With summer finally gracing Scotland, tourists are flocking to the country to soak in its stunning and expansive landscapes. One of the top attractions is the NC500 in the Highlands, a 516-mile scenic route that loops around the north coast of Scotland, beginning and ending at Inverness Castle.
The North Coast 500 has emerged as an essential part of any Scottish visit, guiding travellers through majestic mountains and along winding roads. It gained fame on Susan Calman’s travel show and was crowned Britain’s most beautiful road, typically taking about a week to fully explore.
A favourite stop along the way is Ullapool, one of the largest villages in the Highlands, nestled amidst mountains. Conde Nast Traveler included it in their list of the “20 most beautiful villages in the UK and Ireland in 2020.
Their description summed up the place well: “With its jangling fishing boats and the imposing Caledonian MacBrayne ferry ready to transport passengers to the Outer Hebrides, there’s a buzz of activity in Ullapool.
“But take some time to simply sit on the wall in front of the white seafront cottages, and immerse yourself in the Highland atmosphere.”
They recommend heading to The Seafood Shack for lunch (the crispy lobster burger with guacamole and lemon sour cream comes highly recommended), before popping over to The Ceilidh Place opposite to see what local musicians are lined up to perform, reports Scottish Daily Express.
Ullapool, only reachable by car, is a mere hour’s drive from Inverness along the breathtaking A835, part of the famed NC500 route.
The village is nestled amidst rugged mountains, including Bheinn Ghobhlach to the west, An Teallach to the southwest (both across the loch), Beinn Dearg to the southeast near Loch Broom’s head, and Beinn Mhòr na Còigich to the north.
The village also offers convenient transport links to destinations such as the Isle of Skye, another must-visit spot in Scotland.
Ullapool boasts a rich history, having been established in 1788 as a herring port by the British Fisheries Society, with its design credited to architect Thomas Telford.
Telford, one of the world’s most renowned civil engineers, was also responsible for notable projects like the town of Telford in Shropshire, Glasgow’s Broomielaw Bridge, and the Caledonian Canal in Inverness.
His innovative works significantly improved transport across the UK.
Many of Ullapool’s buildings are centuries old, and a stroll through its streets reveals numerous historic houses reflecting its fishing heritage, alongside churches that have served as places of worship for generations.
Notable sites include Ardmair beach and bay, where the smooth flat stones provide the perfect material for creating intriguing stone statues or enjoying a spot of stone skimming.
Other notable attractions encompass the Rhue Point Lighthouse, a delightful stroll, particularly when the sun descends over the Summer Isles.
Additionally, those journeying to and from Ullapool ought to visit the Corrieshalloch Falls, one of the world’s most spectacular gorges, sculpted meticulously over millions of years.