Ferry to Ullapool

As there are no current sailings on this route we cannot show ferry schedules at this present time.

There are no current operators on this route.

Ullapool is accessible via the A835 road, approximately 1.5 hours' drive north of Inverness, Scotland's northernmost city. Regular bus services connect Inverness to Ullapool, with journey times around 1 hour and 15 minutes. If arriving in Scotland by air, Inverness Airport is the nearest major terminal, from where you can take public transport or hire a car. The ferry terminal is centrally located within the village, making it easily accessible on foot from most accommodations. For those driving, there's ample parking available near the harbor, though it can fill quickly during peak summer months.

Nestled on the shores of Loch Broom, Ullapool stands as a charming fishing village and vital ferry hub in the rugged Northwest Highlands of Scotland. This picturesque port town, with its whitewashed cottages and working harbor, offers travelers an authentic glimpse into Scottish coastal life. Serving as the main ferry connection to the Outer Hebrides, Ullapool combines breathtaking natural landscapes with a rich maritime heritage that captivates visitors seeking both adventure and tranquility.

Ullapool enjoys its most pleasant weather from May through September, with long daylight hours and temperatures typically ranging from 12-18°C (54-64°F). July and August bring the warmest conditions but also the most visitors, making early June or September ideal for balancing good weather with fewer crowds. The Ullapool Book Festival in May and the Loopallu Music Festival in September offer cultural highlights for timing your visit. Ferry services to the Outer Hebrides operate year-round but run more frequently during summer months. Winter visits (November-March) offer a more authentic local experience, though some businesses reduce their hours and the weather can be challenging.

Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis is the primary destination from Ullapool's ferry terminal, with sailings taking approximately 2.5 hours across the Minch. This journey opens access to the entire Outer Hebrides chain, including the Isle of Harris with its world-famous beaches and Harris Tweed heritage. From Stornoway, further ferry connections can take you south to North Uist, Benbecula, and eventually to Barra with its unique beach airport. The Ullapool-Stornoway route itself is considered one of Scotland's most scenic ferry crossings, offering potential sightings of dolphins, whales, and sea eagles. Using Ullapool as your starting point allows for an unforgettable island-hopping adventure through some of Scotland's most remote and beautiful landscapes.

The Ullapool area boasts exceptional outdoor activities, with standout hiking trails leading to Stac Pollaidh and the Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve, both offering panoramic views across the dramatic landscape. Seafood enthusiasts should sample the renowned local catch at The Seafood Shack or the Ceilidh Place, where freshly landed langoustines and hand-dived scallops are menu staples. Wander through the town's harbor front, where you'll find independent galleries, craft shops, and the excellent Ullapool Museum housed in a former church. For a deeper connection to local culture, visit An Talla Solais gallery or time your visit for a traditional Scottish music session at one of the village pubs. The nearby Corrieshalloch Gorge and its suspension bridge provide an impressive natural spectacle just a short drive from the harbor.

Despite its small size (population around 1,500), Ullapool was meticulously planned and built in 1788 by the British Fisheries Society as a herring port, giving it an unusually ordered layout for a Highland settlement. The village's name derives from the Norse words for 'wool farm,' reflecting the area's Viking heritage long before it became a fishing center. Ullapool holds the distinction of being featured on the iconic North Coast 500 driving route, often called Scotland's answer to Route 66. The waters off Ullapool are home to some of Britain's oldest rocks, with the nearby Lewisian Gneiss formations dating back an astonishing 3 billion years.