Ullapool Hill and the Braes of Ullapool
Highlands
Ullapool Hill rises straight behind the fishing port of Ullapool on Loch Broom, and a network of waymarked paths makes it the town's favourite viewpoint. No livestock is recorded on the hill, so a dog can enjoy some freedom on the open heather higher up, though a lead is needed on the road pavements at each end. This 7.5km circuit starts from the large car park beside Tesco, heads out along Market Street and a short stretch of the A835, then goes through a gate at Broom Park and climbs steeply on a good path through the heather, passing a series of benches and a metal view indicator naming the surrounding hills and lochs. Red waymarkers lead up the open ridge to the tiny summit cairn of Meall Mor at 270 metres, where Loch Achall comes into view to the north and Loch Broom stretches away to the sea. The return follows white markers through scattered trees and a forestry plantation to the Braes of Ullapool, then down quiet lanes and the pavement of the A835 back to the harbour front. There is 258 metres of climbing, with some short muddy sections after rain.
This dog friendly walk gives a real hill feel within minutes of town, and a steady dog can enjoy the open heather on the upper paths. Red deer roam the Braes, so keep your dog close if you see them. The return uses lanes and a main road pavement, so the lead goes back on there. Carry water, as there is little on the hill.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.5 km (4.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Public toilets, cafes, shops and pubs in Ullapool; none on the hill.
- Parking
- Large pay car park next to Tesco in the centre of Ullapool.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Ullapool Hill and the Braes of Ullapool, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in HighlandsFrequently Asked Questions
Is Ullapool Hill and the Braes of Ullapool dog friendly?
Ullapool Hill and the Braes of Ullapool scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it a solid choice for a day out with your dog. No livestock is recorded on the hill, and the waymarked 7.5km circuit gives dogs a genuine taste of open Highland moorland just minutes from the centre of Ullapool.
Can dogs be off lead at Ullapool Hill and the Braes of Ullapool?
Dogs can enjoy some freedom on the open heather of the upper paths, where the terrain opens up on the climb to the summit cairn at Meall Mor. That said, leads are needed on the road pavements at each end of the route, and you should keep your dog close if you encounter red deer, which roam the Braes of Ullapool.
What should I know before visiting Ullapool Hill and the Braes of Ullapool with my dog?
The route involves 258 metres of climbing and some short muddy sections after rain, so it suits a reasonably steady dog rather than a very young or elderly one. There is little water available on the hill itself, so it's worth carrying your own supply for your dog. All facilities — toilets, cafes, shops and pubs — are back in Ullapool, and parking is at the large pay car park next to Tesco in the town centre.
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