Wondering if the loop from Inverness through Ullapool and out to Gairloch back is as beautiful as it sounds? Anybody been to Skye who could compare the two routes? Any ideas on accomodations?

Well, I haven't been to Ullapool, but I have been to Gairloch and Inverewe Gardens and Torridon, and yes, it is beautiful. It is also, to a certain degree, the end of the earth. Services (restaurants, petrol) were somewhat limited, and I could only laugh at the travel times on Google Maps, esp if you want to look at the scenery.

It is as beautiful as it it sounds and so is Skye - my own personal preference is the Inverness, Ullapool and Gairloch route because it doesn't just have amazing mountains and massive lochs but lots of fabulous sandy beaches. Ackislander is right about taking your time if you want to enjoy looking at the scenery and the area is worth staying in and exploring from. Whatever interests you may have you will find something if you allow the time. Culture, history, scenery, outdoor activities, whale watching, wildlife in abundance to name a few. It's also an area of talented artists and crafts people whom are drawn to the spectacular scenery. The sunrises and sunsets on the sea and mountains is breathtaking.

Regarding services it does depend on what time of year you would like to visit. There are petrol stations in Inverness, Ullapool, Laide, Gairloch, Kinlochewe and Contin on the route - all of them except for Inverness close on a Sunday. There are lots of eating places, crafts shops and grocery stores available but some of them are only open during the season - normally April / October (this is only because it gets a lot quieter outside of these months).

If you would like more information, photos or places to stay let me know and I'll direct you to the information sites that may be suitable for your trip!

Another vote for the Inverness Ullapool Gairloch route. I've always felt that Skye is over rated

I'd love to see your sites, croft 23. I've also just read today about the route from Durness to Ullapool as being spectacular. Have any of you been there?

I just want to make sure that no one is missing Croft23's note about Sunday closures in the Highlands (and Islands, for that matter). This is a good day to base yourself in a hotel and make excursions. The people there are serious about observing the Sabbath.

Sunday closure is mainly the petrol stations - shops and restaurants in summer stay open, in fact more and more are opening on a Sunday as they realise tourists and locals alike would like to be able to eat out etc. The route from Durness to Ullapool is fabulous too and you drive through a Geo Park (area of natural beauty). We did a full road trip last October. Started on the East coast. then along the top of the Highlands and finished it by going from Durness down to Ullapool. Obviously it is quite subjective to your own taste but our favourite part of the journey was Betty Hill / Tongue (top of the Highlands) through to Durness and then onto Ullapool. Large beaches, lunar landscapes and deep lochs. Going back to Ackislander's point about services - the services further north close really early in the season. We went in October and struggled to find restaurants / cafes open. Craft shops were also closed. So, if you do do the Northern trip do go June - August. Where as Ullapool & Gairloch there are services open all year round.

I'm new to forums and not sure how to relay the information sites that would be of use to you. Let me know how I can send them to you (believe I can't post them on this reply?). but which ever you pick you are guaranteed to have your breath taken away at some point or other. The North West of the Highland's is absolutely stunning!

Both these routes are beautiful, the Northern one being more varied and remote.

Croft23Highland: "<i>. . .(believe I can't post them on this reply?). . .</i>"

You can post links . . . You just can't advertise or flog businesses/websites. Provide info/links all you want - just not ones you profit from (which may be a reason to change your screen name )

Thanks for the tip

Here's a few visitor guides to West Highlands which may be of interest www.celticfringe.org.uk, http://galeactionforum.co.uk, http://www.scotland-inverness.co.uk. These websites give you an overview of everything you need to know to plan your holiday. If you would like more information on the Highlands e.g. walking, fishing, Ceilidh's etc just let me know

Is it a b and b that you own? If the one I saw that is in South Erradale is yours it looks fabulous! Thanks for the links and information. We are planning a trip in summer of 2013 and I will keep this information.

willowjane: Shhhh You don't want to get him in trouble (or banned) . . .

Oh Sorry! I really didn't know! I just thought it was great advice too.

Definitely worth doing the loop through Gairloch and Poolewe. I would recommend travelling clockwise to get the best views (they are pretty stunning in either direction but clockwise you get the iconic view down Loch Maree as you travel towards Kinlochewe). From Inverness, turn left at Garve, take a right at the roundabout at Achnasheen and the road takes you right round the loop to Ullapool. The website www.visitlochewe.com gives you specific details on accommodation and what to do in the Loch Ewe area. Enjoy your trip!

I prefer Gairloch/Poolewe to Skye as well. Accommodation can be ecelectic. It's not an overnighter unless you want it to be- me I could (and have) spend a fortnight on that route alone.

Na Fir Chlis at Mellon Udrigle gets a great name for a B & B, although I haven't used it myself.

The Pool House at Poolewe is special (and expensive). The Poolewe Hotel is pretty good and normal.

You have the Dundonnell Hotel, which is OK, and heaps of choice in Ullapool and Gairloch.

Going round the top is, I think, very different. I love it too, but much more bleak and remote. Still fantastic beaches, but.

Sorry to hijack the discussion but, as it's in the area, does anyone know whether the Loch Maree Hotel remains open for business? It used to have a website, and we were thinking of a couple of days there in April, but now that website appears as "Account Suspended" and I don't see any new site.

You don't want to stay there even it's open. It's often closed in the winter, so it might just be that; but it's seriously run down. We used it in a self catering fashion for a long weekend a couple of years ago, and Fawlty Towers didn't come into it.

Stay somewhere else.

Just found this:-

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/sc...6908-23667371/

Thanks Sheila, we'll be in Edinburgh for a month and will be doing overnight excusions so we'll just look for another hotel or B&B. I had seen the website previously and it looked OK, but I guess they would present well on their own website.

As for gloominess, it's hard to argue with a button accordionist. We'll be happy to return to this area in April.
Greg