scenery, the food, and the friendly atmosphere, it’s easy to see why so many travellers linger longer than planned. If you’re driving the NC500, don’t just pass through – give Ullapool some proper time.
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