Wester Ross Biosphere

Discover astounding natural beauty and eco-diversity in Wester Ross. This spellbinding area in the northwest Highlands has beautiful beaches, gleaming lochs, centuries-old pinewoods, deep glens, and lofty mountains. There's an incredible array of rare wildlife here and plant species of international significance.

Glenelg, a coastal community in Wester Ross
© VisitScotland / Airborne Lens

Discover Why Wester Ross is so Special

Did you know the biosphere is 3,000 sq. miles, including two national scenic areas and two national nature reserves?

Wester Ross is one of the most beautiful places in the world. But it's more than just spectacular scenery. You’ll find the experience of Wester Ross' communities as captivating as the landscape. Discover authentic Highland culture and tradition, see how people have shaped and enriched this remote environment and are now embracing a new and sustainable future.

Wester Ross is also a place of music, song and storytelling – especially in the Gaelic language and placenames! The area is home to lots of sustainable croft so the local produce here is really special.

Discover the heart of the Biosphere

Crofting culture has left a lasting mark upon the landscape of Wester Ross which you can observe at various locations, such as the wood pasture at Coille Mhor, Drumbuie and Duirinish. Towns and villages such as Ullapool, Gairloch, Kinlochewe, Garve, Applecross and Glenelg all embrace traditional low-intensive farming methods.

Gairloch

Situated on the shore of Loch Gairloch amongst the awe-inspiring scenery of Wester Ross, enjoy the spectacular scenery and activities on offer.

Plockton

No trip to the north west Highlands would be complete without a visit to the idyllic village of Plockton.

Ullapool

The picturesque fishing town of Ullapool, nestled on the shores of Lochbroom, is a great holiday destination and a gateway to the Northern Highlands.

Glenelg

A spectacular coastal community set amongst the scenery of Wester Ross Biosphere.

Kinlochewe

A quaint village surrounding by mesmerising mountains, glistening lochs and stunning scenery to explore.

Exploring the local area

The Rock Stop Visitor Centre and Coffee Shop
© VisitScotland / Airborne Lens

Discover intriguing attractions and experiences

Slow down in the biosphere and appreciate the delicate and vital connection we share with our environment. Cycling, walking or kayaking are the best ways to really get in touch with this place.

Sustainable Local Businesses

These Green Tourism businesses are assessed on everything from energy efficiency to biodiversity and awarded bronze, silver or gold. The area is home to many enthusiastic biosphere supporters from local communities.

Find out more about Biosphere Supporters

How to get around

“People are amazed by the feeling of remoteness here – only 8,000 people live in the 5,000 km area.” - Natasha, at Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere

The Wester Ross Biosphere is situated in the northwest Highlands. It is one of the more remote areas of Scotland and has one of the lowest population densities in Europe. Despite this, it is still perfectly accessible to reach and explore.

Train

The nearest and largest railway hub is Inverness Station which receives regular services from London, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. From here, you can journey direct to Wester Ross with a number of stops on the Kyle of Lochalsh Line, which is located between Strathcarron and Glen Carron stations.

Bus

Several buses services operate to Inverness from other main towns and cities including the CityLink coach services and Megabus budget buses.

Driving on the Bealach na Ba - The Road to Applecross

Car

If travelling by car, take care while driving; the narrow, often single-track roads and steep climbs require careful attention. If possible, opt for an electric car or EV (electric vehicle), and make use of the charging stations located throughout the Wester Ross area.

You can also hire a state-of-the-art Tesla to drive to and around Wester Ross. Vehicles are available for collection at Inverness Airport, and hubs in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

Wester Ross has four main communities - Ullapool, Gairloch, Lochcarron and Kyle of Lochalsh - all can be reached from the town of Fort William in under three hours, depending on the route taken. The city of Inverness is about an hour and 30 minutes from all locations.

Plane

If arriving by air, the nearest airport is Inverness which offers daily flights to and from destinations across the UK and Europe, including London Gatwick and Heathrow, Bristol, Manchester and Amsterdam. Glasgow International Airport offers flights to and from over 100 destinations around the world, as does Aberdeen International Airport.