Wonders of Assynt and Ullapool Walking Tour

Trip Details

Our fantastic Wonders of Assynt and Ullapool Walking Tour takes in ascents of some of the most iconic mountains in this stunning part of the Northwest of Scotland, including Suilven, Stac Pollaidh and Cul Mor. The landscape in the area is incredible, with views from the mountain tops taking in hills, sea and islands, being some of the best to be found in the whole of the UK.

The area is home to truly fascinating Geology, and there is always the possibility of spotting wildlife on our walks. We also visit and hike to some of the most unspoilt and remote sandy beaches that, compared with anywhere across the globe, boast white sands and turquoise seas.

We are based in the delightful village of Ullapool, which lies on the edge of the beautiful Loch Broom. Here we stay the whole seven nights in good quality B&Bs, allowing us to settle into our accommodation and get acquainted with all this lovely village has to offer.

Ullapool has various bars with live folk music most nights and is home to art galleries, bookshops, and quirky gift shops; the village centre also has several eating establishments, which include the unique and award-winning Seafood Shack.

What`s included in the North West Highlands Walking Tour

• 7 nights accommodation in B&B/Hotel (including breakfast)
• Minimum 6 fully guided walks
• 2-course dinner on the first night
• All transfers within the week
• One experienced and friendly guide (qualified mountain leader)
• Pick up/drop off Inverness

What`s not included

• Meals other than specified
• Travel insurance (recommended)
• Travel to Inverness
• Flights

Dates

• 07/09 – 14/09/2024
• More dates on request for 2024
• 01/05 – 08/05/2025
• 02/06 – 09/06/2025
• 16/07 – 23/07/2025
• 07/08 – 14/08/2025
• 05/09 – 12/09/2025

PRICE

• B&B/Hotel: £1349 pp excluding dinner
• Single Supplement: £300 pp

AT A GLANCE

• Group size: 4 – 8
• 6 days walking
• Difficulty:
• Deposit: 20 % of the full price
• Start: Inverness 10 am
• Finish: Inverness 12 pm

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

• 7 nights B&B/Hotel
• 7 breakfast
• 1 dinner

Day 1 – Arrival and an optional short walk

We pick you up from Inverness Airport/Inverness train station and drive approx 1 hour 15 mins to Ullapool to check you into the accommodation where we are based for the next seven nights.

There is an option to do a short hike to stretch the legs up to 7 km up onto Ullapool hill late in the afternoon if time allows, which commands lovely views over the village, Loch Broom, and the summer isles.

Back at the accommodation, there will be a short introduction by your guide going over the itinerary/weather for the week, followed by a relaxing 2-course dinner in a local bar/restaurant (dinner included) where everyone can get to know each other.

Walk details: 7.5 km/ 4.5 miles | approx. 2 hours | ↗ 260 m/850 ft | ↘ 260 m/850 ft

Day 2 – Cul Mor/Knockan Crags

Today, we have an exciting mountain ascent of Cul Mor. This twin-summited hill is the highest in the area known as Wester Ross at 849 metres high.

We use a good stalker’s path for the initial walk-in that leads us eventually to a boulder field, which involves a bit of ‘hands-on’ easy scrambling, but in a short time, we reach the summit. The view out to sea and of the surrounding landscape is stunning.

We then ascend the small, pointed Southern peak of Creag nan Calman, where views once again are fantastic. After slowly descending back to our van, we took the short hop along the road to Knockan Crags National Nature Reserve, a site of particular scientific interest with a small interpretation centre.

Walk details: 14 km/ 9 miles | approx. 5 hours | ↗ 810 m/2660 ft | ↘ 810 m/2660 ft

Day 3 – Scoraig Penisula

This is a delightful coastal walk which visits the fascinating Scoraig Peninsula. Scoraig village is home to a thriving off-grid community where around 70 people live, including children. The villagers are primarily self-sufficient, with no road link and no service, with power being provided via wind turbines and solar panels.

An old lighthouse which was moved into the village has been converted into a small museum depicting life in Scoraig over the years. After exploring this unique and inspiring corner of the West Coast, we take a short and scenic boat trip around the coastline back to Ullapool.

Walk details: 8.5 km/ 5 miles | approx. 3 hours | ↗ 100 m/330 ft |

Day 4 – Ben Mor Coigach and Sgur an Fhidhler

Today’s ascent takes us onto two fantastic mountain tops, Ben Mor Coigach and Sgur an Fhidhler (known locally as the fiddler). These rarely climbed hills are one of Scotland’s best-kept hill-walking secrets.

Our route follows a faint path up through the steep, heathery ground and over some broken crags and rocky sandstone terraces until we reach the summit ridge of Garbh-Choirechan.

We make our way along the reasonably airy ridgeline, either keeping to the crest with mild scrambling or using a bypass path to the left. The path eases on the final stretch to the summit of Ben Mor Coigach. The views from the summit are breathtaking.

Walk details: 11 km/ 7 miles | approx. 5 hours | ↗ 870 m/2660 ft | ↘ 870 m/2660 ft

Day 5 – Stac Pollaidh & Achmelvich and Clachtoll beaches and ancient broch walk

Today’s itinerary is one of contrasts, with a classic mountain traverse in the morning, two beautiful beaches, and an ancient Archaeological site in the afternoon!

We begin our day with an ascent and circuit of spectacular Stac Pollaidh, a fine hill with its iconic sandstone pinnacles standing out prominently against the surrounding Assynt landscape. It’s a short but steep pull-up onto its ridge, but the views are worth it!

We then drive northwest to beautiful Achmalvich beach with stunning white sands… an ideal spot to dip the feet in the calm turquoise waters or even go for a swim. We then head a bit further north to another fine Beach at Clachtoll and enjoy a short walk to the remains of an ancient Broch, a 2000-year-old Iron Age tower.

Walk details: 4.5 km/ 2.75 miles | approx. 2.5 hours | ↗ 510 m/1670 ft | ↘ 510 m/1670 ft

Optional Walk: 4 km/ 2.5 miles | approx. 2 hours | ↗ 60 m/200 ft |

Day 6 – Free Day or optional ascent of Suilven

This day is optional, and you could enjoy the village flair, relax with a coffee, and let your soul be. There is also the option of taking a boat and catching some wildlife.

Although not in the highest group of Scottish mountains at 731 metres high, the long walk-in, steep ascent and descent, impressive outline and superb summit views make Suilven one of the finest peaks in the west of Scotland.

From here, we have superb views of Stac Pollaidh to the South. We continue along the ridge with easy scrambling and a rocky slope to reach the summit. The 360-degree view is outstanding.

Walk details: 21 km/ 13 miles | approx. 7 hours | ↗ 950 m/3120 ft | ↘ 950 m/3120 ft

Day 7 – Sandwood Bay

Today’s walk takes us to the remote and spectacular Sandwood Bay, a 1-mile (1.6 km) stretch of stunning beach that can only be reached on foot or via the sea.

Giant dunes and the freshwater Sandwood Loch border the bay. It is also known for its prominent sea stack, Am Buachaille, which is renowned as being an extremely challenging rock climb and stands 65 meters high out to sea.

Sandwood Bay beach is considered one of the most unspoilt beaches in mainland Britain, and there is a beautiful feeling of remoteness here, even though the area is quite popular with surfing when the winds are favourable. This is also an excellent place to spot various marine mammals.

Walk details: 13 km/ 8.5 miles | approx. 4.5 hours | ↗ 150 m/500 ft |

Day 8 – Departure day

After breakfast, we depart Ullapool in the morning to fit in with the train/flight journeys for the group.

Anyone who has flights later in the day or is spending an extra night in Inverness will have an opportunity to enjoy some time in Inverness, including strolling along the River Ness, Inverness Castle, and Inverness Museum and Gallery.

Finally, the North West Highlands Walking Tour end with a farewell until next time.

Walk details: short stroll if weather/time allows en route to Inverness