Located in the North West Highlands, Wester Ross Scotland is one of the most beautiful region in the UK with mountains, lochs, wildlife and intense colors. Do not miss going on a road trip through the area too discover its stunning landscapes!
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INFO & PLANNING TIPS - Wester Ross Scotland
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS
Getting to Wester Ross location
- Wester Ross is a loosely defined area. It is mostly between the small towns of Lochcarron and Ullapool (although it may go over to the deep freeze mountains North of Ullapoool which I present in the Assynt - Coigach reserves article)
- Loch Carron is 35 min drive from Eilean Donan Castle if you want to turn on your way to or from the Isle of Skye.
- Ullapool is 1h20min drive from Inverness
The GPS coordinates of all locations in this article as well as their identification on practical maps are available on both Travel Guide eBooks: The Road Trip Guide Scotland and The Road Trip Guide: Edinburgh to Skye
Visiting Wester Ross Location
- Recommended drive: From Eilean Donan take A890 along Glen Carron, then at Achnasheen turn left on A832 towards loch Maree. A 832 takes you on a big loop along the coast before leading you back inland and A835 towards Ullapool. The article below will show you all the amazing landscapes you can discover along the way.
- You can drive all the way over one day. However if you have time I recommend planning at least 2 days to enjoy the region
- Wester Ross Scotland has an official website
Have a look at all the photos of Wester Ross Below and you will understand which this is one of my top destinations in Scotland
Lochcarron and Glen Carron
First stop is Glen Carron,a valley which starts with Loch Carron and its well named town Lochcarron (confusing I know).
Loch Carron is a sea loch with abundant wildlife. The surrounding towns are small and peaceful.
The Drive on A890 in Glen Carron will take you near beautiful small lochs and valley scenery.
Another option is to continue past Lochcarron towards Torridon and drive up Glen Torridon instead. A896 will take you back to Loch Maree. I wish I had had time to do both.
Loch A-Chroisg
As you turn towards Loch Maree on A832, you discover Loch a' Chroisg. The road follows its Northern shore.
You start seeing some interesting summits in the distance and the drive keeps getting better !
Loch Maree in Wester Ross Scotland
The road will take you up a pass where a viewpoint has been set up to admire from Loch Maree from above. The road then winds down to its shore and stays close for a good half of the loch. It is the most famous loch in Wester Ross Scotland.
Admire more of the beauty of Loch Maree Scotland on the dedicated article.
Gairloch
As the road leads away from loch Maree, you approach the sea. A great place to stop is the little town of Gairloch. The blue, the green, the yellow (in spring)... The place was so peaceful and inspiring (I almost wished I was a painter)
All these stops, along with many other beautiful places, are included in my eBook: The Road Trip Guide - Scotland.
It is a practical tool to plan your trip with maps, photos, planning tips, GPS coordinates...
Loch Tollaidh Wester Ross Scotland
A832 then goes back inland and you discover the small Loch Tollaidh. The surrounding mountains and hills are interesting and varied. It is 1.5km long and 730m at its widest.
There is a commercial fish farm in the loch.
Loch Maree from the West
Next you get another chance to see the beautiful and long Loch Maree. This time you see the North West Head before the roads lead you again towards the sea.
Loch Ewe Scotland
Next stop is Loch Ewe. The Sea loch is wide and has its own island: the Isle of Ewe. You reach its shore at Poolewe and the road takes you along its shore offering views from different angles.
Loch Ewe has a long history of Maritime trade.
Driving mor ein Wester Ross Scotland...
And the drives keeps changing with valleys, trees, sea, lochs... You can't get bored in Wester Ross Scotland!
Gruinard Bay
After driving inland for a little while through Wester Ross Scotland, the road takes you along Gruinard Bay. There is also a significant island but the most interesting are the pinking beaches and the views of the strange summit behind of which I cannot find the name.
And we drive....
The road then takes a big detour inland again, but don't worry the landscapes keep behind varied and magnificent:
Falls of Measach
As you turn on A835 towards Ullapool, you will discover the Falls of Measach and the Carrieshalloch Gorge. A short walk will take you to a bridge with a plunging views over the falls. I recommend to have a break there. It is quite impressive;
You can find more Photos and planning info on the Falls of Measach articles.
Ullapool & Loch Broom
Finally you reach Loch Broom and the town of Ullapool located on a headland in the middle of the Loch.
Founded in 1788, Ullapool is a village or 1500 inhabitants and the largest in the area.
Want to see more of SCOTLAND?
Discover more things to do & places to see in my Travel Scotland Destination Guide.
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