Hello I would appreciate some help with general info as I try to make a trip plan. We are two adults traveling in July. First time in Scotland, have some flexibility with time spent there but I'm thinking about 9 days or so. We will be flying in and out of Edinburgh. We will rent a car for most of the trip but would like to take advantage of a scenic train ride for one leg. I understand this would mean hiring a car and in one location and paying drop off fee to return back in Edinburgh. We would ultimately like to spend a few nights in Skye - 2 or 3?. We like lakes, nature walks, small towns and prefer B+B or inns for accommodation. I see that it seems best to take a train from Glasgow as opposed to Edinburgh, so we could take the train to Glasgow and overnight there and then leave the next morning on the West Highland line to Fort William? If we do take this train trip will we regret not being able to stop and see the sites along the way? Is it possible to rent a car there? If not what do you suggest instead? I would like suggestions as to where to overnight and for how long, and I think it would be nice if possible to take a different route back to Edinburgh. There seem to be so many options I'm a bit overwhelmed. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Posted by
Delaware
1562 posts
Hi, mcgeecns,
Planning a trip to Scotland can certainly be overwhelming if you only have about nine days!
Based on what you want to see, I would recommend, as you mentioned, the West Highland Line train from Glasgow to Fort William. That's one of the most scenic of the Scottish rail journeys. From Fort William, you could hire a car and drive out to Mallaig on the A830, then take the ferry from there to Armadale on Skye. After spending a few days on Skye, you could then either drive back to Fort William to return the car, or drive to Inverness and drop the car off there. If you drive from Fort William to Mallaig, there are some lovely beaches along the way, as well as some easy hikes.
EasyDrive car hire in Fort William is instituting a one way drop off arrangement this year. However, it's not cheap! It's going to cost somewhere in the area of 300 pounds for a drop off in Inverness (in addition to the cost of the rental), and about the same for a one way drop off at either Glasgow or Edinburgh airports. However, the convenience of not having to drive back to Fort William to return the car may outweigh the cost of a one way drop off.
Your other alternative would be to take the train from Fort William to Mallaig (another lovely train journey), take the ferry to Armadale as foot passengers, and arrange for a car hire on Skye. When you are finished on Skye, you can return the car at Kyle of Lochalsh, then take the train to Inverness from there.
From Inverness, you could return to Edinburgh or Glasgow by train, preferably via Aberdeen.
In answer to your question, yes, if you do take most of this journey by train, you will definitely regret not being able to stop and see the sites along the way! However, the train trip(s) will pique your interest for a return trip, and next time, all by car!
I hope that's enough information to get you started!
Best wishes, and safe travels!
Mike (Auchterless)