Located in the North West Highlands, Wester Ross Scotland is one of the most beautiful regions 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! Below are my favorite sections for you to see.
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North Coast 500 - The Wester Ross section
The North West coast of Scotland is often overlooked yet absolutely stunning.
This wild region offers lochs, glens, mountains as well as stunning coastal areas... What could you want more.
This is the type of scenery you can expect... who want to add it to their itineraries?
More photos of the best places in Wester Ross after the planning tips. And you will understand which this is one of my top destinations in Scotland.
Planning Tips - Wester Ross Scotland
Getting to Wester Ross location
- North West coast of Scotland
- 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)
- South, Eilean Donan Castle to Loch Carron = 35 min drive
- North, Inverness to Ullapool = 1h20min drive
The GPS coordinates of all locations in this article as well as their identification on practical maps are available on my Travel Guide eBook. It facilitates the planning of your Scottish road trip.
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Visiting Wester Ross
- My 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 Wester Ross Coastal Trail 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
Wester Ross Coastal Trail Road sign
Accommodations in Wester Ross
- Ullapool is a great place to stop before continuing on to the North coast - Check out accommodations in Ullapool
- However if you want to stop in the heart of Wester Ross, the coastal town of Poolewe is a great choice with a charming atmosphere - check out accommodation options
First section - Lochcarron and Glen Carron - Road A890
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.
Loch Carron
The drive on Road 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.
Lochs on the Wester Ross Coastal Trail - road A832
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 Viewpoint
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)
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.
Poolewe and 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.
Northern part of Wester Ross Road
As you keep going North and then East, 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.
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