The Isle of Skye is an amazing place with scenery from start to finish. In my blog, I will explain how to get here and what to do en route to make the journey a little more interesting.
Travel option No.1
The best way to get to the Isle of Skye is by private transfer or tour. Our service at Highland Discovery Tours offers both a private tour with drop-off on Skye or returning to Inverness with hotel collection and drop-off, or a direct transfer. Much like Inverness taxis, we will give you a set price so you don't have to play roulette with a taxi meter, which can cost a lot of money depending on vehicle size and time of day you travel. Weekends, evenings, and bank holidays could be triple our price.
We have many drivers and guides who have various vehicles for your journey with us, from V Class Mercedes to my own KGM Rexton and others. Our maximum group size is 7 passengers with luggage, and for bigger groups, we just add on another vehicle.
Travel option No.2
This is by far the cheapest option to get to Skye from Inverness. It's on the bus, a service operated by Citylink buses. Usually, it is a direct transfer, but depending on the time of day you travel, you may have one change. Limitations may apply to luggage.
Travel option No.3
Car Hire: I would only consider this option if you are a confident driver, as some of the roads on Skye are dangerous in peak traffic conditions. The roads are narrow with passing places, and it's on these roads that some of the best scenery is, but it's also where you contend with heavier traffic and poor drivers. You have many options for car hire in Inverness, such as Enterprise, Europcar, Arnold Clark, Sixth, and Focus Car Rental.
Automatic cars will sell out quicker than manual cars, so get your order in early to avoid disappointment. I would also recommend getting a car with bigger tires; the potholes on Skye can be really bad, and thin tires like the ones on BMW and Mercedes cars usually don't make it through the other end of a pothole.
Unfortunately, the train only goes as far as Kyle of Lochalsh. It is a fantastic train ride for the scenery, and from here you can get on the Citylink bus to Portree or pre-book a taxi.
Now you know how to travel there, but what is there to do en route if you decide to take a few scenic stops?
Personally, I would recommend at least 1 or 2 nights staying on Skye at one of the more comfortable hotels such as The Marmalade Hotel, The Cuillin Hills, The Bosville, or Viewfield House. Most guests choose to stay at these hotels with good locally supplied food and comfortable, clean rooms. We rarely hear anything bad about these places.
When traveling to Skye, leave early to beat the traffic. 8:30 am is a great time to start.
Make stops for photos. The first is Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness. There is a great viewpoint at the top of the car park. Get here early when they open; you can't park up unless you pay to go inside.
Next stop: Invermoriston Falls
This is an absolute must. Follow the track from the car park to a Harry Potter-looking house we call Hagrid's House, or cross the road and just after the two cottages, you will find an entrance onto the old bridge to view the falls.
The Redburn Cafe in Dundreggan
As of 2024, Richard and Lynn put the café up for sale, so in 2025 we are not sure if this place will be open. But if it is, we recommend a breakfast stop to grab some Highland cow gifts and maybe see them in the field opposite. Once we are back on the road, we will update this part of the blog to tell you if they are open and if you can see cows here this year, 2025.
Eilean Donan Castle
Home to Clan Macrae, this jewel in the Highlands has featured on many TV shows and films, including the original Highlander. The opening scene was filmed here.
I can hear it now " From the dawn of time we came; moving silently down through the centuries, living many secret lives, struggling to reach the time of the Gathering; when the few who remain will battle to the last".
The next thing you're going to see, 10 miles up the road, is the Isle of Skye Bridge. Just before Kyle of Lochalsh, you might spot the viewpoint for photos.
The view on a clear day of the old volcanoes is one of the best.
Your next stop should be at Sconser. If you didn't see the cows at the Redburn Cafe, Hector's Highland Cows are normally to the left side as you go around the corner. There will be a layby to park in (don't park on the roadside; it's dangerous, and the locals will have a word with you about it).
The next stop, not even 10 minutes from here, is the Sligachan Old Bridge with views of the Cuillin Mountains. On a clear day, the Black Cuillin Mountain can be seen. It's at the back of here where the magic happens at the fairy pools, but the waters of the Sligachan have a tale all of their own: to wash your face in the waters of this river will grant you eternal beauty. The car park to the Sligachan Hotel usually gets busy; you might find some room at the top end of the car park, but please don't park at the roadside here as too many people do. It causes traffic to back up at such a busy area.
You're now only 15 minutes away from Portree. I hope this blog helps your route to Skye and you enjoy your stay in this very special area. Maybe we will see you en route.
I will be making further blogs on my one-day tour from Inverness and Fort William and a two-day stay on the Isle of Skye.
Your Highland Guide
Andy
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