Ullapool is the starting point for ferries to Stornoway on the Isles of Lewis and Harris and was, only a few years ago, the centre of an international fishing trade when literally dozens of huge factory ships, from as far away as Japan and Korea, would anchor in outer Loch Broom and process fish brought to them by trawlers. Restrictions to conserve fish stocks have put an end to this.
South of Ullapool, Laide looks out over the beautiful beach of Gruinard Bay and, whilst a side road nearby leads along a promontory to the fabulous beach at Mellon Udrigle, the main road continues to Poolewe. Here are the world famous Inverewe Gardens (National Trust for Scotland), perhaps the best known visitor attraction of Wester Ross, where sub-tropical trees and plants are to be found.