Major city · United Kingdom
Ullapool
Stay one night if you are catching the Stornoway ferry or breaking the North Coast 500; stay two or three only if you plan hill walks and coast drives.
Ullapool is a small ferry port on Loch Broom, 100 km northwest of Inverness, with a population of about 1,500. Most travellers pass through on the way to Lewis or along the North Coast 500. It earns a night for the Victorian street plan, the seafood and the walking, and two or three nights only if you have a car and want the wild coast around it.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (short days, many places closed), midge season Jul–Aug
- Airport
- INV
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Ullapool999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Ullapool, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyA very low-crime village; the real risks are single-track roads with passing places, weather that turns fast on the hills, and cold water.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police, fire, ambulance · 101 police non-urgent · 111 NHS non-urgent
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportINV Inverness (Nearest airport, about 100 km (62 mi) by A835; allow 75 min by car.INV Inverness (Nearest airport, about 62 mi (100 km) by A835; allow 75 min by car.
- Getting aroundThe village is small and flat: walk it in 15 minutes end to end.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a café£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course£14–22 (≈ US$19–30)
- BeerDraught beer, pint£5–6.50 (≈ US$7–9)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across the village£5–8 (≈ US$7–11)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week£8–15 (≈ US$11–20)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry£5 (≈ US$7) adult, child free
- Budget bedCampsite pitch (tent), a night, per room£20 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse or B&B double room, a night, per room£110 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedGuesthouse or B&B double room, a night, per room£160 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £55 (≈ US$75) · Mid £95 (≈ US$130) · High £180 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- INV Inverness (Nearest airport, about 100 km (62 mi) by A835; allow 75 min by car. Check bus times against your flight.)INV Inverness (Nearest airport, about 62 mi (100 km) by A835; allow 75 min by car. Check bus times against your flight.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Mar
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Apr
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
May
Best
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Jun
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jul
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Aug
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Sep
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Oct
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Nov
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Dec
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Jan (20 rain days), driest May (14). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Ullapool: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
20 rd
Feb
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
16 rd
Mar
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
18 rd
Apr
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
15 rd
May
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
14 rd
Jun
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
14 rd
Jul
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
16 rd
Aug
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
17 rd
Sep
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
18 rd
Oct
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
20 rd
Nov
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
20 rd
Dec
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
20 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The village is small and flat: walk it in 15 minutes end to end. For Corrieshalloch Gorge, the coast, the Summer Isles or the hill, you need a car, a bike or a taxi. Two taxi firms operate in town; book ahead for early ferry sailings.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Corrieshalloch Gorge
goDoor to door: About 30 min by car
A835 south, about 19 km (12 mi), then a short walk to the viewing bridgeA835 south, about 12 mi (19 km), then a short walk to the viewing bridge
Free access to the bridge and falls viewpoint; the gorge is a National Trust for Scotland reserve.
Gairloch
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min by car
A835 south then A832 west, about 90 km (56 mi)A835 south then A832 west, about 56 mi (90 km)
Inverewe Garden and the Arctic Convoy Museum are on the way.
Summer Isles
goDoor to door: Half a day
Boat trip from Ullapool harbour, or drive to Achiltibuie for a shorter crossing
Book ahead in summer; sea conditions can cancel sailings.
Stornoway, Lewis
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h 30 min crossing
CalMac ferry from Ullapool pier
Treat Lewis as its own trip, not a day return.
Torridon
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h 15 min by car
A835 south then A832 and A896, about 130 km (81 mi)A835 south then A832 and A896, about 81 mi (130 km)
Too far for a comfortable return day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Quay Street and West Shore Street
Beside the ferry pier and bus stop; best for a one-night ferry stopover.
West Argyle Street and town centre
One block back from the pier; museum, bookshop, deli and most guesthouses.
Shore Street and West Lane
Seafront hostel and the camping and caravan park; walkable to everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- £70–120 (≈ US$95–160) excl. bed
- High
- £120 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse or B&B double room1 × 1 night × £110 | £110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £95 | £190 |
| Citylink bus 961, Inverness to Ullapool, one way2 × £16 | £32 |
| CalMac ferry, Ullapool to Stornoway, foot passenger one way2 × £20 · book ahead in summer | £40 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £12 | £24 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £40 |
| Trip total≈ £218 per person per day, bed included | £436≈ US$600 |
2026 estimate in pounds; travel to Ullapool excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a café | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Fish and chips or a seafood takeaway portion | £10–16 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Pub main course | £14–22 (≈ US$19–30) |
| Draught beer, pint | £5–6.50 (≈ US$7–9) |
| Museum entry | £5 (≈ US$7) adult, child free |
| Taxi across the village | £5–8 (≈ US$7–11) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | £8–15 (≈ US$11–20) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Ferries to Stornoway sell out in summer: book ahead even as a foot passenger and be at the pier 45 min before sailing.
- The A835 approach road has patchy mobile signal; download offline maps before you leave Inverness.
- Nights never get fully dark May–July, so stargazing is out then.
- Many guesthouses set two-night minimum stays, which rules them out for a single ferry night.
- Midges are worst on still, damp evenings from June to August: bring repellent.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999
- Police non-urgent
- 101
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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UllapoolUllapool
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Chun an t-seòladh seo, mas e do thoil eTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999
- Police non-urgent101
- NHS non-urgent111
Embassy
No embassies in Ullapool; US, Canadian, Australian and Irish citizens use their embassy or consulate in Edinburgh or London.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus 961 Inverness → Ullapool: about £16 (≈ US$25) single, about 80 min
- CalMac ferry Ullapool → Stornoway: about 2 h 30 min; foot passenger fare check, book ahead
- Taxi in the village: £5–8 (≈ US$7–11)
Say or show
- Far a bheil cidhe an aiseig? — Where is the ferry pier?
- Tapadh leat — Thank you
- Madainn mhath — Good morning
- Dè a' phrìs? — How much is it?
- Am faod mi pàigheadh le cairt? — Can I pay by card?
- Càite a bheil an taigh-beag? — Where is the toilet?
Card is accepted in most places, but a few pubs and takeaway vans are cash only: carry some notes.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Ullapool. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (short days, many places closed), midge season Jul–Aug · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Ferry-day contract for Ullapool pier: check-in cutoffs, foot-passenger booking and a taxi fallback for early sailings.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: town centre, the harbour and Shore Street, Ullapool Hill, and the north coast lane to Rhue.
- Place pages with verified opening seasons (museum, gorge, Summer Isles boats) and eat pages with last orders.
- Weather and midge fixtures so the page can flag a washout day before you commit to the hill.
Sources
- officialVisitScotland — Scottish Highlands
- officialCalMac Ferries
- officialScottish Citylink
- officialUllapool Museum
- officialNational Trust for Scotland — Corrieshalloch Gorge
- secondaryWikivoyage: Ullapool, revision 5063325 (CC BY-SA 4.0)