Inverness to Ullapool

The picturesque north-west village of Ullapool was built in 1788 by Thomas Telford for the British Fisheries Society which explains its rather uniform appearance and organised layout.

Today it offers local services and a good base for exploring the surrounding countryside. It is also the ferry terminal for the Isle of Lewis.

There are two coaches from Inverness to Ullapool. Citylink service 961 (pre-booking recommended) is timed to connect with ferries to the Isle of Lewis.

SAVING! Spirit of Scotland Travel Pass (for rail travel) includes travel with Citylink on the Inverness to Ullapool route.

D&E Coaches service 61 would allow a little time in Ullapool before the ferry. This service also serves Dingwall, for train connections from the Far North Line, and both this and the Citylink service call at Garve for rail passengers from the Kyle Line.

Along the way the coaches pass close to Ben Wyvis, travel alongside Loch Glascarnoch and view some remote and rugged Highland scenery before Loch Broom comes into view on the final approach to the village of Ullapool.

Most visitors to Ullapool, like we have been, are passing through on their way to Lewis or on the North Coast 500 car route. However, you may wish to stay longer and explore the village itself.

On Thursday afternoons it is possible to take the Westerbus service 707 to the tranquil villages of Poolewe and Gairloch. These are well worth exploring and staying in before taking the Westerbus service to Inverness. See our Guide to Poolewe and Gairloch.

Route: Inverness - Dingwall (D&E Coaches only) - Contin - Garve - Aultguish - Braemore - Ullapool

Trip length: Citylink 1 hour 20 minutes, D&E Coaches 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

The journey

The coach leaves Inverness via the Kessock Bridge which divides the Beauly Firth and Moray Firth. From here it makes its way across the Black Isle before crossing the River Conon.

The Citylink coach continues directly to Contin, with views over the beautiful Strath Conon.

The D&E Coaches route diverts into the busy market town of Dingwall and through the Peffery Valley to attractive village of Strathpeffer, a former Victorian Spar town. From here it goes over the hill and drops down to Contin, after which the two services follow the same route.

After Contin you travel through the trees with the Black Water river on your right, shortly afterwards opening up to splendid views of Loch Garve on your right. Look out for the Kyle Line railway between the road and the loch.

Taking the road north, the coach climbs into the hills with Little Wyvis and Ben Wyvis mountains on your right. Continuing to climb into the mountains you have amazing views, eventually travelling alongside the attractive Loch Glascarnoch on the right.

Still climbing, you pass the smaller Loch Droma on the left. Eventually the road begins to descend until travelling through a wooded valley with the River Broom on your left. Loch Broom comes into view on your left and the road travels alongside until reaching Ullapool.

Ullapool

Where to visit

FERRY TO THE ISLE OF LEWIS

The Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to Lewis departing from Ullapool is usually the MV Loch Seaforth. Passengers enjoy fine views of the Highland shoreline as the ship sets out on the 2 hours 45 minutes journey to Lewis.

See our Guide to the Outer Hebrides (Western Isles).

View from Ullapool to Isle of Lewis ferry

BOAT TRIPS

Boat trips give an excellent opportunity to wildlife spot for seals, dolphins and whales, as well as take in the glorious scenery of the area.

Seascape Expeditions offers a 1 hour tour covering Loch Broom and Isle Martin, or a 2 hour tour to the Summer Isles.

Shearwater (Summer Queen) Cruises offers a 2 hour 15 mins tour to Loch Broom and the Summer Isles.

WALKS

The popular Ullapool Hill and Braes of Ullapool walk takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours and includes views over Loch Broom and Loch Achall. There is also a walk to Loch Achall which takes slightly longer at 2.5 to 3.5 hours and takes you to the shores of the loch.

ULLAPOOL MUSEUM

This museum is located in an attractive Grade A listed building. It has exhibits on local life, maritime history, the fishing industry, and Gaelic culture.

LOCHBROOM LEISURE CENTRE

This facility has a four lane swimming pool and sauna.

Accommodation

Walking distances given from the Ferry Terminal bus stop. D&E Coaches service 61 also stops at the High School and Primary School stops, which may be closer to your accommodation.