Coastal Cities, Towns, Villages A – Z

Built around the head of Uig Bay, the village of Uig is a rather pleasant settlement on the western side of Skye’s Trotternish Peninsula. It curves around the bay, in the shadow of many large coastal hills. It is well-known for its ferry port, which runs regular services to the Outer Hebrides (South Uist and Harris). Alongside the usual white-washed and cottages that one would expect from a village on the Isle of Skye, Uist also includes a range of holiday accommodation and places to eat. A pottery shop is also placed in the village, near the ferry port.

With around 1,500 inhabitants, the large village of Ullapool is the largest settlement for many miles around. It is located on the western edge of the Highlands, and is surrounded by breath-taking scenery, including towering mountains, pockets of woodland and large patches of moorland. Mountains that flank both sides of Loch Broom, creating a distinctive U-shaped valley pattern – the result of glacial activity during the last Ice Age. The village itself is rather scenic, with a row of traditional white-painted buildings, including old cottages and independent shops, that overlook the loch. A village museum is also located in Ullapool, as well as the ‘An Talla Solais’ art gallery. The waterfront is flanked by a port and ferry terminal, with a link to Stornoway on the Outer Hebrides.

Located on the southern edge of Weston-super-Mare, Uphill is a rather pleasant village that includes old cottages and a couple of lovely country pubs. Unlike Weston to the north, Uphill is a fairly quiet and laidback place that is surrounded by some lovely scenery. A sandy beach flanked by a row of sand dunes makes up much of the coastal landscape that borders the village – however, Uphill is most known for its coastal hill, upon which sits a partially-ruined church that dates back to the Norman era. The top of the hill provides sweeping views of the surrounding area, including the Bristol Channel, another coastal hill named Brean Down, and the start of the Mendips to the east.

Uyeasound is located on the isle of Unst, the most northerly of the Shetland Islands. It is a quiet and remote village, lying at the head of a small bay. A row of traditional, stone-clad cottages overlooks the water, with a small harbour placed next to the village. Gardiesfauld Youth Hostel is also located in the village.