Ullapool

Ullapool is the largest settlement in Wester Ross and the main hub of the North West Highlands, a whitewashed port on the shores of Loch Broom that began life in 1788 as a planned herring fishing station. It's known for its working harbour, its seafood, a lively arts scene, and as the ferry port for Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.

It's well worth a stop. Ullapool has a character all of its own, a real Highland community with good restaurants, independent shops, a lively music scene and loch and mountain views in every direction. It also makes a natural base for Assynt, the Coigach peninsula and the Summer Isles, and sits on the North Coast 500.

Ullapool is about 59 miles north-west of Inverness, roughly an hour's drive on the A835. The road passes Garve and the Braemore Junction, with the chance to stop at Corrieshalloch Gorge on the way.

CalMac runs a regular service from Ullapool to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, with several crossings a day. It takes around 2 hours 45 minutes and gives fine views of the Minch and the Wester Ross mountains as you leave. Book ahead, especially for a vehicle in summer.