Ullapool Village Map
Walks
A Walk Around The Village
Fàilte! Welcome to Ullapool, a village named after Norse settlers who recognised the safe haven offered by the harbour. Our sheltered bay was formed by “raised beaches” a geological feature resulting from the last Ice Age that saw sea levels fall and the land lift. Nearby stone hut circles and Pictish forts testify to populations who have lived here for millennia.
“Modern” Ullapool was established in 1788 by the British Fisheries Society due to an abundant herring fishery. Herring (known as “silver Darlings”) and mackerel have played an important role in the village economy and prawn, crab and whitefish boats still land daily at the harbour. The village was designed by Thomas Telford who engineered the Caledonian Canal and some of his original buildings still stand around the harbour and streets.
A SHORT TOUR OF THE VILLAGE
Walk up the hill from the harbour to the Fowler Memorial Clock, a gift from local resident Sir John Fowler, designer of the Forth Rail Bridge. Turn left down West Argyle Street where you will find a Telford Church – now the Ullapool Museum. At the end of the road, turn right onto West Terrace and look out to the Summer Isles, twenty six islands formerly used for summer grazing by crofters (small scale farmers) who lived on the mainland. Watch out for feeding porpoise and dolphin which come in to hunt salmon on their route to Ullapool River. At the end of West Terrace, follow the path down to Ullapool River where you can follow a choice of pretty pathways. Return up the steps to Quay Street to take you back to the Harbour. For the energetic, a walk up Ullapool Hill affords magnificent views of the local landscape.
ULLAPOOL MUSEUM
Open: 12 noon to 6pm
Explore our tiny museum on West Argyle Street. Located in a former Thomas Telford Church, learn about Ullapool’s rich fishing heritage, emigration, our own local story of the Clearances. The museum also hosts a highly regarded genealogy service. A small retail area at the entrance has an array of Scottish/local produce including internationally renowned Highland Stoneware – high quality tableware thrown and painted locally and inspired by our local landscape. There’s also a range of locally made beautiful textiles. On Market Street, just behind the Village Hall you’ll find An Talls Solais, Community Art Gallery with exhibitions and retail. They open Wed to Sun 10:00am-1:30pm and 2:00pm to 5:00pm.
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SHOPPING
The Captain’s Cabin (upstairs just opposite harbour entrance) in one of Ullapool’s oldest buildings is great for gifts, pottery, clothing, textiles and an array of other gifts. On the seafront, the West Highland Woollen Company stocks cashmere, Harris tweed and tartan textiles together with a range of whiskies and gifts and Ceol na Mara sells more great gifts, cloth and Scottish jewellery. Check out the cute little tea store and gift shop Tea By The Sea down on the front too; visitors love their traditional cake. There are two terrific bookshops – one just off the harbour entrance on the hill (below the Captain’s Cabin), the other at the Ceilidh Place. To pick up a flavour of authentic local crafts, visit the Museum Shop for some really great ceramics and locally made textiles, they also stock a limited range of locally produced Highland Stoneware pieces. Check out the Ceilidh Place reception and restaurant walls for current exhibitions – they open from 8am daily. Definitely worth a visit is newly opened Havørn right on the corner of West Argyle Street. The owner has recently moved into this newly fitted out premises and will continue to impress with Scottish art and hand-crafted items. She’s told us that today she’s handing out nips of whisky and haggis, neeps and tattie canapés to her cruise guests so line up. Havørn — means ‘sea eagle’ in Norwegian, a nod to our Viking roots. There are a bunch of other cute little gift shops on West Argyle Street too. Highland Stoneware shop and artist’s studio is located on North Road – about a 10-minute walk from here. Famous around the world for it’s distinctive pottery, you’ll more than likely be able to see artists painting the freshly thrown stoneware if you visit. Hugh Penney moved to Ullapool last year and has opened a brand new pottery shop and gallery with outstanding views across the Minch – definitely worth a visit and a chat. If the weather is clement, he’ll set up his potter’s wheel outside his studio for visitors to see the process. His business, Handknitted Pottery, is located on West Terrace.
Everywhere you go you’ll find the locals are really friendly and delighted to chat so dive on in!
WALKS
For reasonably fit walkers, Ullapool Hill affords fantastic views across Loch Broom, The Minch and all the way across to the Summer Isles. Ullapool River Paths at the outskirts of the village are tranquil and green at this time of year. Ask the welcome team in the marquee for directions and maps.
OTHER
There are rest rooms in the welcome pavilion, the ferry terminal just beside it and at the Seaforth bar and restaurant just opposite the harbour entrance.
Taxis are available and are happy to take you on drives just north and south of the village to offer you a flavour of our local scenery. The drivers are happy to chat and let you take photos en route. Call 0044 7795 622 627 and arrange for pickup at the harbour or ask one of the welcome team in the Welcome Pavilion to call on your behalf.
Need cash? There are two card machines – one at RBS on Argyle Street (second right on leaving the harbour and first left along the street) and at Tesco at Latheron Lane (that’s the fourth left after the harbour exit).
Tesco stocks a good range of basic medicines and Boots the Chemist is right across from the harbour entrance.
