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Skye and Fort William by public transport
Skye is one of Scotland's most beautiful and romantic islands. Beginning in Inverness and finishing in Glasgow via Fort William, you'll make use of good integrated public transport links to get around. Clans, castles and one of Europe's finest rail journeys are all part of this itinerary - get ready to make some awesome island memories.
- Start / Finish
- Broadford / Inveraray
- Days4
- Distance174Miles278km
- TransportBus
- Main themeSightseeing
- Highlights
- Breathtaking scenery
- Geological wonders
- Charming towns
- Ferry journey
- The UK's highest mountain
- Areas covered
- North
Day 1Getting to Skye
- Transport:
- Bus
You can get to the Isle of Skye from the Highland capital of Inverness. The city has good bus links to the island or you could go by train to Kyle of Lochalsh. It terminates close to the Skye Bridge which links the island with the mainland, and the train connects with bus services.
If coming directly from central Scotland, you can take advantage of daily bus services operating between Glasgow's Buchanan Bus Station and Uig on Skye. However you choose to travel, either route is a magnificent introduction to the landscapes of the west - the views out the window are superb.
- 1
Broadford Broadford
Plan in AdvanceThe journey from Broadford to Egol is stunning – but it is essential to check bus times and plan your route carefully prior to arriving.
Broadford lies in the shadow of the imposing Cuillins, and is the first town you come to after crossing the Skye bridge.
Catch the bus service to Elgol, a remote community on the west coast of Skye offering boat trips as well as the wonderful scenery of the Cuillins. This is often described as Scotland's finest mountain view, so have the camera charged and ready for some snaps!
Find out more about BroadfordBroadford,Broadford,IV49 9AB - 2
Portree Portree
Portree is a lovely place to stay while you're on Skye. It's one of the island's most thriving spots, with plenty of accommodation options and places to eat and drink.
Explore local attractions around Portree. Take a stroll around the harbour, and if time allows, pay a visit to Isle of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre. From its humble origins in a grass-roofed croft on the Braes of Skye, this local brand now boasts stores across the UK. Find out how their beautiful candles, soaps and skincare products are still handmade on Skye by islanders using sustainably sourced soya wax.
Remember to book accommodation in advance, especially in the summer.
Find out more about PortreePortree,IV51 9EL
Day 2North Skye
There's a lot to pack in today! You'll see some of Skye's world-famous landscapes, get a flavour for island life, and then you can either catch the bus to an ancient castle, or take it to Talisker Distillery, to try the island's warming malt whisky at its source. Decisions, decisions!
- 3
Trotternish ridge and Museum of Island Life Trotternish
Explore the beautiful Trotternish Ridge - 20 miles of extraordinary rock formations located north of Portree, marked at each end by the rock pinnacles of the Storr and the Quiraing. Local bus services also serve the fascinating Skye Museum of Island Life which has a bus stop located in the village of Kilmuir.
Find out more about Trotternish ridge and Museum of Island LifeKilmuir,Trotternish,IV51 9UEKey facilities- Parking
- On Public Transport Route
- Pets Welcome
- Level Access
- 4
Dunvegan Castle Dunvegan
Don't missThe clan treasures - the most famous of which is the Fairy Flag, a sacred banner which comes with its own legend.
This castle is set on a spectacular location on a rocky perch beside a loch, surrounded by verdant woodland. And its history is bound to impress too. It's the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and it's been the ancestral home of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years.
Outside, explore the grounds and get a seal-eye view of the castle as you enjoy a boat trip on Loch Dunvegan.
Find out more about Dunvegan CastleDunvegan Castle & Gardens,Dunvegan,IV55 8WFKey facilities- Parking
- On Public Transport Route
- Pets Welcome
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Accessible toilets
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 5
Talisker Distillery Drynoch
This is the original distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillins. Take a distillery tour and enjoy the sweet tastes of Skye's full-bodied whisky.
Remember to book a tour in advance to avoid disappointment.
Find out more about Talisker DistilleryDiageo Scotland Ltd.,Carbost,Drynoch,IV47 8SRKey facilities- Parking
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Accessible toilets
- WiFi
Day 3Portree, south Skye and the west Highlands
It's your last morning on Skye before you start to make your way to Glasgow, the finishing point in this itinerary. While it might be difficult to pull yourself away from the island, there's a few delights awaiting you on the mainland!
- 6
Armadale to Mallaig Armadale
Enjoy the beautiful bus journey to the small town of Armadale on the Sleat Peninsula in the south of the island, where you'll also find attractions like Armadale Castle and Gardens. At the ferry terminal, admire beautiful scenery as you say your goodbyes to Skye - it'll be hard, but the next part of the trip is going to be great too! Take the ferry to the mainland. It arrives at Mallaig, a busy Highland fishing port.
Find out more about Armadale to MallaigArmadale,IV45 8RQ - 7
Travelling to Fort William Fort William
From Mallaig, you can take advantage of the train and bus connections to Fort William. A summer season highlight is to take the Jacobite Steam Train* service, hauled by a vintage locomotive running from Fort William to Mallaig. It goes over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct - recognise it from the Harry Potter films?! We're not exaggerating when we say it's one of the greatest train journeys in the world!
On your arrival at Fort William you can enjoy spectacular views of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Stay overnight in the town's accommodation to enjoy wonderful Highland hospitality.
* Please note that the Jacobite Steam Train is running with reduced capacity for the 2024 season. Please check directly for the latest availability.
Find out more about Travelling to Fort WilliamFort William,PH33 6EN
Day 4Oban and Inveraray
- Transport:
- Bus
Now it's time to sit back and drink in the sights from the window of the bus to Glasgow!
Instead of just heading from Fort William to Glasgow, take a detour and spend today discovering other delights of the west of Scotland. The bus journey takes about three hours. If you time it right you might be able to factor in a break at Inveraray, and take a later service for the remainder of the journey.
The route will take you eastwards through the pass of Brander and by Loch Awe to reach Inveraray. Up and over the high pass called the Rest and Be Thankful you will see Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, with superb panoramas across to high Ben Lomond and the Loch Lomond islands.
- 8
Oban Oban
With its handsome waterfront along a sheltered bay, Oban offers plenty to do - there's a museum, galleries, independent shops and a distillery.
Find out more about ObanOban - 9
Inverary Inveraray
Look out forUp and over the high pass called the Rest and Be Thankful you will see Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, with superb panoramas across to high Ben Lomond and the Loch Lomond islands.
Inveraray is a town, built by the third Duke of Argyll in the mid 18th century. Inveraray Castle is close by, where you can admire its distinctive towers and fine collections of tapestry, armour, furniture and works of art.
Find out more about InveraryInveraray
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