Not sure if this was only temporarily. Cracking art in a brilliant gallery space. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Petrol. At Rhiconich, take the B801 to Kinlochbervie and then the unclassified road through Oldshoremore to the park at Blairmore and then walk to Sandlewood bay - one of the most isolated but beautifu, beaches iin Scotland. I do want to find as many beautiful beaches that I can though, one of the reasons why I wanted to do this trip. 1.5 hours from Inverness. The Durness to Ullapool route is generally in good condition and pretty straightforward as long as you are OK with single track roads and passing places. One of my most common occurrences in helping people decide on the details of their trip to Scotland is the issue of whether or not to drive. The direct drive from Durness to Ullapool is 67.1 mi (108 km), and should have a drive time of 1 hr 28 mins in normal traffic. After almost a week of hamlets and tiny villages, Inverness is going to seem like a giant playground, so go full-on hedonist with an afternoon of last minute gift shopping and making the most of Inverness' sterling food scene (if you haven't tried cranachan yet, do). That said, with the increasing popularity of the NC500, it's also best to avoid the height of summer if you are able to, because reversing isn't so fun after the 100th time. Achmelvich Beach is a beautiful beach on a sunny day and Laurence and I were very surprised at the size and look of the beach, as it looks very out of place in northern Scotland with its light sandy beaches and turquoise waters. I'd give yourself 1.5 hours to walk there and probably 2 hours to walk back. Taking around 45 minutes to complete, it's a poignant trail with sensational views over Trigh Allt Chilgeag, although note that it may be challenging for those with mobility issues. This is such a stunning part of the world that it's difficult to suggest what to leave out. Of course the direct way is A835/A837 but I'm looking at the Coigach & Assynt tour on Undiscovered Scotland's website, http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/ustours/coigach-assynt/index.html. Great tips from the helpful locals working here. wow, all those lovely suggestions! The loading person directed us to the front of the line as motorcycles generally board first. Such an amazing experience my time spent with James and Flick, lovely lovely people who I admire so much. Where the walk starts didn't look like much but very quickly you are surrounded by enchanting woodland with many different paths to follow and surprises along the way. Great location, lovely relaxed gallery. Another 15 minutes or so on the road will take you into the pretty waterside village of Ullapool for a much needed shower and sleep. We saw another reviewer suggest this and were very grateful we took this route instead. Single track road doesnt make it the easiest to get to though. Its so quiet up there. Just across from Inverness via the Kessock Bridge, it's not actually an island but a peninsula, and with so much to do it's worth veering off the A9 and taking a detour for; among the highlights is Chanonry Point, one of the most reliable places in the UK for dolphin spotting. There wasn't room on the minibus so a second driver came down and caught the ferry across just to take our group of four. 1 H 46 M Go. A warm welcome and a guided tour by Tom of all facilities. Shedding light on this turbulent period of Scottish history and the lives of the Mackay Clan, it's a "don't miss" as far as understanding the area is concerned. Run by a lovely family, who put every effort into making sure everyone enjoys their experience. Westernmost near Traigh, hence the DurnessUllapool search. Initially built in 1572, it was purchased and restored by the Queen Mother in 1952, and functioned as a much-loved royal residence for over 40 years. We were very impressed by the comfortable, smart and well maintained ferry. On the table above you can see driving distance in various units namely kilo metres, miles and nautical miles. Planning travel has actually been fun instead of tedious because of this app. It shouldn't be too tiring - just don't try to rush. Just under 30 miles from Thurso you will find Strathnaver Museum, which tells the story of the Highland Clearances - the forcible eviction of families from this area during the 18th and 19th centuries - from the former church in which those affected would have been told of their fates. Very beautiful beach. You can ride it on a mountain bike or a bike with the right type tyres as very rough track,you can go by minibus very bumpy. finalising the details for my big trip next week! Thank you Calmac at Ullapool. Returning to the main route, the road continues south west in the direction of Scourie. But beware of animals and remember that names on the. Particularly delicious were the soup and steak wrap. Planner; Trip Cost; Itinerary. Can walk easily from campsite. 108 Km - Distance from Durness to Ullapool. No phone signal or wifi here. Only actually made a city in 2000 to mark the dawn of the new millennium, it is now one of the fastest growing in Europe and, according to the UK's Office of National Statistics, one of the the happiest. Don't miss visiting, you are in for a treat. Or midges, which is worse. . Nonetheless, much of the site is open to the public and visitors can learn about the history of the fort, step inside the garrison chapel and pay their respects at the dog cemetery, the final resting kennel of the regimental mascots. This whole area is a haven for wildlife, so keep your eyes open for nesting seabirds (including a small colony of puffins) as well as seals playing in the waters. :-), This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. Market St, Ullapool, IV26 2XE, United Kingdom. We were doing the NC500 and this was the cheapest campsite we stayed at (26) but definitely the best. A totally different way to see the Scottish coastline or inland lochs, kayaking offers endless opportunities for wildlife spotting, with jellyfish, seals and seabirds all regularly spotted here. We're now heading towards Stac Pollaidh mountain, but first stopping at Ardvreck Castle, a ruinous former residence of the mighty Macleod family, which is perched on a patch of land that sticks out into the mountain-framed Loch Assynt. Trip (67.5 mi) on Map Ullapool IV26 Durness. The Lodges own hydro power ensures that there is plenty of hot water and the cold is banished outside. After sitting there for nearly an hour (we arrived early), we were told to circle around to the 4th lane. The best beach i have ever visited. What an amazing gem of a campsite, with touring caravans, static caravans and plenty of camping pitches, both serviced and unserviced Really warm and friendly welcome and tour of the park, including been shown to my own pitch. The organization this app provides has taken a huge weight off my shoulders. I looked into that, unfortunately it seems I'm there a bit early in the year for the Stornaway day trip. There are not many woods in this area of scotland but these are lovely. Yes! Only down side was the music! Recent World Distance Between Searches After this all that remains is the final stretch to Ullapool, and a well-deserved fish supper. Here, you could choose to make a quick stop at Corrieshalloch Gorge, a nature reserve with a Victorian suspension bridge and plunging waterfalls, before continuing on around the coast. The location for this site could not be better! The site was very busy but each pitch had enough space to give privacy. Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. These are the ruins of an old castle with a very violent history, well detailed on the signs at the car park. The stretch after the Kylesku Bridge can be a little daunting for first timers and should most definitely not be attempted in anything other than full daylight. In recent years Inverness has gained an increasingly strong reputation for its culinary scene and to say that it boasts more dining options than other towns on the North Coast 500 is quite the understatement, so all the more excuse to feast while you still can. 1. Ah ha. Although the castle is not open to the general public - it's still used as a Sheriff's Court - the north tower contains a viewing platform that offers a superb view over the city. However the Summer Isles boat trip looks good, as long as I can drag my partner out of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Just watch out for animals in the road. We have taken many ferries in the States and in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and this has always been the case. Easy to find as you go along the road, parking in two bays for access. The journey to the Stac Pollaidh car park should take about 30 minutes from Ardvreck Castle - when you get there, park up and go through the gate across the road, which will take you upwards into open moorland and onto the main path. Dubbed the "Wee Mad Road" by locals and blessed with views that will make you want to stare out the window but switchbacks so sharp you'll need eyes on the prize, it's a hairy single track route with a number of steep inclines. With such a diverse range of art from international as well as local artists, a visit to An Talla Solais has to be on everyone's 'To Do' list when going to Ullapool. James was friendly and forgave me that his style was not mine, but I can easily see that they would make a centerpiece to anyone's collection. Famous for being at the northern end of the two furthest apart inhabited points of the UK, its iconic signpost attracts thousands of tourists every year, not to mention jubilant cyclists and hikers completing the trek from one to the other. Gas from Durness to Ullapool would cost around $6 to $15 USD, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency. I'm not knocking coach tours by the way. Dominated by lush, gently rolling farmland, and a haven for woodland wildlife, the Black Isle isn't necessarily what you picture when you think of the Scottish Highlands. I read the drive north of Ullapool is very scenic (Assynt, Lochinver, Drumberg loop are on my list of stops). How hard is it to maintain an online standby list and notify customers if they clear due to a cancellation? Super friendly and communicative when booking and our son really enjoyed his 60min hakking session on a well cared for and relaxed pony. Good on the community there for bringing this place to life. Legend has it that the loch is haunted by the Mermaid of Assynt, the lost daughter of one of the castle's former inhabitants, who for many years was blamed by locals for anything that changed in the area. It takes 2 hours, 9 minutes to travel from Durness to Ullapool.Approximate driving distance between Durness and Ullapool is 108 kms or 67.1 miles or 58.3 nautical miles .Travel time refers to the time taken if the distance is covered by a car. Sad. Only then did we learn that the ferry was full on the return trip. Very well preserved, can still see where the next floor would have gone. Very comfortable highland style lodge accommodation that is centred around Paul Listers Wilderness philosophy. A large sandy beach fringed by Sand Dunes. Breakfast bar serving hot rolls which was set us up right for the rest of the day. The section of the A832 from Gairloch to Kinlochewe is a scenic and for the most part relatively easy drive, running in part along the shore of Loch Maree and offering glimpses of the Slioch mountain through the trees. 162a Drumnaguie, Polin, Kinlochbervie By Lairg, IV27 4RT, United Kingdom, Excellent views of the Bay lively walk to the view point facilities clean and tidy. Your email will not be provided to third parties. 138 Mi - Distance from Ullapool to Thurso via durness 108 Km 1 hr 44 min Night Stop 114 Km 1 hr 52 min Unit Auto Mi Km Travel Time Trip Cost See Direction Show Map Travel Distance Lat Long Flight Distance Flight Time How Far Find Route Total Driving Distance Travelled is 138 Mi Driving Distance 138 Driving Time 3 hrs 35 mins Directions Go! I could stay there forever great service and food they make you feel at home a must place to visit the staff was fantastic. A lot will depend on the weather on the day. Atmospheric waterfront remains of a stone stronghold dating from circa 1490 CE. Food is delicious, service impeccable and surroundings stunning. They really gave excellent suggestions for places to visit etc we wouldn't have known about. Many of the NC500s attractions are also seasonal and do not open at all in the winter months. The CalMac ferry was by far the lowlight of our two week tour of the U.K. There is a yard in front with benches where you can relax and listen to the neighboring sheep. Although Fort George has never actually been attacked (you wouldn't win, let's be honest), don't be surprised if you see a soldier or two walking about the place - it's still used as a barracks today. And don't expect to get any speed up, until you are on the road to Durness. Well, today is the embodiment of that. Spotlessly clean and lovely attention to detail. Built around the River Ness, it's easily walkable, with pretty waterside paths, grand old buildings including St Andrews Cathedral and Inverness Castle, and plenty of cafes to stop off at along the way. The home baking is exceptional too. Edinburgh city break - The best weekend trip itinerary, 14 amazing places to see the autumn leaves in Europe, The 14 best Christmas markets in Europe to visit this winter, Top 12 European Road Trips to drive in 2019, Top 10 most amazing day trips from Edinburgh, Margate weekend trip - Escape to the English seaside. We then waited another 45 minutes and boarded dead last! The falls opposite are lovely too and again super easy to get to! As you leave, go up the stairs the other side (ultimately, this will loop you back to the car park). Well worth a visit and would definitely recommend. Durness to Ullapool is one of the truly great Scottish drives. Take your time and enjoy the stunning scenery, viewpoints and areas of interest. The rooms are clean, and split with curtains and walls for every 2 bunk beds, which was nice. Walk along the boardwalk to see the waterfall inside the cave (see my photograph). http://gardyloo.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20130614_123-1200.jpg, http://gardyloo.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20130614_171-1200.jpg, http://gardyloo.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20130614_141-1200.jpg, Map - https://goo.gl/maps/oEGDyY3fofwtM6qc6. We will certainly be back. Nothing will shake you awake like a sea breeze, so enjoy an early morning run on the beach or, if you've got a board and a wetsuit with you, brave a very icy dip. Generally, the best time to take a road trip in Scotland is between April and early October. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I read the drive north of Ullapool is very scenic (Assynt, Lochinver, Drumberg loop are on my list of stops). Im not knocking coach tours by the way. 10 years on, I can easily remember the langoustines at the Kylesku Inn, and breakfast next morning overlooking the disused ferry slip with seals basking on it. We saw seals in the area and took some lovely photos. When you're done, go into town to refuel with a leisurely breakfast, then start working your way eastward along the coast. White sand as far as the eye can see, rabbits, birds, marine life and military jets! Totally unspoiled and natural, great little walk to blow away the cobwebs! The toilets and showers were immaculate.There was a fire pit and barbecue area for socialising. Friendly lady in charge. Wow! If you fancy a little souvenir shopping, the village also features a number of other shops selling products made by local artists, including artworks, crafty bits and ceramics. Our intention is to follow the coast as much as possible in North-West Scotland, so I'm now looking in more detail at our route from Ullapool to Durness. Driving on the left or right: Which countries do what, and why? From the car park at the top, descend the set of stairs that take you down to the mouth of the cave and step inside, but bring a poncho, because the spray will hit you! Stoer is a crofting township in the parish of Assynt, Sutherland, in the Highlands of Scotland and in the council area of Highland. Incredible views and fascinating history at the site. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. . It depends on when you visit! For this route, both Durness and Ullapool have petrol and Scourie is a useful stop along the way too. I've never tasted chocs with such really strong flavours; they really taste as they are described. Unfortunately, in a town as quiet as Thurso there's not a lot going on after dark, but if you're visiting in autumn or winter then Mother Nature may well throw you a party instead. I did also have Ardvreck Castle on my map to visit, so an alternative would be to just do part of the coastal road - either the first part, turning off towards Achtilbuie, following the coast until Lochinver and back up towards Loch Assynt; or the second part by keeping on the A835 until the loch and turn towards the coast then, going via Clachtoll. Thanks! Incredible place to visit even on a dreary day. Follow your nose, and you'll come to the cave. Above us, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you have the chance to fill up, do so. There are more beach options along the way at Achmelvich and Clashnessie. Love their chocs, better than many from famed (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Notify me of follow-up comments by email. If you like nice chocolate, Coco Mountain at Durness sell wonderful chocolates. The Handa Island boat trip is wonderful, if time allows.Or even just drive down for lunch at the excellent little seafood restaurant at the Hands ferry. The gentleman that was working there was very friendly and helpful. Good parking and toilet facilities available, with a couple of picnic benches. Just go slow and appreciate some of the best landscapes you may ever see. Great lite-bites with some monster dishes (steak wrap anyone!). You can get a boat out to the nature reserve via Tarbet Pier. Sandwood Bay is about 2 miles north of the end of a track from Blairmore (approach from Kinlochbervie), or you could walk south from the cape (allow eight hours) and on to Blairmore. Fifporter - great to hear you have become a fan too! However, as you've mentioned a wish to visit lovely beaches, I'd be inclined to drive the coastal loop north of Lochinver rather than the road which runs south. 11 years ago. family-friendly local pubs, perhaps even with music? It wasn't just their chocolates, Cocoa Mountain's hot chocolate was the best we've ever tasted. Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Lovely to walk along, looks shallow to walk in. There is 1 way to get from Ullapool to Durness by car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. My wife left her jacket on the ferry from Stornoway on Sunday afternoon. The David Livingstone Centre and Bothwell Castle. Fingers crossed they remain operational overall, That's a shame I visited there way back in 2019 yo try it. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. After miles of remote scenery this is one that you probably would not expect. Since bring excavated much of the brochs interior is now accessible. This is the place to go if you want to get far away from the rest of the world and enjoy the quiet and peaceful beauty of rural Scotland. Known as much for its pretty facade as it is for its close proximity to Scotland's most rugged landscapes, Inverness has gone from the site of many a historic battle to an industrial port-town, to a thriving hub for tourism and major student city, proving itself one of Scotland's most dynamic urban centres in the process. When in Durness need to decide between Smoo Cave, Cape Wrath or Balnakeil beach and Faraid Head (for the puffins!). Nice place to stop off for a short walk and picture. Spend a minute or two pretending to be a Scottish laird, wandering over the bridges, underneath the arches, and between the battlements and prison cells. And CalMac maintains no standby notification system. Even the garden itself is of eclectic interest, with rainbow trees and fruits growing all around it really creates and oasis of artistic will in an otherwise starkly baron landscape around loch Eribol. Also some other tourist attractions are in the area, so a longer stay can be useful. The red water is cool as it shows the iron within it. A little more driving should bring you along to Coldbackie Beach, a quiet, pristine stretch of sand that looks out over peacock blue waters towards the Rabbit Islands and the Orkneys. Plenty of walking to get down, up and around. Free entry. You've had almost a week of practice and now it's time for the ultimate Scottish road trip experience: the notorious Bealach na Ba. Finally, if you have a spare day in Durness, don't pass up the opportunity to do the trip to Cape Wrath - you get a ferry across the Kyle of Durness (well, more of a glorified rowing boat really), from where a minibus picks you up and transports you across the wild and empty moorland of The Parbh to the Cape itself. I would do the coastal loop TO Lochinver rather than after Lochinver.Personally, I think the hill road from Loch Assynt over to Kylesku is more impressive. And if you have time, one of Scotlands best beaches is at Sandwood Bay - a chance to stretch the legs! We met a lovely family there, and a local lady riding a horse on the beach This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It's best to pre-book your car hire in advance and collect your vehicle at the airport, as you're going to need it from the very first day. Return the car to Inverness Airport and catch a late afternoon flight home. Any other places you would recommend to explore? Beautiful beach, well worth the walk. Had a lovely stop with guests for lunch. There are also numerous food and drink attractions on this strip of land, including the Black Isle Brewery and one of Scotland's oldest distilleries, Glen Ord. Cells and stairs penetrate the 5 meter thick drystone walls forming an impressive experience and a worthwhile detour. If you're of a nervous disposition, a new driver, have any hangups about your reversing skills or the weather is bad, then this route probably isn't the best choice; instead take the A896 north and along to Shieldaig, before cutting back down. We really enjoyed our walk along it. Driven straight, the journey from Inverness up to Thurso would only take between two and three hours, but there's so much to see along the way that you should allow a whole day.

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