Around Ullapool lie the extraordinary mountains Cul Mor, Cul Beag, and Canisp, mBen Mor Coigach, Sgurr an Fhidhleir, Beinn an Eoin, Stac Pollaidh, and the famous Suilven (Caisteal Liath) for you to explore before continuing on the NC500 route to Gairloch

Starting at the ferry terminal at Ullapool take the A835, through the rural towns and villages of Ardcharnich, Inverlael, Inverbroom, Braemore, to the junction at the river Abhainn Droma, over the bridge onto the A832 heading for Fain, passing Loch a' Bhraoin, this region is well established as a rural walking destination, located in north western county of Ross and Cromarty,with so many spectacular mountains, Munros, Corbetts, Grahams, ideal for short strolls, low level walks and rambling, hillwalking, Corbett and Munro bagging, long distance walking and trekking.

Following on the A832 from Dundonnell to Gralloch passing little Loch Broom, a sea loch you have access to the Fannaichs, Sgurr Mhor, Beinn Dearg and the great An Teallach, and the isolated Beinn Ghobhlach, from these summits, on a clear day there are stunning coast to coast panoramic views, the weather in Scotland is very changeable and depending every season,and every day, depending on the altitude and the region.

Heavy snowfall and blizzard like conditions are the norm in winter with the lowland moorland, covered in mist and low clouds.

When low pressure areas with warm air arrive from the Atlantic Ocean heavy rain can fall in the West Highlands for days, while the East coast remains completely dry.

In this region all weather clothing and good walking boots are a must, Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter,( not always in this order.)

Continuing on from Dundonnell along the A832 towards Gairloch you will pass the mountains of Beinn Bheag and Groban, the Creag Rainich, and Fannaichs, this region is a haven for wildlife with a wide range of habitats ranging from high mountains to moorland to low level warm forest, Whilst golden eagle, peregrine falcon, ptarmigan and mountain hare haunt the moorland and summits, on the lower ground you will find roe, Sika and red deer, look out for Highland cattle just wandering around,feral goats, pine marten, otters and recently a badger, golden eagles, sea eagles and many other varied and interesting bird species.

From Dundonnell continuing on the A832 through the coast-le hamlets and past Gruinard bay and past Gruinard Island of Badeluchrach, Mungasdale and Inchina, Little Gruinard, Laide, to Aultbea, with views of sea and islands, mountains and moorland.

To the north are views of the Summer Isles and the mountains of Suilven, Quinag and Stac Polly.

To the east is the impressive mountain range of An Teallach, for nature lovers there are seals, otters, occasionally pine-martens and a variety of birds of woodland edge, moorland and coast.

Gruinard Bay can be enjoyed from the road but is most definitely worth stopping at. The golden sandy beaches are magnificent in all weathers, but especially on a sunny day under blue sky, lovely stretch of water with beaches at Mungasdale, Little Gruinard and Mellon Udrigle, and the drive around the bay from the beach are wonderful with views of the northern Highlands and the scenery around this area of coast is truly spectacular and joy a beautifully clear and starry night with a breathtaking sunset,many unusual stones can be found near the rocks and shoreline.

Continuing on the A832 past Loch Ewe and the Island of Ewe to Tuirnaig, Poolewe and onto Gairloch, an ideal centre for walking and climbing, Sea-life cruises departing from Gairloch harbour and these will give you an instructional day out watching seals, dolphins and a whale or two.

The world famous sub-tropical Inverewe Gardens at Poolewe carefully laid out with hundreds of species of plants, shrubs, trees and gardens, owned by the National Trust for Scotland,

This part of the NC500 has it all Gairloch to Loch Maree you have magnificent mountain, Slioch and on the opposite bank Kinlochewe, Torridon, Shieldaig, Kyle of Lochalsh and Skye, with rugged mountains, beautiful inland lochs and sparkling rivers, awesome sea lochs and breathtaking seascapes, wildlife, beaches, walking, sea and river fishing, climbing, pony trekking, sailing, golf, Wester Ross will keep you coming back for more.

There is so much more here you need to do the research before you go and bring a paper map the Sat Nav will get confused.