Inverpolly is the name given to a large area of northern *Wester Ross in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland, north of Ullapool (map). The area contains several prominent hills, rising up from a rough landscape of bogs and lochans. For many years the area was designated national nature reserve but since 2004, the designation has been limited to the area of *Knockan Crag.
North West Highlands Geopark (map) is a UNESCO Geopark situated in the north west of the *Scottish Highlands.
+ Inverpolly | PAUL HOLLOWAY PHOTOGRAPHY
More info > Wikipedia • Wikivoyage
+ TOURIST INFORMATION > UNITED KINGDOM
The North West Highlands Geopark is between 20 and 50 km north of Ullapool (map). Ullapool can be reached by car or bus from Inverness. Inverness can be easily reached by train, car or plane. There are buses from Ullapool into the Geopark, but these are infrequent.
+ UNESCO Global Geoparks Network
A car (or motorbike) is probably the best way of exploring the park. The scenic North Coast 500 route passes through the park, going between Ullapool and Durness.
There are local trekking companies that organise walking holidays in and around the geopark: North West Frontiers. The “Nor’ West Trek” organised by North West frontiers crosses the entire Geopark in a six-day trek.
Outdoor activity holidays for adults, families and youngsters are organised by Ridgway Adventure. Activities include sea kayaking, climbing, abseiling and orienteering.
The main risk is being caught out in the open in bad weather and not being suitably equipped. The weather can change rapidly.
For walks of any length take the following:
- good footwear: paths are often wet and boggy.
- waterproof jacket and trousers.
- warm clothing: a spare fleece or jumper, gloves and a hat.
- and always tell someone responsible where you’re going. Note that in large areas there is no mobile phone reception.
TRAVELINE | Provides online travel planner services for all public transportation across Great Britain. They also have separate planners dedicated to specific regions.
+ Getting here (nature.scot) • GETTING AROUND SCOTLAND (visitscotland.com) • Getting around Britain (visitbritain.com).
BUS > Durness Bus have several routes in the park, although most services only run once (or maybe twice) per day. National Express | UK Stop finder
RAIL > The essential source for rail travel information in Great Britain is the National Rail website. It includes an extremely useful journey planner, ticket prices and detailed information about every railway station in the country. (*Rail travel in Great Britain).
AIRPORTS > airportguides.co.uk. The most important airports are London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester Airport. All three have multiple terminals and are collectively served by a vast range of airlines and flights from the four corners of the map.
WATERWAYS > There are many ferry routes into the UK from continental Europe. (*Ferry routes to Great Britain)
Bicycles may be taken on car ferries and on Eurotunnel shuttle trains. Eurostar allows folding bikes on all its trains, and offers a more restricted service for other bikes, but has quite strict and specific rules that are worth reading up on before you travel.