Ullapool Hill and Loch Achall Walk

The Ullapool Hill and Loch Achall Walk climbs from the harbour town onto Meall Mòr — "great bare rounded lumpy hill" in Gaelic, the true name for what locals simply call Ullapool Hill — before descending to the lonely, beautiful shores of Loch Achall and following the Ullapool River back through woodland.

The route starts from the large car park beside the Tesco supermarket in the centre of Ullapool. From here, a path leads along Latheron Lane and through the town before a signed footpath climbs steeply up behind the Royal Hotel towards Meall Mòr, visible ahead. A worthwhile detour to the right leads to the rocky outcrop summit at 270 metres, with tremendous views down Loch Broom and back over the town, before the main route continues across heathery moorland, through a gate, and on towards Loch Achall, glimpsed ahead in its quiet glen.

The path descends through woodland to a tarmac road, crossing a bridge over the Eas Dubh rapids — a fine, tumbling waterfall — before reaching the outflow of Loch Achall itself, its deep blue waters especially striking on a clear day. From here, the route turns off the road onto a track along the loch shore, then follows the Ullapool River downstream; where the old bridge has been lost, the path continues along the riverbank until rejoining the road. The return crosses back over the river and passes through pleasant woodland alongside sections of the working Ullapool limestone quarry — some care is needed here for quarry traffic — before a signed path climbs gently back up to rejoin the outward route above the town.

This is a genuinely peaceful and varied walk, taking in hilltop views, a quiet highland loch, and riverside woodland, with only the initial climb up Meall Mòr's flank presenting any real exertion.

The paths are generally clear, though there are some short muddy sections after rain and the initial ascent is steep; parking at the Tesco car park in Ullapool invites a small charge, and a regular bus service connects Ullapool with Inverness and surrounding villages.