Isle of Skye to Wick

Hi, randicole,

How much time do you have once you leave Skye, to get to Wick! It can be done in one day, if you get an early start, but it wouldn't be by the most scenic routes.

Mike (Auchterless)

still making out our itinerary and open for suggestions! we could make it a 2 day trip easily
Thank you!!

Hi, randicole,

You could take the A87/A887/A82 to Inverness, then the A9 to Wick. That would involve about seven to eight hours of driving. It would be mostly scenic, especially on the way to Inverness, and most of the way through Flow Country up to Wick.

However, my personal preference would be to take the west coast route through Lochcarron, Gairloch, Ullapool, Lochinver, and Durness, and then head across the top of Scotland, through Tongue, Bettyhill, and Thurso. By going that way, you would see some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. You could even attempt the Bealach-na-Ba to Applecross, then drive around the peninsula via the coast road to Shieldaig. Going by the west coast route would take you two days. Best places to stop would be Lochinver or Durness.

To be honest, I've never stayed in Wick. It's not the most attractive of towns, although the harbor area is fairly reasonable. It's not considered a "tourist" town, although there are a couple of (free) castles and the Old Pulteney distillery. I haven't been to it, but the Wick Heritage Centre is supposed to be quite nice. The Lonely Planet Guide recommends Mackay's Hotel, but you could go on Trip Advisor and check out reviews for the various hotels and B&Bs.

Good luck to you!

Slainte!

Mike (Auchterless)

thank you very much!!! Very helpful!! That was exactly what I wanted to hear about the more scenic route!! Maybe I shouldn't have specifically said Wick. However, one of our destinations is to go to Castle Sinclair(family heritage of our travel partners)...Any reviews on John O'Groates lodging?
Looking forward to your answers!

Would Ullapool also be a good place to stop and spend the night?

Hi again, randicole,

You'd be better off staying in Wick or Thurso, and just visiting John O'Groats and Dunnet Head, as well as Duncansby Head for the sea stacks. Wick or Thurso would provide you with a much better selection of lodging and places to eat. Other than the Seaview Hotel, most of John O'Groats is self catering accommodation.

Best wishes,

Mike (Auchterless)

p.s.: Just saw your question about Ullapool. It would make a good stop for an overnight. It's the largest population center on the west coast, and would have a greater choice of lodging than Lochinver, Kinlochbervie, or Durness. It's also in an attractive setting.