Rhue Lighthouse Ullapool
An understated lighthouse on a scenic headland near Ullapool, offering dramatic coastal views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Golden hour light is magical
Rhue Lighthouse Ullapool
Best Time
Golden hour light is magical
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An understated lighthouse on a scenic headland near Ullapool, offering dramatic coastal views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
"A beautiful lighthouse in such a lovely location, well worth a visit."
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Paths can be muddy and rocky; wear good shoes for exploring .
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
The lighthouse is spectacular at sunset, offering breathtaking views .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rhue Lighthouse
Headland north of Ullapool
An understated gem offering dramatic coastal views, especially at sunset.
Loch Broom's Giant Footprint
Near the lighthouse at low tide
A unique geological feature in the water, visible when the tide is out.
Wildlife Spotting
Coastal waters and rocks
Keep an eye out for seals, dolphins, and even otters in the surrounding waters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Light
Arriving during golden hour enhances the dramatic scenery and provides excellent photo opportunities. Consider the tides for exploring the unique 'giant footprint' feature.Accessibility and the Coastal Path
the path can be muddy and rocky.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Paths can be muddy and rocky; wear good shoes for exploring.
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
The lighthouse is spectacular at sunset, offering breathtaking views.
🌊 Low Tide Exploration
Check tide times to discover the unique 'giant footprint' feature.
🐬 Wildlife Encounters
You might spot seals, dolphins, or even otters.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Paths can be muddy and rocky; wear good shoes for exploring.
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
The lighthouse is spectacular at sunset, offering breathtaking views.
🌊 Low Tide Exploration
Check tide times to discover the unique 'giant footprint' feature.
🐬 Wildlife Encounters
You might spot seals, dolphins, or even otters.
🚗 Easy Access
A short, well-tarmaced drive from Ullapool with a small car park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Rhue Lighthouse for its stunning coastal location and dramatic sunset views, calling it an understated gem. The unique 'giant footprint' and opportunities for wildlife spotting like otters and seals are frequently highlighted as delightful surprises. While the walk can be muddy and rocky, most find the short trek worthwhile for the scenic payoff.
"Free small car park at the top road. Its a muddy and in some places rocky walk down although there's a few routes including across the pebble beach. The lighthouse is understated and not high on a hill Coast like many others in Scotland. The ferns and sea make it an attractive viewpoint.
We were delighted to see a couple of otters, one in the sea near the rocks, another smaller one on the rocks, running into gaps."
Vicky S
"A small lighthouse set on the headland north of Ullapool situated in stunning scenery , we saw it from the cruise up the loch and then drove down to the end of the Rhue road where its a small walk down to the lighthouse which at sunset can be spectacular."
Tork Mackenzie
"Beautiful lighthouse in such a lovely location. 5-10 minute walk from the car park. Plenty of spaces as it’s never really that busy. Not far from Ullapool centre. Well worth a visit. Don’t miss loch brooms giant footprint which is in the water right next to the lighthouse 😍"
Stuart Naples
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rhue Lighthouse is a short drive north from Ullapool. Turn left at the sign for Rhue and follow the well-tarmaced road to the end where there's a small car park. The drive itself is scenic, part of the popular NC500 route.
Yes, there is a free small car park at the top of the road near the lighthouse. It's generally not too busy, making parking easy.
From the car park, it's a short walk, about 5-10 minutes, down to the lighthouse. There are a few routes, including one across the pebble beach.
Absolutely! Rhue Lighthouse is a perfect short excursion from Ullapool, offering beautiful coastal scenery and a chance for wildlife spotting.
The North Coast 500 (NC500) is a famous scenic driving route around the north coast of Scotland. Rhue Lighthouse is a popular stop along this route, offering stunning views and photo opportunities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit Rhue Lighthouse. It is a freely accessible public attraction.
Rhue Lighthouse is accessible at any time, as it is an outdoor landmark. However, visiting during daylight hours, especially sunset, is recommended for the best experience.
There is no entrance fee to visit Rhue Lighthouse or the surrounding area.
Yes, visiting in the evening, particularly for sunset, is highly recommended for the dramatic light and views.
There are no specific restrictions, but visitors should be mindful of the coastal environment and wear appropriate footwear due to potentially muddy or rocky paths.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see the lighthouse itself, stunning views over Loch Broom, and potentially wildlife like seals and dolphins.+1 At low tide, the unique 'giant footprint' in the water is visible.
The walk is generally considered easy to moderate. It's about 5-10 minutes from the car park, but can be muddy and rocky in places.
Visitors have reported seeing otters, seals, and dolphins in the sea near the lighthouse.
Yes, it's a fantastic spot for photography, especially during sunset when the light is dramatic.+1
The 'giant footprint' is a unique geological formation in the water near the lighthouse, visible at low tide. It's a popular and intriguing sight.
📸 📸 Photography
The best time for photography is during the golden hour leading up to sunset, when the light is soft and dramatic. The blue hour after sunset also offers moody shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the lighthouse and the expansive coastal scenery.
The path leading down to the lighthouse offers various angles. The area around the 'giant footprint' at low tide also provides unique photographic opportunities.
While drone footage is possible, always check local regulations and respect privacy. Many stunning aerial shots are available online.
Popular shots include the lighthouse against dramatic skies, the 'giant footprint' at low tide, and coastal landscapes with wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
The changing weather can also add a moody, atmospheric quality to your images.🚗 Road Trippers (NC500)
+3 It offers a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs, enjoy breathtaking coastal views, and capture some iconic Scottish scenery. The easy access from the main road and ample parking make it a convenient stop. Don't miss the chance to see the 'giant footprint' if your timing aligns with low tide.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Rhue Lighthouse
+2 The lighthouse itself, though not imposing, offers a classic maritime silhouette against the often dramatic Scottish skies.Visitors often describe the walk from the small car park as a short, albeit potentially muddy and rocky, descent.
+1The lighthouse's appeal is amplified by the potential for wildlife sightings. Seals, dolphins, and even otters have been spotted in the waters nearby, adding an element of wild beauty to the experience.
Exploring the 'Giant Footprint' and Coastal Path
The path leading down to the lighthouse and the surrounding coastline can be a bit rugged. Reviews mention it being muddy and rocky in places, so wearing sturdy footwear is highly recommended.
This coastal exploration offers more than just the lighthouse and the footprint. The clear water allows for spotting fish swimming, and the rocky outcrops are prime locations for observing marine life. The combination of the lighthouse, the unique geological feature, and the potential for wildlife encounters makes the exploration around Rhue Lighthouse a rewarding experience for nature lovers and curious travelers alike.
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