Ullapool, an appealing port and resort in Wester Ross, the fishing port of Ullapool in Wester Ross comes alive in summer when it receives a large influx of holidaymakers. Many move on by ferry to Stornoway on Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, but it is a good base for exploring the area, and has a marvellous setting jutting out into Loch Broom. Attractions include the award-winning Ullapool Museum and a multitude of craft shops and galleries.

Email Ullapool Youth Hostel (SYHA) enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com  

Other places to stay in and around Ullapool

Spectacularly situated on the harbour and right next to the ferries, buses, pubs, cafes and seafood restaurants. The whole of the North West coast can be easily explored from this small fishing village. Ferries leave for Stornoway whilst cruises visit the Summer Isles.

Surprisingly for such a remote town, Ullapool is fast becoming renowned for its festival and music scene. The highlight is the family music festival of Loopallu (Ullapool backwards) which attracts many well known bands.

For a real taste of Scotland, literally, try a pint of prawns (langoustines). Shinty is a real treat for any visitor, a traditional and tough Gaelic game played only in the Highlands.

Ullapool Youth Hostel Accommodation

Hostelling is a very friendly and relaxed way to travel and our ethos actively involves children. We understand better than anyone the implications of travelling with young children. That is why we are doing all we can to make your hostelling experience memorable for all the right reasons.

Children and families are welcome at all our hostels, although we have highlighted a number of hostels within our network as being “Family Hostels” as they are particularly well-suited to travelling with and entertaining younger children.

Family hostels not only have private rooms available, many with en-suite facilities, they also carry practical items such as travel cots, high chairs, microwaves and toys. In addition there is normally a TV and games room as well as extensive private gardens on site where the kids can let off some steam.

Close to great attractions and activities, these family hostels offer a great base from which to explore the area. Our helpful staff are a great source of knowledge on places to visit and things to see and do.

For Families:
· Family and private rooms
· Good self-catering facilities
· A selection of games
· Children’s lending library
· One travel cot
· Information on what to do with kids in and around Ullapool

Facilities:
- Bike shed available
- Private rooms available
- 57 beds available
- Suitable for families
- Bus station 0.25 miles away
- Train station 33 miles
- Ferry terminal 0.25 miles
- Shops nearby
- Laundry facilities available, charge per wash

Catering: Not available

Please note that we do not accept stag or hen parties at any of our hostels.

Local Attractions
Ullapool Museum and Visitor Centre: Housed within a grade A listed former church designed by Thomas Telford.

Lochbroom Leisure Centre: 25m swimming pool, multi sports games hall with a climbing wall, Quay Street.

Macphail Centre: cultural and arts centre, Mill Street.

Highland Pottery: handcrafted pottery, Mill Street.

Corrieshalloch Gorge NNR: A suspension bridge allows you to look down into this spectacular, steep-sided slot gorge. Meltwaters created Corrieshalloch Gorge shortly before glaciers left the area. Twelve miles south-east of Ullapool.

Leckmelm Gardens: 12 acre arboretum on the shores of Loch Broom, 3 miles outside Ullapool on the A835.

Lael Forest Garden: walks around a collection of varied tree species from around the world, 10 miles outside Ullapool on the A835 towards Inverness.

M.V. Summer Queen: Two and four hour cruises sailing from Ullapool pier through beautiful Loch Broom to the Summer Isles, 1 Royal Park, Ullapool.

Seascape Expeditions: 2 hour powerboat trip to the Summer Isles.

Isle of Martin: community owned Island. History talks and walks on the island on selected dates Departing Ardmair Jetty 3 miles N of Ullapool.

Knockan Crag: This is one of the top Earth science sites in Scotland. It's recognised worldwide as the place where scientists first discovered the basic principles of geology, 13 miles north of Ullapool, off the A835 road.

The Rock Route: find out about the amazing rocks and landscapes with information panels and breathtaking views,
North of Ullapool.

Ullapool Leisure Centre: 25m swimming pool, multi sports games hall with a climbing wall, Quay Street.

Cycling
The Far North West - Achiltiebuie: This section is a diversion from the main route, beautiful beaches and wonderful views.

The Far North West - around Assynt: Back to the main route again - extremely hilly!!

The Far North West- Inverpolly Nature Reserve: Interesting mountains and wild scenery, narrow roads with passing places.

Moderate walking
The Ullapool Hill path: A popular walk up the hillside behind Ullapool with good views over the local area
Distance: 5km/3.1mls, Duration: 1 1/2 hrs, Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet.

Loch Achall: Combine Ullapool Hill with a walk inland to the outlet of Loch Achall, taking in the Eas Dubh waterfall before returning along the Ullapool River valley.
Distance: 12km/7.5mls,, Duration: 2.5-3.5 hrs, Ascent: 381m

Loch Glascarnoch: A good short walk to break the journey between Inverness and Ullapool
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 2 hrs, Height Gain: 60 metres/198 feet.

Rhue Lighthouse: A lovely walk along the shore of Loch Broom with views out to the Summer Isles.
Distance: 10.5km/6.6mls, Duration: 3 1/2 hrs, Height Gain: 90 metres/297 feet.

The Bone Caves of Inchnadamph
A 2 km walk over some rough and steep ground to the caves where remains of reindeer, lynx and polar bear were discovered, 20 miles north of Ullapool.

Lael Forest Garden
Find over 200 species of tree along this enjoyable forest walk. Follow red waymarkers or Green waymarkers for walks of 1 hour, 3 miles south of Ullapool.

Mountain walks
Some of the finest mountains in Britain are within easy travelling distance of Ullapool. A few examples are:

Stac Pollaidh: One of Scotland's most distinctive hills and gives superb views
Distance: 6km/3.75mls, Duration: 3 hrs, Height Gain: 550 metres/1815 feet.

Wildlife Walk - Ben Mor Coigach: Seek out the Monarch of the Glen, with this challenging and fascinating walk
Distance: 16km/10mls, Duration: Up to 8 hrs, Height Gain: 650 metres/2145 feet.

An Teallach: A mountain challenge if ever there was one!
Distance: 15km/9.37mls, Duration: 8 hrs, Height Gain: 1380 metres/4554 feet.

Plus lots more to explore!

Further afield:

Handa Island
Visit Britain’s largest breeding colony of guillemots, also home to puffins, razorbills, skuas, kittiwakes ans terns. Within an hour North of Ullapool, 3 miles north of Scourie. A short ferry ride over runs mon-sat on demand from 9.30am-2pm. Last return 5pm. Allow 3 hours to walk around the island.

Lochinver Heronry
Watch live pictures of a heron’s nest and learn about the habits and history of herons, Assynt visitor centre, Lochinver.

DIRECTIOINS
By Bus:
Inverness - Ullapool pier; Monday-Saturday 300 metres Durness (summer only) -Ullapool pier 300 metres Achiltibuie- Ullapool pier; Monday-Saturday 300 metres Lochinver/Achmelvich - Ullapool Pier or High School; Monday-Friday 300 metres

By Car:
On the A835 on Ullapool sea front.

On Foot:
300 metres from public transport *Please note there is no longer a ferry from Altnaharrie across Loch Broom. Cyclists now have to go right round via Braemore junction.

By Train:
Garve - 30miles Inverness- 55 miles.#

Email Ullapool Youth Hostel (SYHA) enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com