We are planning a 5 week trip to England and Scotland in September 2015. We have planned around 20 days in Scotland. We will be visiting Bettyhill, my grandparents home. Their name was Mackay. After leaving Bettyhill we were thinking of driving the coast to Durness then on to Ullapool. We were wondering if it would be best to spend the night in Ullapool or continue on to Achnasheen. We are interested in staying a few nights at the Torridon Inn. Does anyone have an opinion? Should we skip the Torriodon? skip Ullapool? After Ullapool or Achnasheen we plan to stay 2 to 3 nights on the Isle of Sky. Thank you!
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Hi, we did this trip in the opposite direction. We also spent two nights. We took longer for two reasons, one we started in Strathpeffer, went to Gairloch, stopping off at the Inverewe Gardens and then went as far north west as Lochinver--there is an awesome road that loops around the coast. (Also, we stopped off at the You head east just from just north of Lochinver and follow the coast though a really alien and beautiful landscape and come out near Unapool. We spent the next night in Durness. Originally we'd thought to take the ferry and bus out to Cape Wrath, but ended up exploring the funky little artist village and then drove west to Tongue by lunch time--stopping off to take pictures of the cliffs. Then we were on to Bettyhill. We spent the night in Helmsdale. We wanted to see Strathnavar after visiting Bettyhill and took a walk around the strath.
Ullapool is one of my favorite places. There are some lovely short walks in the hills immediately above the town with fantastic views of Loch Broome and the Summer Isles. Also, there is a great little bookstore and a woolen shop. There are good restaurants too--The Ceilidh Place. You could drive straight through to Achnasheen, but you'd probably do the inland route and not the coastal one.
The thing to realize about this drive is that you can stretch or drive straight through. It depends on how much you want to explore and take time with pictures etc. You can probably do it in one day, but in my mind you would find yourself focusing on the need to get to your destination rather than the journey.
Posted by
OP
Redding, California
244 posts
Thank you so much for your information! I look forward to visiting the places you mention! I think we definitely will stay one night in Ullapool before moving on to Torridon. I look forward to hikes, photo stops, and connecting with family!
Posted by
OP
Redding, California
244 posts
I've just re-read your comments again. Thank you! I'm wondering if you or anyone else can suggest a good hotel or B&B for Ullapool?
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
You might want to repost with a new question as more people will find your search for an Ullapool B&B. I believe that the Ceilidh Place has rooms. I've eaten there, but never stayed. Note they have gigs, so there might be activity at night.
Pam