Set amid a panorama of mountains, sea and islands, Ullapool is justifiably known as the “Jewel of Wester Ross”. A thriving village on the fringe of the Atlantic and one of Scotland’s main fishing ports, Ullapool, for many years a leading tourist centre has now even more facilities for the visitor.

Good hotels, restaurants, tea rooms, shops, grocers, swimming pool and leisure centre and a spectacular loch-side golf course. The opportunities for leisure activities in the area are numerous and it goes without saying that this part of the world is paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, hill walkers, climbers, runners, open water swimmers, diving and sea farers of all persuasion.

Ullapool was recently described as an “outdoor paradise” which has “Scandinavian twinkle in winter and Canadian-style adrenalin in summer” by Outdoor Fitness, a new multi-fitness lifestyle magazine

Ullapool is the mainland port for the drive on drive off ferry to Stornoway in the Hebrides. The fascinating group of the Summer Isles provide Loch Broom and Ullapool with shelter from the big seas of the Atlantic.

Things to do and see

• Summer Isles: The Summer Isles can be seen from Ardmair Bay Cottages and also visited from boat trips running from Ullapool and Achiltibuie.
  
  
• Hebribes: The ferry link to Lewis runs from Ullapool to Stornoway. In the summer, a service of 3 sailings a day offers visitors a chance to visit and tour the Island in a day.
  
  
• Isle Martin: Ardmair Bay is sheltered by Isle Martin. The island itself is now owned by a community trust and it is possible to visit and tour the island.
  
  
• Hill Climbing/Walking/Running/Cycling: Ben Mhor Coigach is literally on our doorstep, as is the postmans track to Achiltibuie, and Dun Canna - a pictish fort dating back 3,000 years. Within short driving distance are spectacular walks and climbs such as Staic Pollaidh, Coul Mhor, Coul Beag, Suilven and Quinnag. There's also lots of forestry tracks and hiking routes around the coast, glens and hills around us. Off road biking and running is also popular in the area.
  
  
• Food and Drink: Ullapool and the area on the whole has a lot of great restaurants and bars, many offering the beautiful shellfish and produce from the Highlands.
  
  
• Music: Many of the bars have regular music nights and Ullapool also plays host to the Loopallu Festival and Ullapool Guitar Festival - both of which have great reviews and regular visitors.
  
  
• Art and Literature: Ullapool Book Festival is a great wee literary affair and Ullapool also has a few resident artists who have their own studios as well as An Talla Solais that puts on regular shows and exhibitions.
  
  
• Fishing/Hunting: There are a number of well stocked lochs around us and also some good salmon rivers. Ardmair beach is a great place for sea trout and Rhue point (a couple of miles from the cottages) is popular with sea anglers. There are estates nearby offering deer stalking.
   
• Geological Features: The geology around Ardmair is some of the finest in the world - we are on the border of the National Geo Park and some of the features you see round about us are famous and breathtaking. As well as numerous glacier valleys and features linked to the Moine Thrust, we are also a short drive from Corrieshalloch Falls and The Bone Caves.
   
• Nature: We are situated in some of the last great wilderness of western Europe and it is impossible not to see the continually changing and impressive natural features around us, be it waterfalls, forests, mountains, islands, glens and rivers. We are also close to Leckmelm Gardens and Lochewe Gardens - both popular destinations for plant lovers.
   
• Wildlife: We have resident and visiting wildlife throughout the area and waters around the coast. There are Sea Eagles and Golden Eagles breeding around the coast and Isle Martin is a favourite nesting ground for Gulls, Fulmars, Geese and Peregrine Falcon. When the fish move through the loch, it is not uncommon to see porpoise, dolphin and even whales coming in to hunt and feed. There are also deer in the area, and of course being a working croft, there are often sheep, cows and hens around the houses!
   
• Boating/Diving: There are plenty opportunities for boat owners, kayakers and divers in the area. We have spectacular beaches, coastline and islands right on our doorstep. It is possible to arrange for boats to be launched at the jetty in Ullapool and the beach at Ardmair. Air fills and dive site information can also be provided, please ask and we will try to help.

Take a look at our links for finding the sites of some of the local activities and attractions. If you have any queries regarding any of the activities available in the area, please ask and we will try to answer or find advice from others who may know.