Is there a way to get from Portree on Skye to Fort William or anywhere else on mainland Scotland that doesn't take days via public transportation? There must be a convenient way to get from Skye to the rest of the Highlands without taking most of a day.
Also, what should I bring for hillwalking in the highlands? I don't want to pack more than I need, but do I need actual hiking boots?
I did a hiking tour on Skye and the tour companies recommend waterproof boots. I’m not sure boots are needed depending on your ankles, but if you’re going on some of the rockier hikes, you’ll want something for hiking with good grip rather than trainers. We also didn’t get a ton of rain so not sure how much better boots are to keep the feet dry I thought a pole was useful but may not be essential, again depending on you. One can be bought at Sports Direct for less than 10 pounds rather than having to check a big going over.
I am doing part of this but backwards this month. I will take the train from Fort William to Mallaig and the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale. I know there used to be busses Armadale to Portree on a limited schedule (last year when I checked, you had to change busses in Broadford, I think) but I haven’t checked that this year. I am renting a car that will be waiting for me in Armadale and I will return it elsewhere (but you can return in Portree - or rent in Portree and return at Armadale) for an additional cost.
What you want to do should be possible, but it's clear from reports on the forum that a lot of people are on the move this year, and demand for travel services in Scotland was greater than the supply even in prior years. If you're traveling by public transportation, you need to plan ahead and book not only hotels but also trains, intercity buses and restaurant tables for dinner--at least on the west coast and on islands.
I used nationalrail.co.uk for train schedules throughout Great Britain in 2019 and travelinescotland.com for Scottish buses ("coaches") and ferries. Although travelinescotland.com included trains as well as buses in its routings, I found the rail schedules didn't always match nationalrail.co.uk, which just seemed more reliable to me.
Bus 915 takes you from the square in Portree to Fort William and takes just over three hours but there are only three services a day. . Find the timetable by scrolling down this website
Depending on the walking you are doing, I would bring boots, especially if you are likely to encounter wet, boggy and pearty conditions. Have you found the Walk Highland website for Skye? There is a 'bog factor' for each walk.
Watwrproof top and trousers are also recommended too! The top can also act as protection against the wind as depending on the day, wind choill can be an issue. Think layers when packing and always carry a spare sweater in your day pack.
There are Citylink coaches that can take you from Portree to either Fort William (and onwards to Glasgow) or Inverness. Citylink Advance reservations are recommended as there are not many coaches each day and they get very busy. The bus drivers are not renowned for their soft skills, so if you don't have a ticket and the bus is full you won't be getting on board.
The coach also stops in Kyle of Lochalsh from where you could pick up a train to Inverness National Rail
- although if you're already on the coach there's not a lot of point in changing to the train! There are no rail lines on Skye.
Yes you need actual hiking boots if you are hill walking in the Highlands. You will also want to have waterproof over trousers and a waterproof and windproof shell jacket, plus gloves and hat. You will also need good maps (Ordnance Survey OS Explorer series) and preferably a compass. Either paper copy or downloaded to your phone. Don't rely on a good phone signal in remote areas.
Hope that helps
Jacqui (Skyegirl)
We were hiking on Skye this June and waterproof boots, water resistant pants, and rain jacket weren't enough to stay dry. At Fairy Pools, we had 40mph winds with horizontal rain that soaked us entirely. Maybe with gaiters and real water PROOF pants we might have stayed drier.
The next day, we had to turn back at the half way point on the Quirang because the 60mph+ winds were difficult to navigate without being on all fours. Same at the Old Man with rain on top of the gales.
Very memorable couple of days! Preceded by three days of light T-shirt weather in Oban, so I guess things balance :-)
