Fort William

Skye and Fort William by public transport

So you're off to Skye! Without a doubt, it's one of Scotland's most beautiful and romantic islands, and you are going to love it! 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
  • Days
    4
  • Distance
    174.7 Miles

    279.52 km
  • Transport
    Car
  • Main theme
    Sightseeing
Highlights
Breathtaking scenery
Geological wonders
Charming towns
Ferry journey
The UK's highest mountain
Areas covered
North

Day 1 Getting 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.

  • Broadford Broadford

    View across Broadford Bay, Broadford, Isle of Skye.

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

    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 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
  • Portree Portree

    Portree harbour

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    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. The award-winning Aros Centre covers the heritage of Skye and the lives of the island's sea eagles, and also has a great exhibition on St Kilda, a remote archipelago off the west of Scotland which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, take a stroll around the harbour.

    Find out more about Portree
    Top tip

    Remember to book accommodation in advance, especially in the summer!

    Portree, IV51 9EL

Day 2 North Skye

Transport:
Bus
Walking

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 explore an ancient castle, or try the island's warming malt whisky at its source. Decisions, decisions!

  • Trotternish ridge and Museum of Island Life Trotternish

    The Skye Museum Of Island Life

    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, and if time allows, Faerie Glen is definitely worth a visit. The bus stops at Uig Hotel and from here you can explore this extraordinary location formed by a series of landslides.

    Find out more about Trotternish ridge and Museum of Island Life
    Kilmuir, Trotternish, IV51 9UE
    Key facilities
    • Pets Welcome
    • Level Access
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Parking
  • Dunvegan Castle Dunvegan

    Dunvegan Castle and Gardens

    © Talisker Distillery / Jakub Iwanicki

    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 Castle
    Time to explore
    3 hours
    Don't miss

    The clan treasures - the most famous of which is the Fairy Flag, a sacred banner which comes with its own legend.

    Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, Dunvegan, IV55 8WF
    Key facilities
    • Pets Welcome
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Parking
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  • Talisker Distillery Drynoch

    Talisker Distillery & Visitors Centre

    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.

    Find out more about Talisker Distillery
    Remember

    Make sure to book a tour in advance to avoid disappointment.

    Diageo Scotland Ltd., Carbost, Drynoch, IV47 8SR
    Key facilities
    • WiFi
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • Parking

Day 3 Portree, south Skye and the west Highlands

Day 4 Oban and Inveraray

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