North West Scotland
Any recommendations for sites, small or large, around Ullapool or within distance of that area. We're going up to Scotland in September, I've planned as far as the Black Isle but hope to travel on a bit further before turning south. Many thanks. 
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It really is well worth extending your trip, the Black Isle is lovely but the west is just stunning. You can get to Ullapool in an hour and a bit so maybe you could just do some day trips? In fact you can do a very nice days outing driving to Ullapool and then south to gairloch before heading back east alongside Loch Maree and return to Inverness. Can also recommend the CCC site at Foyers on the east shores of Loch Ness. We were in Ullapool sans c/van in March (regular visitor to area sans c/van), the site in Ullapool is basically for overnight stops before/after using the car ferries albeit is handy for shops/pubs etc. There is another site in a stunning coastal location just heading north about 3-4 miles. Heading south the CCC site is still open at Poolewe and further south again there are two sites at Gairloch - one at Strath - great views across the bay and slightly further out of the village at Sands, a site set in the dunes. I believe the club site at Kinlochewe is still there (haven't seen it for over 15 years). Enjoy!
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The site in Ullapool is walking distance from the town. The site itself is large for this part of the world, caters for a mix of tents, caravans, and motor homes. Ullapool is home to the greatest chippy in the world. imho.
A couple of miles north of Ullapool is another site at Ardmair Point A little smaller but features a frontage looking out over the bay. More sheltered pitches are available.
The CCC site at Poolewe is still there, very popular and still very good.
I'm happy to recommend all of the above sites. They are all different in their own way, but all equally as good. September is a good time, things get quieter and the pubs serve beer faster. Think about if you really want to use an awning. I see wind damage every year. The weather should still be settled, but the wind on coasts can reach gale force rapidly. Poolewe is the most sheltered out of the three sites, but hundreds of people visit the other sites without issue. I just mention it for something to consider if its your first trip to the Highlands. Chat to the site operators, they are all helpful guys.
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Not my first trip up there but have not used any of the sites, I wondered if they are getting busier due to the 500 thingy, but hopefully it will be ok, I know September is a popular time? Food for thought about driving up there in a day from the Black Isle. I know it as far as Poolewe and just wanted a peek at Assynt etc. The Ullapool site was the obvious choice for a short stop but pleased to hear of more ideas from all of you, many thanks, any further suggestions much appreciated!
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The 500 thingy is really being pushed this year bug it didn't seem unduly busy in the parts we visited, although that wasn't the NW.
We have stayed at Ardmair Point and other sites in the NW. I wrote reviews and a short blog somewhere.......
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Yes I do the same David, I rarely ask about sites on here and it makes a change to hear some opinions about places. I hadn't thought about driving to Ullapool for the day so might have a rethink. I'd also thought about going over to Stornaway but unfortunately we won't have time, so just a few days in the NW will have to do.
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You could cut across to the CC's Kinlochewe site for a few days and travel round the coast northwards from there before heading south to Morvich. There's a CL about 14 mls N. of Ullapool and further north still there's a grand site at Scourie, but you can't book onto it.
When we were up in the north earlier this year the reports on sites was mixed regarding usage by those doing the 500, with some being very busy while others relatively quiet.
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Brue from what I see on other forums the NC500 lot tend to 'wild' where possible, its become a bit of a problem in some places especially at weekends. The site at Ullapool we stayed on many years ago it was an 'honesty' site back in those days, much bigger and busier now I think.
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Hi Brue, have a look at Clachtoll and Shore beach campsites. Not sure if they suit your criteria, but are North of Ullapool and in the Assynt area. We prefer Clachtoll and it is easier to reach. You can visit Shore at Achmelvich and remember it for future trips if it suits. As it is a very difficult road down to it. Good luck.
ps. Can highly recommend Ardmair Point. It's one of our favourites.
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The site at Strath, Gairloch will not allow use of awnings on the front pitches, the wind comes up the cliff and rips them off. However The NW of Scotland is simply is the most stunning part of the British Isles. I have holidayed in Wester Ross and Sutherland about 20 times since the age of 2, winter and summer with may or September generally being best.
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Hi
Like other have said their are 2 site in Ullapool which we have stayed at both. Broomfield the site in Ullapool is convenient as you can pitch up and walk everywhere but facilities are very dated or alternatively there is Ardmair Point which is about 5 min north of Ullapool and it's much nicer site but it means a drive every time you want to pop in Ullapool. Either site I recommend would be booking as it's a long way to go to be told no there is no space for you.
If you were planning a day trip to Lewis from Ullapool the only day that you can make crossing and back in the same day is Saturday.
However if it was the the north west highlands in general that you were wanting to visit we would hands down recommend making Morvich your base. The site itself has the most spectacular views and you know exactly the standard on site you going to get hard standing etc.
From Morvich all the following can be done as day trips. Skye bridge, Isle of Skye, Road to Applecross, Plockton, Glenelg and ferry (we only discovered this year breathtaking views on both sides), Kyle of lochalsh to Inverness railway line.
Anyway hopefully some food for thought.
Sandy
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Thank you all for the great ideas and suggestions, I will now have to read everything through and put a plan into action. This has been very helpful, one area of Scotland we've somehow missed, between Cape Wrath and Ullapool will be a new to us area to explore! Hope others find it useful too.
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