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Thurso/Wick or Ullapool?

shawes86shawes86 Member ✭✭
in Planning and Practicalities
We're planning our first trip to Scotland for next spring (loads of time, I know, but I'm really excited about it!).  We're going to be based in Inverness for 2.5 days at the beginning of the trip.  I'm thinking of spending the first 1.5 days checking out Inverness and driving down around Loch Ness.  Trying to decide where to go on the last day before we head to Skye.  I'm thinking we either head north along the coast to visit Wick, Thurso, and the surrounding area, or we head west to the other side around Ullapool.  Seems like there would be more to do & see in the Wick / Thurso area.  We have no problem driving the 2+ hrs from Inverness to Thurso and back to Inverness.  Thoughts?

Comments

  • YourScotlandTourYourScotlandTour Member ✭✭✭
    Head east into Speyside.... distilleries?
    Bespoke tours.
    Whisky, Castles and Food a speciality.
    yourscotlandtour.co.uk
  • VisitScotlandLyndsayVisitScotlandLyndsay Member, Moderator, VisitScotland Staff ✩
    Hi @shawes86. Its great o hear that you are planning your trip to Scotland and that you are considering visiting the far north  :). The route north from Inverness to Wick/Thurso follows spectacular coastline, with views as far as you can see out to the North Sea with the odd oil rig on the horizon. En route to Caithness you may wish to visit the fairytale style castle that is Dunrobin Castle, which can be found just after the town of Golspie. Continuing north you reach the small town of Helmsdale. Here there is a very interesting museum called Timespan  with lots of information surrounding the Picts, Viking and the Highland Clearances eras. Once you enter the county of Caithness you follow very high coastline and you will also encounter the infamous hairpin bend at Berridale Braes. Caithness is steeped in herring fishing history and many of the small villages along the coast have picturesque harbours to visit to include Lybster and Latheron Wheel. One place not to be missed is Whaligoe Steps.  Here you can walk down the 300 or more steps down to where, many years ago, the herring boats would land their catch and the women would gather the fish in baskets and walk up the 300 or more steps to the top  :o. Once you have arrived in Wick there are many shops, cafes, restaurants and places to stay should you need to. You can also visit the castles of Sinclair and Girnigoe, which is well signposted from the town centre. The walk out to the castle is lovely with more amazing views out to sea. There is also a pleasant riverside walk following the River Wick.  :)
  • HorizonsHorizons Member, VisitScotland Ambassador ✭✭✭✭
    @shawes86 Pick Ullapool / anywhere in NW Scotland (Torridon / Applecross / Shieldaig / Gairloch). I only have 1 justification, I've visited Skye once every year for the past 3 years, the first thought I had as my bus made its way to Torridon was that "Is this place really better than Skye?". Personally, this is the highest praise I can heap on any part of Scotland (have seen a fair amount of the country). It is also on the way to Skye that helps keep transport logistics sane.

    Here is my experience visiting Torridon : https://beyondourhorizons.wordpress.com/2016/11/03/visit-torridon-northwest-scotland-by-public-transport/ Hope this can help me make my case.
    I'm Anirudh, an Indian travel blogger who has explored a lot of Scotland by public transport. My blog. Find me on Facebook | Instagram

    Best of Scotland in 1 week itinerary (fully by public transport)

    My Scotland travels (includes Edinburgh, Skye, Harris, Mull, Arran, Orkney, Loch Lomond, Islay, Oban, Speyside fest)

  • Samantha_GrantSamantha_Grant VisitScotland Ambassador ✭✭✭✭
    edited May 2017
    Hi @shawes86 I know both areas well and love them both, but I have a bit of a soft spot for the East coast where Wick is.  It's often overlooked for the west coast which is a shame as it has lovely wide open plains, big skies, dramatic cliffs, sea stacks and magical castles. Some of Scotland's finest beaches can be found on the doorstep of Thurso. 

    Near Ullapool I love Assynt.  It's one of my favourite parts of Scotland.  It's a mountainous region but looks totally different to Scotland's other mountain regions. The atmospheric Ardvreck Castle is a must and Knockan Crag is worth visiting too.  There's also Smoo Cave by Durness. 

    I'd decide what interests you most and use that to help you choose.  Either way you won't be disappointed. 

    I write a Scottish travel blog which you may find useful.  There are posts on the NC500 and Assynt in it. http://theweewhitedug.com/


    I'm a Scottish travel blogger and freelance writer with an extensive knowledge of travelling in Scotland.  I'm always on the road exploring my wonderful country.  I love remote places, history and the great outdoors. 




  • BarryBarry Member ✭
    I would definitely pick Ullapool, in my view the most beautiful place in mainland Scotland, the view across Loch Broom is simply stunning. Leaving Ullapool on the way to Skye I suggest you take the road past An Teallach, known as Destitution Road, to Gairloch, perhaps stopping at Inverewe Gardens, every turn a new view....
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