Description
Searching for the best things to do with kids in Ullapool? Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve is a dramatic natural attraction in the Scottish Highlands where families can walk across a swinging suspension bridge and look down at a roaring waterfall. Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, this mile-long, 60-metre-deep box canyon provides an educational day out for families who love wild landscapes and outdoor exploration.
Access to the gorge trails and viewing areas is completely free of charge, though parking charges apply for non-members. National Trust for Scotland members enjoy free parking and year-round access to the reserve grounds.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines an exciting bridge crossing with stunning Highland scenery, this National Nature Reserve is a top choice. It offers an unforgettable chance to experience a jaw-dropping geological wonder safely via well-maintained trails and modern viewing platforms.
Beyond the Main Attraction
- Ullapool Harbour: A scenic Highland coastal village located 12 miles north, offering seafood eateries, shops, and boat cruises.
- Loch Broom: A stunning sea loch surrounded by rugged mountain peaks, ideal for scenic family drives and roadside photos.
- The wider Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere: Vast protected wilderness areas offering endless hiking, wildlife spotting, and outdoor adventures.
What Visitors Love:
- The suspension bridge and deep canyon views offer a genuine sense of adventure that older children and teenagers find thrilling.
- The walking trails are well-maintained, clearly marked, and offer breathtaking photo opportunities at every turn.
- The modern visitor centre and takeaway café provide a welcoming, clean base to grab a warm drink after exploring.
- Free entry to the reserve makes it an affordable outdoor stop during a Highland road trip.
What Visitors Don't Like:
- The car park can fill up quickly during peak summer months, leading to frustration for drivers trying to park.
- The strict limit of six people on the suspension bridge can create bottlenecks when large families or tour groups visit.
Attractions & Live Events
- Main Suspension Bridge Trail: A direct route leading visitors from the car park directly across the canyon.
- The Gateway Path: An 800-metre accessible path featuring gentle inclines and rest benches.
- Lady Fowler's Fern Walk: A 1.2-kilometre rustic woodland trail featuring steps, uneven ground, and metal boardwalk sections.
- Overflow Path: A straightforward 400-metre path connecting the overflow parking area straight to the bridge route.
- Outdoor Viewing Deck: A raised terrace outside the visitor centre overlooking the surrounding Highland mountains.
- Ranger-Led Discovery Events: Seasonal family activity days and guided walks focusing on local geology and bridge history.
New for 2026
- Upgraded Parking Infrastructure: Expanded tarmac main and overflow car parks designed to safely accommodate peak seasonal visitor traffic.
- Modernized Gateway Facility: Enhanced visitor centre amenities including a sustainable timber design, expanded outdoor canopy seating, and improved accessible pathways.
- Refurbished Trail Signage: Newly updated educational interpretation boards highlighting local rare mosses, plants, and cranefly habitats.
- Digital Visitor Flow Updates: Improved pre-arrival safety information and digital notices to help families plan parking during busy summer months.
94.96 miles
