Ullapool is the focal point of the northwest Highlands, with restaurants, shops, festivals and ferry links to the outer hebrides

Ullapool is the north-west’s largest settlement, and often used as a base to explore the region – although there’s plenty in the town itself to keep you busy. There are plenty of places to find excellent food, from a chippy on the harbour to a dinner of local seafood or venison. Ullapool has a thriving population and music and cultural events are held regularly through the summer months.

There are several galleries in the town, from small craft shops selling locally-made crafts to fine art galleries. There are gift shops packed with souvenirs both locally made and from further afield, two independent bookshops and an excellent independent outdoors shop. You can buy local seafood from the excellent ‘Seafood Shack’, pastries, breads and more from the deli – and for everything else, there’s even a Tesco.

On your way to Ullapool, don’t miss a visit to Corrishalloch Gorge, right by the road about 12 miles outside Ullapool. This spectacular, steep-sided gorge is spanned by a Victorian suspension bridge – only suitable for those with a head for heights! The walls of the gorge are blanketed with mosses, lichens and ferns, giving it a prehistoric and wild feel. Woodland trails let you explore the area further where you can keep an eye out for birds including ravens and golden eagles.

The area is a haven for walkers, whether you want to wander along the shore, stretch your legs up Ullapool Hill or summit one of the many Munros in the area. Ben More Coigach, towering to the north of Ardmair Bay, is particularly spectacular. Ardmair Bay itself is a pretty, cobbled cove right by the main road – great for a quick stop to stretch your legs after a long drive!

Just off Ardmair Bay lie the Summer Isles, a collection of small islands providing an amazing opportunity to spot wildlife and enjoy island scenery. You can take a 4-hour trip out from Ullapool, with an hour spent on the largest of the islands. Other trips will take you elsewhere along the coast and give you the chance to spot seabirds, seals and even whales and dolphins.

The town’s annual creel Christmas tree is an iconic tradition for this fishing town, where a 16ft tall stack of creels is lit up in place of a tree!

Ullapool, itself a lively and thriving west coast fishing town, makes a great base from which to explore the north west. With shops and transport links, it’s a great place for those who want to experience the wild north west, returning to the luxury of restaurants and a supermarket.