Wester Ross

Much of Wester Ross is classified as a National Scenic Area - thus is well worth a visit despite the many single-track roads.  The A890 marks the eastern boundary of Wester Ross as it travels north-east from Strathcarron through Glen Carron to meet the A832 at Achnasheen which runs through Strath Bran to the A835 in the east, near Garve.  The A835 is the main road from Inverness to Ullapool (just north of Wester Ross).  However, to appreciate the beauty of Wester Ross, take the (mainly single-track) A896 and the A832 which wind along the shores of the sea lochs until it meets the A835 south of Ullapool.

In the south are the quaint villages of Kishorn and Lochcarron where the wildlife conservation organisation WildAid has its base.  A minor road from Kishorn travels west to the village of Applecross set amongst magnificent scenery with stunning views across to the island of Raasay.  The A896 from Kishorn leads to the attractive village of Shieldaig and Torridon where the National Trust Countryside Centre provides information on the many walks in the area.   The landscape in Glen Torridon is dramatic as the 1000 metre mountains rise majestically from the valley. 

The A896 meets the A832 at Kinlochewe near to the Beinn Eighe nature reserve and south of the beautiful inland Loch Maree.  There are several villages to the west and north of Loch Maree with magnificent views and sandy beaches, including Gairloch, Poolewe and Inverewe (and the stunning Inverewe Gardens).  Gruinard Bay is an empty but beautiful area with a huge sandy beach and Dundonnel, at the tip of Little Loch Broom is a popular base for climbing the nearby An Teallach at 1000 metres.  The spectacular Falls of Measach and the Corrieshalloch Gorge nature reserve are situated near where the A832 meets the A835 to Ullapool.  Ullapool is a picturesque fishing village which has a busy harbour but few visitor attractions other than its museum and an art studio.  There are many local walks and boat trips to view the seabirds, dolphins and porpoises at the Summer Isles.  A ferry runs from Ullapool to Stornoway in the Western Isles.

Information
There is a tourist office in Ullapool.  Hotels in the area include: the Strathcarron Hotel; the Rockvilla Hotel in Lochcarron; Tigh an Eilean Hotel in Shieldaig; Applecross Inn; Loch Torridon Country House Hotel at Torridon; Kinlochewe Hotel; The Old Mill near Loch Maree; Myrtle Bank Hotel in Gairloch; the Shieldaig Lodge Hotel in Badachro; the Poolewe Hotel and Pool House Hotel in Poolewe; the Old Smiddy at Gruinard; Dundonnell Hotel; and  the Ceilidh Place in Ullapool.

Restaurants in the area include: the Carron Restaurant in Strathcarron; the Kishorn Seafood Bar in Kishorn; the Loch Maree Hotel; The Corrie, the Old Inn and Mountain Lodge in Gairloch; and the Morefield Motel and Ferry Boat Inn in Ullapool.