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Ullapool Hill In Scotland – A Complete Guide

Ullapool Hill, close to the village of Ullapool in Scotland, has some amazing views and is definitely worth a climb. Here’s a complete guide.

How To Get To Ullapool Hill

Ullapool Hill is located close to the village of Ullapool on the north coast of Scotland, approximately 55 miles north west of the city of Inverness.

By Car:

If you are driving from Inverness, take the A9 north west out of the city towards the village of Tore, where you pick up the A835 all the way to Ullapool. It should take just over an hour.

If you are driving the North Coast 500 route in a clockwise direction, Ullapool is the first big village you will come to.

Once you arrive in Ullapool, it’s possible to park for free in a large carpark next to Tesco’s in the centre of the village. You can walk to the hill from here.

By Bus:

There are regular buses from Inverness to the village of Ullapool.

By Tour:

For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.

If you love hiking, the Northwest Highlands: Private Tour with Hike would be a good option.

Ullapool Hill Entrance Fee

It’s free to climb Ullapool Hill.

Ullapool Hill Car Park In Scotland
We parked on a side street to hike Ullapool Hill.
Ullapool Hill In Scotland
Not sure if we’re on the right track.

Ullapool Hill Opening Times

Open all day, every day.

Ullapool Hill In Scotland
Trawling through the bushes.
Ullapool Hill In Scotland
Lauren at the start of the hike.

Best Time To Visit Ullapool Hill + Tips

Ullapool is a popular tourist attraction all year round but gets busier during the warmer months. If you prefer it less crowded, avoid the school summer holidays.

Furthermore, the walk is said to be particularly beautiful in the autumn when the purple heather is in full bloom!

Choose and nice clear day if possible to climb Ullapool Hill, so that you can enjoy the far stretching views.

The terrain is somewhat rocky and can be muddy in places, so good footwear is recommended.

There’s some nice places to stop, enjoy the views and take some refreshment. So maybe take some snacks with you.

What To Pack

Photography Camera

Tripod

Day Bag

Power Bank

Reusable Water Bottle

Sunscreen

Lightweight Rain Jacket

Ullapool Hill In Scotland
Gaining some traction on the ascent.
Ullapool Hill In Scotland
Our first view over Ullapool.

What To Expect At Ullapool Hill

Located close to the town of Ullapool, this hill is definitely worthwhile climbing for the amazing views it provides.

An easy enough hike it’s probably one of the most missed out things to do on North Coast 500!

Starting on the outskirts of Ullapool town, the trail is well signposted. There are various paths you can follow with benches along the way to stop and have a rest if needed.

This moderately challenging, short but steep climb, over fairly rough terrain of some stone paths and some muddy areas is definitely worth the effort.

Once at the top you can enjoy the breathtaking views out over Loch Broom as well as across Ullapool Village and further inland.

There’s also plenty of seating on the paths up and down the hill, where you can stop and enjoy the views out to sea and towards the Summer Isles.

A loop from the centre of Ullapool to the summit and back again can be completed in roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.

It was an easy enough ascent and the penultimate stop on our NC500 itinerary before heading over Bealach Na Ba Pass!

Ullapool Hill In Scotland
Almost at the top of Ullapool Hill.
Ullapool Hill In Scotland
Time for a quick break.
Ullapool Hill In Scotland
Looking back at the trail we’d hiked.
Ullapool Hill In Scotland
Ullapool Village looking very small.
Ullapool Hill In Scotland
Will taking in the view.
Ullapool Hill In Scotland
Happy to be out in nature.
Ullapool Hill In Scotland
A clear look at the layers surrounding Ullapool.
Ullapool Hill In Scotland
The tiny village where we began.
Ullapool Hill In Scotland
Ready to head back down.

Ullapool Village

Ullapool is a picturesque fishing village on the shores of Loch Broom. It’s a popular stopping point for people following the North Coast 500 route as well as holiday makers and tourists.

Situated in one of the least spoilt natural environments in the UK, it offers a choice of varied walks in the area including mountains, rocky coasts and inland footpaths.

Also known as the gateway to the Northern Highlands, Ullapool is great place to use as a base for exploring the north west of Scotland.

Ullapool Village In Scotland
Exploring Ullapool Village mid morning.
Loch Broom Ullapool In Scotland
Loch Broom in Ullapool.

Where To Stay In Scotland

Luxury – exploreNESS Apartment

Offering free WiFi and free private parking, exploreNESS Apartment is located in Inverness, just 0.8 miles from Inverness Castle. 

The property is less than 0.6 miles from Inverness Museum and Art Gallery and 1.6 miles from Caledonian Thistle.

The apartment features 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided.

A buffet breakfast is available daily at the apartment.

Mid-Budget – Loch Earn

Located 1.7 miles from Inverness Castle, Loch Earn provides accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.

There is also a kitchen in some of the units with a dishwasher, a fridge, and an oven.

A continental breakfast is available daily at the bed and breakfast.

Guests can relax in the garden at the property.

Budget – Inverness Youth Hostel

Just 10 minutes’ walk from Inverness Rail Station, Inverness Youth Hostel offers free private parking and bicycle storage.

Eastgate shopping centre is a 10-minute walk from this hostel. Hootananny, a popular music venue, is just 15 minutes’ walk away.

Culloden Battlefield and its visitor centre is just a 10-minute drive away. The banks of Loch Ness and the country village of Dores are both a 20-minute drive away.

All rooms have a shared bathroom. Packed lunch and luggage storage is available on request.

For more places to stay in Scotland, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.

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