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West Highland Way and Isle of Skye

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My husband and I and another couple are planning a trip to Scotland in July. We are planning to hike the northern section of the West Highland Way and then to head to Skye for several days.

1) We want to use a reputable company to use to book and support our West Highland Way walk. We have found several companies that offer a self-guided tour of the northern West Highland Way, but are not finding many (or any) reviews of these companies on-line. Specifically, we can't find any reviews of CNDO Scotland - has anyone booked with them before? Any other companies anyone would recommend? We'd like a company that will transport our bags and make lodging reservations.

2) We are planning to spend three nights on the Isle of Skye. We were hoping to find a self-catering rental option, but have so far been unable to find one that will allow for only three nights instead of a full week. So, we are considering B&Bs instead. Any recommendations for either self-catering rentals or B&Bs would be much appreciated. Are we really best off basing in Portree? What about Dunvegan? We are looking to do some hiking, some scenic driving, and some relaxing.

Thanks so much,
Ariel

Posted by
5678 posts

Hi, I can't help you with that company, but I do have a couple of suggestions.

First, did you use the Visit Scotland site to search on tour operators? At least with that site you know that you know that it's been vetted to some extent. This is the link to my search.

Also, there is a great site, Walk Highlands. They list a lot of companies.

The company that I've walked with is really just one person and she's not completely in the business anymore so I sadly, I can't send you to her.

A long shot might be to check out Scotland's Ramblers.

Portree is centrally located. I stayed there on my first visit to Skye and you can get to a lot from there. Somebody described Skye as a starfish with lots of arms, and that's really not a bad way to think about it. Each of those arms have a slightly different character. That's part of what makes Skye so appealing. From Portree you can easily get to Duirinish and Waternish in the northwest. That's where Dunvegan is and there's a nice walk on one of the coral beaches. Also, Neist Point in Duirinish has a very dramatic lighthouse with views across the Minch to the outer Hebrides. Also, there's a great jewelry store, Skye Silver. You can also easily get to Trotternish which has interesting rock formations as well history and beautiful views. There are even some standing stones and some very old cemeteries.

The Cuillins, the big mountains are to the south in Minginish. There are Red Cuillins and Black Cuillins. The latter are much more rugged. Years ago we did an amazing walk from Sligachan where we walked into the Cuillins and the end had a wonderful view of Loch Coruisk. I've also gone to Elgol and taken the boat over to the Loch--different view equally impressive! The view from the pier at Elgol is very impressive. I've not explored Armadale so you'll need to hear from others.

Pam

Posted by
5837 posts

We have booked three self-guided walking holidays including the WHW. using Contours Walking Holidays booking service. The arrange overnight accommodations, luggage transfers and provide maps, guidebooks, and instructions on locating accommodations. We have been totally satisfied with the service provided. http://www.contours.co.uk/walking-holidays/scotland.php

Contours worked with our needs adding rest days etc. To custom design our itinerary. The biggest value is Contours ability to find remote accommodations matching our walking itinerary. One could do it your self cheaper, but the value of having the booking service work the travel specifics is a benefit worth the matrkup. And it's far cheaper than a group guided trip.

Posted by
8 posts

Ariel, we have stayed in Skye every time we go to Scotland. We have 2 friends who live there and we now spend the night(s) on Skye with them, but before we always stayed at Peinmore House, which is in Portree. LOVE IT!!!!!! They have B&B or self-catering. Don & Margaret are lovely people and the food is always delicious. We have stayed in one of the the self-catering choices and loved it. My husband said he could easily live there and that's something coming from him!

We think Skye is Scotland in miniature; my husband loves it best.

Enjoy your trip!!

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