Hello- I am leaving Skye and heading to Inverness and the area around it in the very beginning of Oct. I would prefer to not rent a car but want the flexibility of a car and also have little time to wait for transfers and schedules on public transport. I want to see the pretties scenery, so is that bus or train from Skye (where I am renting a car and could with extra cost take it to Inverness). I am the only driver and feel like I might get too tired and stressed although I am a good driver. . I was thinking to take train or bus (which one?) from Skye to Inverness. Would like to spend the night in the area to see some of the sights around Inverness before heading back via train to Edinburgh to fly home. Any thoughts about this would be really appreciated. Recomendations about transport from Sky to Inverness and the areas around it. Time is more of an issue than money but would prefer to let someone else do the driving. Trip is coming up and I have done a lot of research but am coming to the end with questions I can't answer and someone who has done this trip could be so helpful. Thank you!
Posted by
North Carolina
98 posts
I was considering doing the same--public transportation from the Isle of Skye to Inverness--but am now leaning toward renting a car as we have two drivers. When I was researching public transportation, it seemed to me that the train from Kyle of Lochalsh station that runs to Inverness was the best idea. I think it's called the Kyle line. --Others will know for sure, but check out that route on ScotRail.
Posted by
Delaware
1376 posts
Hi, kristinnasman,
You won't be able to do a one way drop off with any of the car hire companies on Skye or in Kyle of Lochalsh. You'd need to return the car to the same location. As buses are very limited on Skye, and may not go where you want to go, it would probably be in your best interest to rent your car out of Kyle of Lochalsh and return it there. If you are arriving on Skye via Armadale, the car hire company would probably arrange to meet you there.
The train from Kyle of Lochalsh (the Kyle Line) to Inverness travels through some really pretty scenery, especially along Loch Carron. It would be much preferable to making the journey by bus. Sit on the left side, if you can.
If you're just overnighting in Inverness, you may not have time to see a lot. A walk along Nessbank, south along the River Ness, would be my choice. You can cross from the east bank to the west bank using a series of bridges and islands south of the centre of town. You can also find good live folk music most nights at The Gellions or Hootenanny.
Good luck!
Mike (Auchterless)
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
The train ride from Kyle of Lochalsh is one of the most scenic railway journeys in the UK. When my sister and I took it way back when we were 20 somethings we were blown away. I remember moving from window to window taking pictures.
And sadly you can't drop off your Skye car in Inverness. The need for a car depends on how much time you will have. If you are only there for one day I would take public transportation out to Culloden or a taxi or uber. Or do a day tour if you want Loch Ness. If you are staying longer you might want to get a car. Then you could drive over to Clava Cairns or to Fort George or Cawdor Castle, or up to the Black Isle or a bit further afield.
Pam
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you so much for the great tips. I was thinking about taking a bus because of stopping at Urquahart castle and it doesn't appear the train stops there. Am I missing something? So the train is definitely more scenic than the bus? Even if I must miss the castle? Thank you~
Posted by
Delaware
1376 posts
Hi again, kristinnasman,
Urquhart Castle is definitely missable. It's a ruined castle on the side of a big loch. Best to take the train to Inverness and see some stunning scenery.
Slainte!
Mike (Auchterless)