Things to do in Wester Ross, from hills to lochs
Wester Ross is made for time outdoors, with walks that range from gentle woodland paths to higher routes with wide views. This guide brings together some of the best ways to explore the area on foot, from quiet forest gardens and waterfall stops to rugged hill walks and open viewpoints. It is a practical starting point if you want to plan your days well and choose routes that suit your pace. Whether you are looking for a short nature trail, a family-friendly outing or a fuller hike, you will find plenty of Wester Ross outdoor activities that show the landscape at its best. Expect lochs, ridges, coast and forest, all within easy reach of one another.
Attadale Estate
Member
Image / Scotlands Gardens Scheme
Gardens for slow wandering and small discoveries
Good for
What to expect
Paths wind up and down a hillside, taking you past ponds, waterfalls and pockets of planting. The layout encourages exploration: follow the mapped route or improvise. You will find benches and quiet spots for pauses, child-friendly features such as the fairy walk, and sculptures hidden in the trees. Staff at the gatehouse provide maps and an optional audio guide. Dogs are welcome on leads and the overall pace is relaxed.
Plan your visit
Pick up the map and audio guide at the gatehouse before you start. Wear sturdy shoes for uneven paths and dress in layers for changeable Highland weather. Try the self-service tearoom for homemade cakes and ice cream; the card machine is straightforward. Allow time to browse the plant stall if you plan to buy specimens to take home. Bring a small bag for any purchases and a waterproof layer if rain is forecast.
Slioch
Image / Walkhighlands
A sharp peak with wide Highland views
Good for
What to expect
Expect a steady, often steep ascent on paths that are clear at lower levels then become rockier and less defined nearer the top. Lower slopes can be wet underfoot in places. The summit area is a broad plateau with crags and short sections that require careful footing. Good navigation matters in mist and wind.
Plan your visit
Pack for changeable weather, wear sturdy boots and bring a map and compass or a reliable GPS. Start early for the best light and to avoid afternoon cloud build-up. Parking and facilities are limited, so plan logistics in advance and leave no trace. If you are unsure about conditions, consider hiring a local guide or joining an organised walk.
Ardessie Falls
Image / Scotland Far and Near
A compact Highland waterfall, dramatic enough to stop the car.
Good for
What to expect
Multiple cascades and sculpted rock channels, with views down to Little Loch Broom from the higher path. The stream cuts through a narrow, rocky section in places, producing steep drops and pools. The landscape is simple Highland moor and hillside rather than manicured parkland. The route up from the road is steep and the path shows signs of erosion, so it is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
Plan your visit
Park in the layby off the A832, then decide how far you want to go. Many visitors stop at the roadside viewpoint for a quick look. If you plan to climb the path, wear sturdy walking boots and waterproofs, and allow time to move slowly on wet sections. There are no facilities nearby, so bring water, snacks and a basic map. Tell someone your plans if you are heading into the hills and expect limited mobile signal.
The Bone Caves
Image / Clachan Garden B&B
A spare Highland walk to caves, waterfalls and wide valley views.
Good for
What to expect
A mix of clear paths, stone steps and loose rock. You will cross small streams and see waterfalls and freshwater springs. The final approach is uphill and can be slippery after rain. Wildlife sightings are common, including red deer. Facilities are minimal: a small car park and simple wayfinding rather than a formal visitor centre.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy boots and a waterproof layer, and pack snacks and water for a picnic. If you travel with a dog, bring a lead for wildlife and cliff edges. Trail markers are present but not always obvious, so use a map or GPS and allow extra time for rocky sections. Expect muddy patches after rain and stay well clear of sinkholes near springs.
Meall Mhor - Ullapool Hill
Image / Walkhighlands
Short hill walk with wide sea and mountain views.
Good for
What to expect
A well-trodden hill path that starts with grassy sections and becomes stonier higher up. Expect two sharper inclines, some narrow or muddy stretches and areas of exposed rock. Several benches and an orientation board sit partway up, and a modest cairn marks the top. The route suits fit families and most walkers who wear decent footwear and move at a steady pace.
Plan your visit
Walk from Ullapool town centre or follow the sign off Broom Park road to the little gate by the electric pylon to find the pathhead. Wear sturdy shoes and a windproof layer. Take water and snacks, a camera and a small first-aid kit. Leave a stone on the cairn if you like, and take care on the rockier sections. If you plan to stay for low light, bring a headtorch or check return timings.
Lael Forest Garden
Image / Walkhighlands
A peaceful forest garden of mature trees and riverside trails.
Good for
What to expect
Uneven, sometimes steep paths and a mix of mature conifers and exotic specimens. Expect quiet trails, benches and picnic tables scattered through the wood. There is an arched bridge that forms part of a pleasant riverside circuit and a gorge viewpoint reached by a fairly strenuous climb. Sections can be muddy after rain.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy footwear for uneven and steep sections, and bring waterproofs in changeable weather. Allow time to stroll the riverside loop, pause at benches and photograph the larger trees. Take water and a picnic if you want to use the tables. If you plan the gorge climb, check fitness levels and take care on loose stone.
Beinn Eighe
Image / Climb Torridon
Ridges, pinewood and wide Highland sky.
Good for
What to expect
Expect steep, rocky routes and distinct ridge walks alongside lower forested slopes. Trails vary from short, waymarked paths to long, exposed scrambles. Wildlife includes red deer and grouse, and pockets of native pine give a different feel to the higher rock scenery. Weather changes quickly, so conditions on the ridge can be very different from the glen.
Plan your visit
Travel with hill kit and waterproof layers, sturdy boots and a map and compass or offline mapping app. Tell someone your route if you head onto the ridge. Bring food and water, and allow extra time for slow or boggy sections. Use designated car parks and follow local signs on access and conservation. If you prefer not to drive, look for train or local bus services to nearby villages and arrange onward transport in advance.
Reraig Forest
Image / MapQuest
Woodland walks with coastal outlooks
Good for
What to expect
Expect informal trails winding through mixed native woodland and stretches that open out to sea lochs. Paths vary from flat shore-side routes to steeper, rooty sections under tall trees. Wayfinding is simple, but surfaces can be muddy after rain and some routes are narrow.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy shoes and waterproof layers. Take binoculars for birdlife and a camera for shoreline views. Bring food and water, as facilities are limited. Observe local signage and keep dogs under control around livestock. Combine the visit with a short drive or walk along nearby loch-side roads to extend your day.
Pool House Historic Home & Cafè
Image / Visit Scotland
Tea, local baking and a quiet Highland view.
Good for
What to expect
Low-key interiors with original features, a mix of small tables and armchairs, and a menu focused on coffee, tea and light meals. Ingredients come from local suppliers where possible. Service is unhurried, so useful for a relaxed stop after a walk or a slow morning with a book.
Plan your visit
Combine a visit with a nearby walk or scenic stop. Allow time to sit and unwind rather than rushing in and out. If you have a group or want a table with a view, aim to arrive earlier in the day. Check local transport timetables if you are not driving.
Torridon (National Trust for Scotland)
Image / Tripadvisor
Mountains, loch and quiet skies
Good for
What to expect
You will find a mix of coastal and mountain terrain with marked paths and rough ground. Facilities are limited, so plan for basic conditions. Wildlife is present in the form of birds and upland species; keep a respectful distance. Sections of the route can be steep and rocky, so good footwear helps. The area suits solo walkers, couples and families who enjoy the outdoors and simple landscapes.
Plan your visit
Check the weather and pack layers, waterproofs and sturdy shoes. Bring food and water, plus a paper map or an offline GPS route as mobile signal can be patchy. Keep dogs under control near livestock and follow National Trust for Scotland guidance. Allow extra time for slow sections and photography. Leave no trace and take all litter away with you.
Isle Martin
Image / en.wikipedia.org
A small island off Ullapool with shore walks, seabirds and wide coastal views.
Good for
What to expect
Simple terrain with grassy tracks, rocky beaches and a few modest climbs to viewpoints. Facilities are minimal, so you should expect no shops or extensive services. Wildlife includes seabirds and coastal plants; you may also find sheltered spots for a picnic. Paths are informal in places, so wear sensible shoes and be prepared for changeable weather.
Plan your visit
Arrange a landing with a local boat operator before you travel. Check weather and sea conditions on the day. Pack food, water and warm, waterproof layers. Bring binoculars and a camera, and wear sturdy footwear for rocky ground. Follow leave-no-trace practices and give nesting birds space. Let your operator know your return plans and allow extra time for transfers.
Glen Docherty Viewpoint
Image / Mindtrip
A wide, clear view across a glen carved by ice and wind.
Good for
What to expect
An exposed roadside viewpoint with sweeping vistas of the glen and surrounding hills. Weather can change quickly, so expect wind, low cloud and dramatic light at short notice. There are no major facilities on site, so bring whatever you need for a short stop and dress for the conditions.
Plan your visit
Plan this as a short stop on a Highlands drive. Check the local weather before you go and bring warm, windproof layers. If you want photos, pack a tripod and a wide-angle lens. Allow extra time for narrow roads and limited mobile signal in places. Check public transport timetables if you are not driving, as services are infrequent.
Flowerdale Glen Car Park
Image / Mindtrip
A simple gateway to Flowerdale Glen’s riverside walks
Good for
What to expect
A compact car park beside the lane, marked paths into a wooded glen and easy riverside trails. Ground can be uneven in places, with roots and stones underfoot. The setting is quiet and natural rather than developed, so expect basic facilities only and a straightforward walk rather than a long hike.
Plan your visit
Arrive with sensible footwear and layered clothing, since weather can change quickly. Bring water and a snack if you plan to linger. If you travel by car, allow a little extra time to park and set off on the path. Leave no trace: take any litter with you and respect the natural setting.