Sunday, September 8, 2019, Ullapool, Scotland

Ullapool, Scotland

On the pristine shores of Loch (inlet) Broom, a sea lake fed by mountain rivers, Ullapool enjoys one of the most remote settings in the United Kingdom.  This tiny town dotted with distinctive New Zealand cabbage trees is the largest community for miles, it is surrounded by the stunningly scenic Western Isles.  Dramatic mountain peaks pierce the sky and unspoiled wilderness.  Ullapool's beauty lies in its tranquility.  A launchpad for ferries to the stunning Western Isles, this former herring port village is also a popular gateway for walkers, adventurers, and nature lovers.  Scenic drives lead deep into the village-dotted region for Wester Ross, a breathtaking landscape of pristine lakes, craggy massifs, and tranquil castles.

View looking north west toward back to the sea.

Our cruise ship is anchored in a small harbor with Ullapool on the north east side of Lock Broom.  We were waiting for our tender boats to take us ashore for a walking excursion of the quaint town.

A blue deep sea fishing was docked today, Sunday.

Shops along the waterfront of the lock.

The town is a relative newcomer, commissioned by the British Fisheries Society and designed in 1788 by the engineer Thomas Telford.  The grid pattern of the lower part of the village is the original design and many of the buildings are from this time.

 A smaller fishing boat with a cousin's name to our cruise ship, Viking Sun.

The bow (front end) of most sea going vessels has this underwater "torpedo" protrusion to streamline the water flow around the sides of each ship to provide faster passing through the water and to save fuel.

Shop along the waterfront with woolen items for sale.  Unfortunately no wool to buy for making your own. 😥

A gathering of motorcycles and Porches who make a 500 mile annual pilgrimage through Great Britain.

 Houses built in the late 1800s.

Note the very short front door of this early 1800s house, times before healthier foods and 6-foot men heights.

Trees said to be New Zealand cabbage trees.  Our tour guide said they should not be growing this far north.  We are currently in a similar latitude as Alaska.  Caribbean currents bring warm waters during winters here, so it does not get cold as Alaska in the winter.

 A Japanese car from the 1990s.  Very small.

 Town clock.  Our tour guide said it's similar to politicians - it has many faces!

 This young girl was playing her violin the make money for college.

 Town elementary school.

 Berry tree above and black berry bushes below.

 Looking down river from above and upriver from below.

Newer and more modern home.  Heavy influx if retirees to the town has resulted in much higher home prices and far lower availability, making it difficult for 20s and 30s to buy.

We saw dozens of homes with B&B signs; this home was one of few with "vacancy" sign.

 RV park along the lock.

 Pub with outdoor seating.

Home made clocks made from local natural materials.

Ullapool was a very interesting and educational stop.  The population is about 1,500; the people seem to live very laid back lives.  Our tour guide said he does a lot of salmon fishing in the river on the edge of town but that he and his friends "catch and release" to preserve them.  There is no industry or traffic to get uptight about.  As an aside, President Trump's mother was born on an island a few miles from this area.`

We set sail this afternoon at 5 PM and will arrive our next destination around 7 in the morning.