Overview

A quick overview of the pretty fishing village of Ullapool.

Transport & Parking

There are three disabled parking bays in Shore Street. If you’re using a WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) the one closest to Boots is probably the easiest as there’s a loading bay behind it so likely to be more space for using a larger vehicle with a ramp or wheelchair lift. Public transport to the area is very limited, the easiest way to travel is by car/WAV but if that’s an issue do check with the bus company for details of timings and what wheelchair access they provide. Ullapool is the ferry port to Stornoway, check with Calmac what the wheelchair access is.

Access

The disabled access in Ullapool has improved with the redevelopment of Shore Street. The new promenade is beautifully smooth and very spacious. There are ramps at either end providing wheelchair access down into the shoreline when the tide is out. Each ramp has hand rails and a level platform at the bottom of it for viewing and turning. The ramps can only be used at low tide and can become slippery with seaweed etc. There are now three dedicated places to cross the road from the promenade to the shop side of the street that have lowered curbs that meet up. The majority of shops and cafes are located in Shore Street and Argyle Street. Quay Street which is the most central road that links the two has quite a steep slope and although it is I would believe “doable” for most powerchair users, West Lane offers a gentler gradient. Outwith Shore Street many of the pavements in Ullapool can be trickier to navigate with the usual lack of dropped curbs marrying up with others and odd cambers so it does mean having to use the roads in places. The speed limit around the village is 20mph and many of the side roads can be quiet. Access into individual shops varies, most are quite small buildings so if access allows can be tight once inside. With a helper to open doors; Boots (with its new ramp), the Highland Liquor Company, Made In Ullapool (which has a lift), the West Coast Deli, and Ceard are amongst the easier buildings to access with a powerchair. For food and drinks; The newly refurbished Caley in the centre of the village is really spacious inside with plenty of room to manoeuvre a power chair or smaller mobility scooter. It has a carpark at the rear with three disabled parking bays and level entry into the building from both the carpark and the Quay Street entrance. It has an accessible toilet located between the lounge and the bar area (and according to the website has accessible bedrooms with wet rooms). The Seaforth has ramped access to double doors and lots of room inside, and also has an accessible toilet. The Ceilidh Place has a step that can be accessed via a fold up ramp that’s located just inside the door on the left if visiting with someone able to access it and is easy again quite spacious once inside. It has a newly installed accessible toilet. If it’s a nice day The Bothy has ramped access onto the decking area and has level entry into the cafe but is tiny so very tight inside (too tight for most power chairs). It’s currently undergoing some changes to the interior which will hopefully allow a little more space once completed. Members of the community are working towards making Ullapool an Autism friendly village as part of SEAS (Supporting and Empowering Autistic Strengths); the West Coast Deli being the first establishment to be officially accredited. Made in Ullapool is a social enterprise that supports people with physical and or learning disabilities into a work environment, making and selling candles in their shop. There is also a Tesco supermarket, Ullapool Museum, An Tala Solais art gallery - check for exhibitions and opening times), Library, and Village Hall hosting Ullapool Unpacked Refill Shop that all have wheelchair access. There is a style free Riverside walk around Morefield park with various routes being easier for some than others. Most of it is acces

Toilets

Ullapool has a changing place toilet situated at the top left hand corner of the Ferry Carpark. It is accessed with a radar key and is available for use 24 hours a day. There is a large disabled car parking bay next to it. The entrance into the changing place building is slightly sloped with a slight camber in a couple of places. There is also an accessible toilet located in the main public toilet building in West Argyle Street.

Staff