We'll be in Inverness in early October for 3 days and would like to visit the Isle of Skye & the Eileen Donan Castle. Wondering if we should hire a car for the day and drive there in order to have a more flexible schedule or is it better to take a tour. Some tours can be fun because of all the information but I've found they limit your ability to wander a bit. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Chicagoland
1733 posts
Skye is really best if you can spend a couple days on the island. If you only have 1 day, your time will be limited whether you drive or take a tour. You will not have time to wander. So save yourself the hassle of a rental and book a tour. Rabbie's Tours has a good 1 day tour.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
3192 posts
I would do a tour with Rabbies to be able to see more in one day.
https://www.rabbies.com/en-us/tour/skye-eilean-donan-castle-day-tour-from-inverness
Note that most people don't feel the interior of the castle is interesting (it's not old), but it's exterior is very attractive.
Posted by
Freedonia
18468 posts
I did the Rabbies one day tour of Eileen Donan Castle and Isle of Skye a number of years ago.
We got plenty of time at the castle. It was a beautiful day so our driver/guide took us up a backroad near the top of a mountain and we could see across to the mainland.
The scenery is beautiful in that area so I suggest leaving the driving to someone else.
Posted by
Delaware
1693 posts
Hi, kvaldez1950,
As a veteran of many holidays in Scotland over the last 53 years, I have to say that hiring a car is the way to go. You can go where you want, and stop where you want. These tours are fine, but if you see a beautiful overlook, a charming pub where you'd like to stop for lunch, or a public footpath that looks promising, that tour bus/van is not going to stop and wait for you.
Get a good guidebook, or do some research on the internet to plan your route.
Give me a car every time!
Enjoy Skye (and Eilean Donan, if you so decide)!
Mike (Auchterless)
Posted by
Chicagoland
1733 posts
Mike, the difference between you and the OP is your 53 years of experience.
OP, please correct me if I'm wrong, but this sounds like a first trip to Scotland. Do you have experience driving in the UK? A one day trip to Skye, that is known to be crowded, where parking can be an issue at every stop, just doesn't sound like an enjoyable day to me. Add in the time to pick up and return the car and it makes for an exhausting day, especially for the driver.
Now, if you're planning a longer car rental I might have a different opinion. But then, I would suggest a minimum 2 days on Skye.
Enjoy your holiday, whatever you decide.
Posted by
OP
California
4 posts
Thanks everybody! Sounds like a tour would be best for us since we won't be staying there overnight.