Ullapool, a fishing village in the Scottish Highlands, has been named “Britain’s very own slice of Scandinavia” by Country Living. The travel experts highlighted the village's wild landscapes, fresh seafood, and laid-back pace of life as reminiscent of Northern Europe.
Scandinavian Charm in the Highlands
Situated in the civil parish of Lochbroom in Ross and Cromarty, Ullapool sits along the edge of Loch Broom. With a population of around 1,500, it offers jaw-dropping views and peace and quiet. Country Living noted that its row of white cottages and stunning backdrop of forests and mountains evoke Scandinavia.
Top Attractions
Among the beauty spots singled out by Country Living is Achnahaird Beach, renowned for its soft golden sand and sense of calm. The Inverpolly Special Area of Conservation, home to tranquil lochs and dramatic peaks, is also highlighted as a destination for picturesque walks and wildlife spotting, including golden eagles, puffins, and pine martens.
Local Food and Drink
Two venues in Ullapool praised by Country Living are The Seafood Shack and The Dipping Lugger. The Seafood Shack, recently renovated from a small hut into a permanent building with a larger seating area, offers a daily-changing menu based on local catches. The Dipping Lugger, set along Loch Broom, serves a tasting menu showcasing local produce and seafood, and also offers three guest rooms.
Country Living stated: “In Scotland's rugged north-west coast, where mountains tumble into deep sea lochs and fishing boats bob gently against whitewashed cottages, Ullapool has been enjoying an enviably Nordic way of life all along. The harbour town, which is framed by the dark peaks surrounding Loch Broom, shares many of the qualities that draw visitors to Norway's famous fjords: vast landscapes, crystalline water, exceptional seafood and a cool pace of life dictated by tides, waves and clouds, rather than the clock.”
