Does anyone have suggestions for under-the-radar places to stay on Skye overnight July 3rd? Maybe with someone who also does a taxi service or small group tours? I’d like to take the scenic route from Glasgow to Inverness via West Highland Line train. I’d be leaving Glasgow on 7/3 to Mallaig then ferry to Skye by mid-late afternoon. Given long days in July, I might be able to squeeze in a bus tour of Skye before an overnight stay and then board the Kyle of Lockalsh Line to Inverness. Because I’m booking so late and will be without a car, finding a one-night overnight stay in Skye is turning out to be pretty challenging. I don’t need anything fancy but not sure how comfortable I’d be as a senior citizen in Lockalsh’s hostels….. Any ideas?
Posted by
Lake District, England
11414 posts
The timings are-
Glasgow Queen Street depart 0822 Mallaig arrive 1340, Ferry depart 1430 Armadale arrive 1515. (or 1545 arrive 1615)
The bus leaves at 1710, terminating at Broadford.
A mile outside Broadford (very close to a bus stop) there is the Scorrybreac Guest House- as of this morning they have a deluxe room with sea view single occupancy for £122- for Skye in July that is excellent value.
Can only be booked on booking.com
Not sure how you'd squeeze in a tour of Skye that day, but you may be able to next day- then Citylnk bus at 1540 from Portree/1626 Broadford, arrive Kyle of Lochalsh 1641 for the last train of the day at 1713
There should be an 0800 local bus on 4 July from Broadford to Portree. That would give time to use the service bus to go to Dunvegan or around the Trotternish peninsula- https://www.isleofskye.com/images/Travel/Stagecoach-Skye-Timetable.pdf
The first Citylink to Portree is at 1101 arrive Portree 1144. That still gives time for a circuit of Trotternish, or a quick run down to Dunvegan and back.
Posted by
Isle of Skye, Scotland
1598 posts
I’m sorry to say the your plans are unrealistic in terms of an afternoon/evening bus tour of Skye. There are only a couple of small bus tour operators based in Skye (e.g. Skye Wildlife Tours or Skye Tours) and their tours are all whole day tours lasting a minimum of 5 hours. Other operators such as Rabbies start from locations off Skye such as Inverness and offer single or multi day trips to Skye with accommodation arranged. You might be able to find a local taxi willing to meet you from the ferry and drive you around, but it will be eye wateringly expensive. Skye is a big island with poor roads and journeys take a long time, especially in summer when road are busy with rental cars and camper vans.
For accommodation there is a Facebook group called “Rooms in Skye” that aims to match accommodation providers with those seeking rooms. It might be worth a try. However, if you don’t have a car you are severely restricting your options as public transport is very limited outside of the main route from Kyle of Lochalsh to Uig via Broadford and Portree.
However I just did a search on booking.com for 3rd July and found the Scorrybreac B&B in Broadford for £122. That is an absolute bargain. It is is also in a very good location for you as it is near the junction of the A851 from Armadale and the A87 which is the main road from Portree to Kyle. If you can get from the ferry to Broadford either by bus or taxi, you could then easily get a bus the next morning to Kyle of Lochalsh to pick up the train to Inverness or simply get the bus direct to Inverness.
Edited to add that Isn31c and I obviously had the same B&B thought! It’s a real bargain so I’d book it now! And he is spot on with bus info too.
Posted by
Mountains of S. Oregon
1108 posts
We thoroughly enjoyed Skye, but I think trying to squeeze it in for just one night is verging on silly.
Posted by
Chicagoland
2053 posts
Skye without a car is always challenging.
Finding a room on Skye is always a challenge.
On your other post you received a suggestion to take the train to Mallaig and then head to Inverness.
You could overnight in either Maillig or the hamlet of Glenfinnan on beautiful Loch Shiel and enjoy a boat ride, walk to Glenfinnan Monument and see the train pass over the Viaduct. You'll still have fantastic scenery.
Posted by
Chicagoland
2053 posts
I have another idea for an overnight trip on your way to Inverness that will give you beautiful scenery and an island experience without the logistical problems of Skye.
Take the West Highland Line from Glasgow to the port town of Oban (3 hours). Explore the town (Dunollie Museum, Dunstaffnage Castle, Oban Distillery) and the next day take a tour with
West Coast Tours.
They offer a half day tour to Duart Castle on the island of Mull. Even better is the wonderful 2 Island tour to Mull and Iona with a visit to the Abbey. You would be back in Oban in time to take the direct bus to Inverness in the evening (3 hours).
Posted by
Lake District, England
11414 posts
Note that the Skye Tours referred to by Skyegirl above start from the morning train at Kyle of Lochalsh, and end there in the evening.
They also pick up at Broadford at 1150. The cost is £75 and they have room currently on 4 July, then they take you straight back to the Kyle of Lochalsh in time for the 1713 train.
Note also that service bus fares on Skye are capped at £2 from 23 March.
So that is the Armadale to Broadford bus covered.
So there you are, bus to Broadford, an excellently priced hotel, a tour and transport to the train in the evening.
As easy as that, but you need to move fast, especially to secure the guest house. "Logistical problems" solved.
A very lucky combination of circumstances there.
If you go to Oban you miss the best part of the West Highland Line, across Rannoch Moor.