Polbain is one of a number of small villages dotted throughout the the Coigach Peninsula (Scottish Gaelic: A' Chòigeach) of Wester Ross and nestles opposite the Summer Isles just north of the main village of Achiltibuie. By road, it is about 25 miles northwest of Ullapool and from there takes approximately 45 minutes to get there by car. Much of the road is single track with passing places. Single track roads can be a bit daunting to people who aren't used to them, click here for information on driving on single track roads.
From Ullapool take the road north (A835) and pass the villages of Morefield, Ardmair and Strathcanaird. Soon after Strathcanaird you will reach a left turn off onto a single track road with passing places, which will be sign posted for Achiltibuie.
Follow this road past some glorious scenery including lochs and mountains such as Loch Lurgainn and the famous Stac Pollaidh (anglicised as Stack Polly), which is a distinctive conical mountain and easily recognisable. Continue by passing the road to Lochinver on the right and some more lochs on the left until you reach another junction with the road going off to the right towards Achnahaird and one to the left towards Achiltibuie.
Take the left road past some more lochs on the right until you reach the coast and a sharp turn right signposted for Polbain. When you reach Polbain continue past the Polbain Stores and the cottage will come into view up on the hill behind the second cottage on the right. To see these directions in google maps click here.
For directions to Ullapool please click on the appropriate links below each map. All routes go via Inverness.
In rural Scotland, and particularly the Highlands of Scotland, single track roads are common. These roads are the width of one vehicle and have passing places to allow overtaking and passing. Contrary to what you may think single track roads are actually very safe and call for considerate driving. If you are driving along a single track road and a vehicle is approaching, pull over into a passing place to allow the vehicle to pass or overtake if it is approaching from behind. Generally the car nearest to the passing place will pull in. Try not to pull over to the right even if the passing place is on the right. Stay on the left and the oncoming car will go around you.
Single track roads are part of the magic of the Scottish highlands and almost always have a good surface. As these are found in rural areas you may encounter animals such as sheep or cattle from time to time. When driving on single track roads, as with all roads in Scotland, drive with care and attention with consideration for other motorists.