Activities around Ullapool
Fishing
Coastal angling
From below the Lochbroom lodge there are fine opportunities along the shore line, all the way to the mouth of the Ullapool River, to fish for sea trout. They seem to be returning in greater numbers over the last 2-3 years. The majority of the trout landed average 1-2 lbs, and the occasional salmon has been taken from the bay below the lodge. The owner's brother-in-law landed a 9lb salmon this July. "So it can be done!"
Most years, throughout the summer months, there is an abundance of mackerel in our inshore water. These can be taken by spinner or feather and in the late summer/autumn, saithe, pollock and lythe will appear. The occasional small cod is caught, but haddock are now very rare. Wrasse and dogfish, ling and large conger are caught with a little more patience.
All fishing information and costs (some are free-of-charge) can be obtained from the lodge owners. Note: Some salmon rivers limited numbers, so please enquire early prior to booking to avoid disappointment.
And if you're just a novice, we have a highland school of fly fishing 30 mins north of the lodge.
Deep-sea angling
This can be arranged for parties of up to 12 people. This is a one day trip leaving either from from Ullapool Harbour on our own boat or on a friends boat about 1hr 20 mins drive away. Both boats are over 12 metres long and have experienced skippers for reef and wreck fishing. Deep-sea anglers are expected to bring their own deep-sea rods and tackle and appropriate clothing. Trips must be arranged in advance.
Hill lochs
There are an abundance of hill lochs to chose from, providing varied challenges: from the wild brown trout of the dam lochs to an abundances of brownies and the occasional salmon on Loch Achall. These salmon are, however, on a catch-and-return basis. Most of the lochs are easily accessible by car and others involve a gentle stroll or a strenuous hike to get there. At least three lochs have rowing boats, while the others can be bank fished. These boats are generally suitable for three anglers. All lochs have brown trout, one also has ferrox.
Rivers
A number of rivers which can be fished include the Ullapool, the Canaird and the Culag ranging from 10 min to a one hour drive away. Salmon rivers are divided into specific lengths, called beats, which can be booked on a daily basis.
Walking
Some of the most fantastic and stunning views on the West Coast are within easy walking-distance of the lodge. The shore walk to Ullapool is 20 mins; beachcombing beats taking the car every time.
Along the beach to the west lies the old Rhue Lighthouse, a walk of apoproxinately 45 mins.
The lodge hill (unpathed) is more strenuous but well worth the effort for the views and the wild birds and animals.
Note: walkers must be cautious from September onwards as the stags will be rutting and are dangerous if approached when with there hinds.
Ullapool hill has a decent foot path and is a lovely walk with stunning views from different areas on the walk, excellent for a wee picnic there are one or 2 wooden benches built in to the walk.
Lael forest walk is in a 17 acre woodland with a wide variety of trees, unusual shrubs and a network of walks for all the family(four legged ones too!) All walks are colour coded to help estimate walking times. Lael forest is 7 miles south of ullapool and is open all year round (no entry fee) and has freely available parking.
See links for many more walks including the Munros.
Golf
Lochbroom lodge's lower croft land borders the course and the players can be watched playing their game from the lodge. It is a nine-hole links course, with stunning views all around you.
Beaches
Ullapool is surrounded by pebble beaches. The golden sands of Achnahaird beach are only a 1/2 hr drive away. We have many other beautiful sandy beaches within a 40min/1hr drive.
- Achmelvich
- Gruinard
- Clachtol
- Clashnessie
The famous sea stack of ''The Old Man of Stoer'' is only an hour drive north.