nature & history Walking tours

Join us for a relaxed walking tour with stunning views near Ullapool. Discover the area’s history, nature, folklore and geology along the way. Your knowledgeable local guide will meet you at the start of the walk. Spend a fabulous time exploring and discovering beyond the obvious. Immerse yourself into the fascinating history of the places we see, learn about local geology and listen to entertaining stories. All walks are easy and family-friendly, between 1.5 and 2 hours, with plenty of time for photographs, enjoying nature, taking in the views, covering a broad range of topics and answering any questions you might have. The perfect tour to spend time outdoors, walk a little, get real insights and connect with places and people. Children under 8 go for free. Our tours are dog-friendly, well-behaved dogs are welcome. Book one of our 3 tours listed below or contact us for a bespoke tour.

Rhue lighthouse and coast

Panoramic views, Isle Martin, geology, lighthouse

A short stroll to Rhue Lighthouse with magnificent views throughout. From there we will walk a short stretch along the coast with open views to Isle Martin, the Summer Isles, Ardmair Bay and Ben More Coigach. We will return close to the pebble beach with views towards Ullapool. On the way immerse yourself in the area’s prehistory and Viking heritage, local geology, the history of Rhue Lighthouse, life on the Isle Martin, which is now in community ownership, and much more.

What you need to know: The tour lasts for approx. 1.5 hours, meet your guide at the parking area in Rhue. Sturdy footwear is advised as we walk on a small grassy, earthy path and cover uneven, often boggy ground (with some gradients, and one small stretch which is slightly exposed). Private tour, group 1-3 people £ 70, groups 4 and more £ 22 per person. Children under 8 go for free.

Fancy a half day outing? Why not extend this walk with a drive into Assynt and a walk at Knockan Crag with intriguing stops on the way. Or do a full day and include Ardvreck Castle.

Rhue lighthouse and coast highlights

  • Enjoy fantastic coastal views throughout this walk including a pebble beach, several islands, Ardmair Bay, Coigach and Ullapool in the distance.
  • Find out about Vikings sailing from Norway to settle at the North-West coast of Scotland and the islands during the 8th-13th century.
  • Imagine the geological events that shaped the stunning mountains and coastline of this area.
  • Hear the story of the exhausting walk a local postman had to do from Reiff to Ullapool and back in the 1860s to deliver the mail.
  • Learn how peatland was formed after the last Ice Age, how it was used for fuel in the last centuries, and its importance in mitigating climate change today.
  • Wonder why an estate owner established a flour mill on Isle Martin, a vanity project which failed a decade later.
  • Discover how people lived in roundhouses around here during the Iron Age and hear about the finds that were uncovered during a dig.
  • Have a look at pictures and maps to get a deeper understanding and to connect to times gone by.
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Corrieshalloch gorge trail

Waterfalls, emigration, geology, suspension bridge

A very enjoyable short woodland walk leads you along one of the North-West Highland’s natural gems: the steep and narrow Corrieshalloch Gorge. The trail leads through picturesque woodland with beautiful smaller waterfalls before you can admire fantastic open views over the Broom Valley. A stretch along the tree-lined gorge leads us to the highlight of the walk, the suspension bridge. Admire the falls from our vintage point high above the gorge tumbling deep below us. On the other side a viewing platform offers different, breathtaking views of the gorge. Along the way be fascinated by the area’s geology and nature, listen to stories, and learn about emigration, the Victorians, Sir John Fowler and much more.

What you need to know: The tour lasts for approx. 2 hours, meet your guide at the parking area at the gorge. Sturdy footwear is advised as we cover some uneven terrain. Descent / ascent approx. 40 m, some steep sections, some steps. Private tour, group 1-3 people £ 95, group 4 and more £ 30 per person. Children under 8 go for free.

This tour is also available in a shorter version as a 1.5 hours loop, without the newly created paths through some of the woodland along the river and the smaller falls. Group 1-3 people £ 70, group 4 and more £ 22 per person. Children under 8 go for free.

Want to visit Inverewe Gardens with us? You can extend this tour to a full day tour to include Gruinard Beach and a visit to Inverewe Gardens with various interesting and scenic stops along the way.

Corrieshalloch gorge trail highlights

  • Step on the Victorian suspension bridge and watch the tumbling waters of the River Droma crashing down in a series of waterfalls 45 m below you.
  • Wonder how the persuasive power of a local preacher made his congregation follow him on an unbelievable journey to the other end of the world.
  • Discover how different geological events, some of them millions of years ago, created the valley, Loch Broom, the mountains and the gorge.
  • Enjoy peaceful walking through the woods and open views across the mountains and Loch Broom while listening to local folklore stories of a Norwegian princess and some gory local mythical ladies.
  • Hear about evidence of Viking settlements in the local area and learn about their life and when and how they came to the Highlands.
  • See for yourself how the steep incline at Braemore was one of the reasons why the railway never came to Ullapool.
  • Get an insight into how the famous engineer Sir John Fowler who owned two estates here, practised his skills nearby, and built the bridge over the gorge.
  • Learn about the passion Victorian ladies had for finding and collecting different species of fern, what equipment they used, and how fern patterns became fashionable.
  • Pictures, graphics and photographs illustrate the geological events and bring the history of the place to life.
  • Stand on the viewing platform on the other side of the gorge reaching out into the gorge and admire the Falls of Measach.
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lael Forest and inverbroom

scenic views, giant trees, clearances, whisky smuggling

An easy walk through delightful Lael Forest with its giant trees and then into Inverbroom Estate on a peaceful farm track with lovely views into the mountains. We will return on the same track, enjoying views over the valley and towards the head of Loch Broom, before we reach Lael Forest again where we take the highest path back to the parking area. Along the way learn about several clearances happening nearby, the adventurous Victorian seed hunters and one of the oldest trees in the world. Discover which tricks whisky smuggling gangs performed to hide their precious cargo, crofting life and much more. There is a grand waterfall at the start point, too!

What you need to know: The tour lasts for approx. 2 hours, meet your guide at the parking area for Lael Forest. Sturdy footwear is advised. The walk is mostly flat with some gentle inclines, earthy forest paths and farm tracks. Private tour, group 1-3 people £ 95, group 4+ £ 30 per person. Children under 8 go for free.

This tour can be extended to include a loop to reach a cascade of waterfalls and walk back along a scenic river path (3.25 h, easy to medium walk with some slightly exposed parts and some stone steps).

Fancy an extended half day in nature with history, geology and stories? Just add the Corrieshalloch Gorge walk!

lael forest and inverbroom walk highlights

  • Enjoy the lovely trees and shrubs in Lael Forest and fantastic views over Dundonnell Forest and towards Lochbroom.
  • Learn about the time of the clans, how they were organised and how the clan system changed over time.
  • Discover the risks Scottish Victorian seed hunters were willing to take to collect exotic seeds around the world to plant them in Scotland’s gardens and forests.
  • Listen to the tragic stories of the people living in villages nearby who were told to leave their houses and land during the clearances.
  • Laugh about the cheeky tricks people performed to smuggle illicitly produced whisky from the Highlands to the Lowlands.
  • Imagine life in the past when the crofters were breeding cattle and using drove roads to take them to the markets in the south of Scotland.
  • Take a look at the giant redwood trees in Lael Forest Garden, one of the oldest tree species on earth which has been around for over 200 million years.
  • Learn about the consequences Lochbroom men faced for taking part in the Jacobite Rrisings.
  • Be amazed by the engeneering skills of Sir John Fowler and see a local bridge used as a blueprint for a much bigger project.
  • Sketches, maps and old photographs bring the past to life and help you get a better understanding of past events.
Book this tour

Info & Frequently asked questions WALKING tours

Please use the contact form on the website or send us an email stating which tour you would like to book and what your preferred date and time is. It would be great if you could include alternative times, if possible. We will get back to you to confirm your booking and provide you with all the information you will need. Please note that we are a small 2 person company and might be guiding tours when you contact us. We will reply as soon as possible.

Guided walking tours to Rhue Lighthouse and coast or Corrieshalloch Gorge take 1.5 hours, the Lael Forest and Inverbroom Estate tour takes 2 hours. Meet your guide at the parking area. We have a silver Ford Focus with a Scottish flag.

We only accept cash payments at the moment. We are happy to email you an invoice after the tour if you wish.

ATMs/Cash machines with free withdrawals can be found in Ullapool in front of Tesco supermarket, Bank of Scotland (West Argyle St), and Royal Bank of Scotland (Ladysmith St).

Please help us by providing the exact amount of cash if possible. We do have limited change available. Please note that we unfortunately can’t accept £50 notes.

Tips go directly to your tour guide.

Rhue Lighthouse and coast tour: We meet in the parking area at Rhue.

Corrieshalloch Gorge trail: We meet at the parking area at Corrieshalloch Gorge.

Lael Forest and Inverbroom Walk: We meet at the car park at Lael Forest Garden.

We will email you detailed information on how to get to the meeting point once the booking is confirmed. Our car is a silver Ford Focus with a little Saltire flag in the window. Your tour guide will be outside the car to welcome you.

Rhue Lighhouse and coast walk:

£ 50 for 1-3 people, groups 4+ cost £ 15 per person. Children under 10 go for free.

Corrieshalloch Gorge trail:

£ 50 for 1-3 people, groups 4+ cost £ 15 per person. Children under 10 go for free.

Lael Forest and Inverbroom Estate:

£ 65 for 1-3 people, groups 4+ cost £ 20 per person. Children under 10 go for free.

 

Rhue Lighthouse and coast: net walking time is roughly 45-50 minutes.

Corrieshalloch Gorge: net walking time is roughly 45-50 minutes.

Lael Forest and Inverbroom Estate: net walking time is roughly 80-90 minutes.

We will stop at several points to tell you about history and geology. You will have time to enjoy the views and take pictures as well.

The walks are easy and suitable for children.

The coastal path to Rhue lighthouse and beyond is a small grassy, earthy path, often boggy. There is a tiny half-exposed section at the end which we can avoid if necessary.

The gorge trail is a good path with a firm gravel surface and a short earthy section with some exposed tree roots. There is a total ascent/descent of approx. 40 m, medium steep in places. The supsension bridge and the viewing platform might be not your thing if you are afraid of heights.

The path through Lael Forest is an easy, well-mantained earthy path with gentle inclines, the farmtrack through Inverbroom Estate is a mostly flat gravel track.

Sturdy footwear and outdoor clothing are recommended.

In very bad weather we might have to change or cancel the tour.

Yes! We love to engage with our customers and are happy to answer all questions you have as best as we can.

Unfortunately, there are only toilets at Coorieshalloch Gorge between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm.

We recommend sturdy shoes and clothing according to the weather.

Yes, we offer historic walking tours through Ullapool and car tours to the north and south. Pease check the section ‘village tours’ and ‘car tours’ on this website for details. Please contact us for any bespoke tours. We are available for all different kinds of tours, on foot, by car etc. in Ullapool, Lochbroom, the Highlands and Scotland depending on availability.

Yes! Outside the infection risk is close to zero. If you pay in cash with the exact amount no direct contact is involved. Should you require change, we encourage you to use your own hand sanitizer afterwards. We also carry hand sanitizer in case you don’t have one.

Our tour guides are fully vaccinated (including the latest booster jab in 2023).

No. You will only drive on standard roads and park in designated parking areas. Please note, to get to Rhue you will have to drive a few miles on a single track road (with lots of potholes).

No, unfortunately not. We only accept cash payment. ATMs/Cash machines can be found at Tesco, Bank of Scotland (West Argyle St), and Royal Bank of Scotland (Ladysmith St). Please help us by providing the exact amount of cash, if possible. We do have limited change available. Please note that we unfortunately can’t accept £ 50 notes.

Generally yes. Please supervise your children at any time. Your kids should be interested in learning a bit about the area and listening to stoeries, otherwise they might not enjoy the tours. Please be especially careful on the suspension bridge and the exposed sections of the coastal walk.

Childen under 8 go for free!

No! You will hear unique information tailored to the respective walking tour. All our tours including the village and car tours have unique content except for maybe a few general facts or references.

Well behaved dogs are welcome. Please keep your dog on a lead at all times. Please note that you are obliged to keep your dog on a lead at Corrieshalloch Gorge Nature Reserve and we strongly advise you to do the same at Rhue and Inverbroom as sheep will be grazing there.

Unfortunately we are unable to drive you as we don’t have a passenger car / vehicle. Why not hire a taxi to get to the starting point of a guided walking tour (Rhue is closest to Ullapool) or take the 2 h Ullapool Explorer Tour which starts right in the centre of the village and is very scenic. Ullapool harbour is the last stop on the Citylink route from Inverness to Ullapool.

Unfortunately not. In Ullapool you will find a wide range of cafés, restaurants, fish and chip shops, etc. for all your culinary needs.

Yes, we can offer you walking tours in German. Please contact us for further information.

Only for the Rhue Lighthouse and Coast walk will you have to drive a few miles on a single track, after you have turned off the A835.

Yes. Private tours will provide you with the best customer experience. Your guide can really take care of you and tailor the tour to your interests. We want you to be able to deeply connect with places and people.

Ullapool Tours can cancel a village, walking or car tour at any time. Of course, we will cancel tours only when absolutely necessary due to abysmal weather, illness, etc., or circumstances not in our control.

Ullapool Tours can alter tours at any time if necessary for safety reasons or other unforeseen circumstances.

Ullapool Tours accepts no liability for personal injury, any loss of property or damage to your car during the duration of the tour.

If you require special assistance, please make sure to contact us in advance.

We advise appropriate footwear/clothing according to the weather and terrain (and maybe a walking pole for Knockan Crag, see above).

All minors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please keep younger children under close supervision for safety reasons.

Please make sure you are fit enough for the walks if you book a walking tour.

Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times during a tour when outside.

Abusive behaviour to staff will not be tolerated.

We advise to be at the meeting point 5 minutes prior to the tour. Unless notified otherwise, the guide will leave the meeting point 15 minutes after the starting time if you don’t show up.

No photos, videos or audios taken on the tour permitted for commercial use.

Payment is in cash only. No £ 50 notes accepted. No cheques accepted.