Hi Howard.Annie -
Well it is a lot, but you seem to have it largely figured out, so go for it.
Recommendations. Agreed, don’t miss your stop at Oxenholme to change to the Kendal train branch line (this is politely saying “don’t nod off” or, if you might, get somebody nearby to give you a nudge as to when to get off). It will seem implausible that the mainline express will stop at such a tiny isolated station, but it is correct! I trust your friend will meet you off the train at Kendal? Especially if travelling onwards?
I further assume you know to book your railway journey in advance - get ‘Advance’ tickets if you can commit to a specifically timed train between London and Oxenholme. Same applies for your return to London from Edinburgh. On all journeys ALWAYS reserve seats where you can (you can’t on Oxenholme to Kendal leg for instance, but on the main line express services you really must).
If not planning to take the ferry to Skye from Mallaig (you’d probably need to have already booked that) then Fort William is your best stop off between Kendal and Skye. Oban is the ferry point to Mull/Iona/Staffa which you won’t have time to do, so while perfectly pleasant, nothing to detain you there. Also Fort William has lots of accommodation - if not booked, may I suggest you get onto that quickly.
And, sorry if this is bad news, but as others have said, if you’ve haven’t secured your accommodation on Skye, then you might struggle at this stage. If all is full, you might try on the mainland within striking distance.
Let us know how you get on. If running into problems we might collectively be able to offer some alternatives.
Ian
