Ullapool to Lochinver

Despite it's relatively moderate distance of 33 miles this is quite a tough route since it's almost constantly hilly. However, the scenery is amongst the most dramatic in Scotland which certainly helps make up for the amount of effort required.

Leave Ullapool by the A835 heading north. Immediately after crossing the bridge at the edge of Ullapool the first climb of the day starts, rising up 90m before dropping down to the coast again at Ardmair where the perfectly curved shingle beach provides the foreground for the views to Ben Mor Coigach. Beyond Ardmair the route continues along the A835 with another significant climb at Strathkanaird leading to a section over higher moorland. On this section the views to the Coigach hills start to open up with the view over the little lochan at Drumrunie being a particular favourite with photographers. Just beyond the lochan is a junction where a left turn leads onto the road towards Achiltibuie. Continue along this road passing above Loch Lurgainn and below the jagged peak of Stac Pollaidh  to reach another junction above Loch Bad a Ghaill.

A right turn at this junction leads immediately to a short climb, with views to the Assynt mountains appearing at the top. There follows a 6 mile stretch of undulating road, passing numerous lochs and with ever changing views until the coast is reached a couple of miles south of Inverkirkaig. Following a short section where the narrow road is squeezed between the hillside and a wall that protects it from the drop into the sea, the route again turns inland although only briefly. After crossing the River Kirkaig a short downhill leads to the bay at Inverkirkaig. From here the final section again climbs inland and winds its way through rocky hillocks to Lochinver.