Day Four to Ullapool

A longer trip for the visitor to Laide is to head north. Although it is possible undertake a return trip

to the northern tip at Cape Wrath in a day  such a journey would be long and somewhat disappointing

as there is so much see and do in a shorter trip.

After driving round  Gruinard Bay the road climbs away from the sea. Just as Little Loch Broom comes into view

there is a parking area on the left of the road. The views from here, on a clear day, are worth admiring.

Out to sea are the Summer Isles, with Achiltiebuie in the far distance, On the opposite shore of Little Loch Broom is the collection of houses at Scouraig; to which the only access is by boat.

After leaving Little Loch Broom look out for the Stepping Stones Gift Shop, which has an excellent and very different selection of gifts, pictures and cards.

The road then climbs through a delightful wooded valley with a series of waterfalls. Deer can often be seen here and if you are lucky, maybe, an eagle circling overhead.

The view point overlooking Loch Broom and Corrieshalloch Gorge www.nts.org.uk are both well worth stopping at.

Turning left at Braemore Junction, the road descends the 12 miles to Ullapool, a small but important town. The Caledonian Mcbrayne ferry leaves from here for Stornaway.

In summer it is possible to book a day trip across with a coach tour around the island. There is a small, interesting museum, a variety of shops and restaurants. There are two companies which organise boat trips to the summer isles where you can expect to see a range of sea birds and marine animals.

Many of our visitors who reach Ullapool want to venture further by taking the road north. After approximately 10 miles is a lefthand turn to Achlitibuie. This single track road runs along the shores of Loch Lurgainn and between the peaks of Ben Mor, Coigach and Stac Pollaidh. The first turning on the right leads to Lochinver which is the aim but Achilitibuie and Reiff are worth visiting  as they gives a fine view back across the bay to Laide. The hydroponicum can also be visited.

The winding road to Lochinver from the junction that was passed earlier is only about 10 miles long  and is   most picturesque.

Lochinver is the larger of the two workshops for the Highland Pottery, the other is in Ullapool. Visitors are welcome to visit and watch the craftsmen at work. The other notable place is the Lochinver Larder, a cafe/restaurant that specialises in pies, both savoury and sweet.

To return to Laide follow the A837 back to Ullapool. The day is about 150 miles long and involves 4 to 5 hours driving. However, it is well worth the effort.