Citylink bus service, Lochaber

2 Day Inverness to Isle of Skye itinerary

Exploring the Highlands and islands by public transport is simple with Scottish Citylink. This two-day itinerary follows one of the company's most scenic bus routes, which takes passengers on a spellbinding journey from Inverness to Portree on the Isle of Skye.

Disembark at stops along the way to take in dramatic vistas, delightful villages, lunch spots and some of Scotland's most iconic destinations and attractions including Loch Ness, the Caledonian Canal and Urquhart Castle.

For the complete route and details of other stops, download the timetable from the official Scottish Citylink website.

Start / Finish
Loch Ness area / Portree
  • Days
    2
  • Distance
    91Miles

    146km
  • Transport
    Bus
  • Main theme
    Sightseeing
Highlights
Loch Ness
The Caledonian Canal
Fort Augustus
Glen Shiel
Portree
Areas covered
North
West

Day 1Inverness to Invergarry

Transport
Bus
Walking

Start early and catch the bus at its departure point at Farraline Bus Station in Inverness, the 'Capital of the Highlands'. Today, the bus will stop at some gorgeous spots along the Caledonian Canal where you can enjoy a coffee, take in magnificent views of  Loch Ness, and even take a short cruise on this vast watery expanse famed around the world for its mythical monster.

Browse artisanal crafts, pay a visit to Urquhart Castle - one of the world's most iconic castles, and enjoy lunch in a traditional Highland inn before stopping for an overnight stay at the spectacularly situated village of Invergarry.

  • Dochgarroch Lock Loch Ness area

    An Talla - café and retail destination on the banks of the Caledonian Canal.

    Stop at Dochgarroch Lock on the banks of the Caledonian Canal. This magnificent waterway flows through the Highlands, from Inverness to Fort William. Take a morning walk along the pathway as canal boats, yachts and other pleasure vessels glide past before stopping for a coffee and breakfast at An-Talla by Loch Ness.

    If time allows, why not take a two-hour cruise with Jacobite Cruises? Soak up the glorious panorama as you sail down this 19th century canal and around the iconic Loch Ness

    Find out more about Dochgarroch Lock
    Dochgarroch Lock,Dochgarroch,Loch Ness area,IV3 8JG
  • Drumnadrochit & Urquhart Castle Loch Ness

    Urquhart Castle

    Nessie Hunting

    Read our blog with tips on how to spot the Loch Ness Monster!

    Arrive in the village of Drumnadrochit on the northern shores of Loch Ness. Visit the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition to learn everything there is to know about the second deepest body of water in the UK - and of course, its legendary monster called Nessie.

    You can also get up close to Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland's most famous castles.

    Find out more about Drumnadrochit & Urquhart Castle
    Drumnadrochit,Loch Ness,IV63 6XJ
    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  • Invermoriston Invermoriston

    The Old Stone Bridge (built by Thomas Telford) over the River Moriston

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

    Time to make a pit stop in Invermoriston, a tiny village with a delightful stone bridge designed by Thomas Telford arching over the tumbling river rapids of the Invermoriston Falls. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Glenrmoriston Arms Hotel followed by a dram or tea and coffee in the 18th century Moriston bar with its original timber-beamed ceiling. Afterwards, there are waymarked footpaths you can follow into the surrounding wooded hills, leading to other photogenic waterfalls.

    Find out more about Invermoriston
    Glenmoriston Arms Hotel,Invermoriston,IV63 7YA
    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • WiFi
    • Breakfast Available
  • Fort Augustus Fort Augustus

    From here you can see stunning views around Loch Ness and the surrounding area. This is the B862 from Fort Augustus which is known as General Wade's M

    © VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

    This pretty town sits around the Caledonian Canal. Surrounded by verdant forest and moorland dotted with purple heather, it’s well worth exploring this area on foot if you have time to spare, with a myriad of low-level walking options available. Enjoy a gentle meander along the canal which forms part of the Great Glen Way or venture further afield to take in spots like the Beauly Firth. 

    Find out more about Fort Augustus
    Fort Augustus,PH32 4BD
  • Invergarry Invergarry

    The Invergarry hotel, with its steeply pitched roofs, glows snugly on a snowy day, perched high on the bank above the river Garry

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins, all rights reserved

    Located at the foot of Glengarry, this charming old village offers access to a myriad of stunning walking routes. Soak up the natural beauty of Glengarry Forest and the shore of Loch Oich where the 17th century ruin of Invergarry Castle, the former seat of the Chiefs of Clan MacDonnell, overlooks the water.

    Book a night in the traditional Invergarry Hotel or other nearby accommodation and enjoy a well-earned rest.

    Find out more about Invergarry
    Invergarry

Day 2Invergarry to Kensaleyre Village

Transport
Bus
Walking

On the second and final day of your journey, the bus will follow a winding route through some incredible Highand scenery. Marvel at dramatic glens and serene lochs, with tiny picturesque villages scattered along the way.

After crossing the Skye Bridge, we arrive on the Isle of Skye. The last stage of the route offers a tantalising taste of island life, with stops in the bustling settlements of Broadford and Portree, alongside traditional crofting communities, before concluding at one of Skye's most ancient sites.

  • The Cluanie Inn Loch Ness area

    The Cluanie Inn

    © Black Sheep Management Services Ltd.

    This mountain Inn embodies the rustic charm of Highland hospitality, serving hearty meals and boasting a crackling log fire in the lobby. Located at the head of Glen Shiel, it's the perfect place to pause and marvel at the beauty of this remote wilderness which attracts hikers from around the world.

    As the road leads into the glen, keep watch for the roadside stone memorial which commemorates the Battle of Glenshiel, an infamous clash between Jacobite clans and redcoat forces which took places in 1719.

    Find out more about The Cluanie Inn
    Loch Ness area,IV63 7YW
    Key facilities
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Wet room or level entry shower
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Pets Welcome
    • WiFi
    • Breakfast Available
  • Broadford Broadford

    View across Broadford Bay, Broadford, Isle of Skye.

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

    Plan in Advance

    The 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 Broadford
    Broadford,Broadford,IV49 9AB
  • Strollamus Skye

    Thatched croft, Isle of Skye

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

    Crofting used to be a way of life which was common throughout the Highlands and islands. Best described as a form of small-scale farming, crofters would live sustainably by making their living solely off the land.

    Today, the number of crofts has dwindled hugely. But there are still places where you can find people who still practice this tradition. One such place is Strollamus where you can see a handful of working crofts.

    Tour Strollamus
  • Portree & Kensaleyre Portree

    View from Portree across the water at dusk, with stunning mountains beyond

    © © VisitScotland, All rights reserved, use

    Portree is the island capital of Skye. Stroll around the postcard-perfect harbour, which is lined with brightly painted houses, or take a wildlife spotting cruise in the Sound of Raasay with the MV Stardust.

    The name Portree is Gaelic for the 'King's Harbour', and fittingly, you'll find plenty of fine accommodation from the Royal HotelCuillin Hills Hotelthe Bosville Hotel, and many more welcoming hotels and guest houses.

    If time allows, a 30 minute bus ride from Portree will take you to the village of Kensaleyre. Here you can visit one of the island's most ancient sites, the Kensaleyre Standing Stones. Located on the moorland shore of Loch Eyre, the surrounding site which includes a church and burial cairns, is steeped in history and atmosphere. Visit just before dusk to watch the sunset before returning to Portree or your arrival destination.

    Find out more about Portree & Kensaleyre
    Portree,IV51 9EL

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