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Mallaig?? (Its in Scotland)

I am thinking about stopping for a couple of days in Mallaig, as according to the maps, it is a major ferry hub for the small islands. I won't be driving. Are the Small Islands(Rhum, Eigg, Muck @ Canna) worth a day trip or two? I know that I want to visit Skye, but as I'm going on to Inverness for several days, would it be better to visit Skye from there? Any recommendations for lodging (inexpensive to moderate) in Mallaig?

Posted by
30 posts

Here I am replying to my own message-Has no one ever been to Mallaig? Its at the end of the "Hogwart's Express" train trip (from Fort William).

Posted by
5678 posts

I think you aren't hearing much as most people pass through Mallaig on the way to somewhere. My sister I passed through on the way from Skye to Glasgow. (We'd hit our limit of rainy days and needed a big city. One of the potential pitfalls of the west of Scotland.) The website I found says it's a working port more than a tourist destination. So, if that's what you want then why not stay there. I've been to Skye three times and it's a beautiful place--even in the rain. Skye can be hard though without a car. Smaller islands are more walkable. Google the islands and see if you like what they say about them. Do you just want to walk? Do you want to see castles? Do you want to hear fiddle music? Do you want to drink whisky? There's a great novel on the western isles if you can find it Whisky Galore. It's also a movie.

At any rate, it's a beautiful spot whether you stay in Mallaig and the isles or go to Skye.

Pam

Posted by
505 posts

Greetings

Inverness is on the other side of the country from Skye so you'd be backtracking to visit Skye from there. Mallaig is the best place to be based to go out to Skye, though there might be package tours that go through or start from Inverness (most I think go from Glasgow or Edinburgh).

I also don't know of anyone who has stayed in Mallaig - it's generally just a place between places.

Kate

Posted by
30 posts

Thanks for replying, Pamela. I'm going to Oban first, then Mallaig for a couple of days. I chose it as it is at the juncture of the railroad and the ferries, but also as it is close to Arasaig and Morar, and if you've ever seen "Local Hero", that is where they filmed the beach scenes and they were gorgeous. I like to putter around small towns and hope to have the opportunity to meet some of the locals. I also am interested in botany and geology (I'm a former science teacher) and hope as well, to see some of the ancient sites. I plan to spend 5 days in Inverness and thought I would book one of the tours to Skye from there-will finish with a couple of days in Edinburgh (I've been to Edinburgh before). If anyone has any suggestions, I would be very appreciative.

Posted by
5678 posts

I agree. I would look into tours to Skye from Mallaig. From Inverness go east to Culloden, walk in the Culbin Sands, take a trip to MacBeth's castle, visit the Black Isle, take a day trip to Glen Afric. Lots of places are within reach of Inverness.

Pam

Posted by
5678 posts

I agree. I would look into tours to Skye from Mallaig. From Inverness go east to Culloden, walk in the Culbin Sands, take a trip to MacBeth's castle, visit the Black Isle, take a day trip to Glen Afric. Lots of places are within reach of Inverness.

Pam

Posted by
30 posts

Maybe I'll go to Skye twice, once from Mallaig and once from Inverness. My son is joining me in Inverness and wants to see Skye. Rick Steves mentions a day tour 'over the Sea to Skye' from Inverness using Puffin Express. Has anyone taken this tour? I've got Rick Steves guidebok for Great Britain and wonder is anyone has a favorite B&B in Inverness. You've all been so helpful-I can't tell you how wonderful this resource is-I print out lots of the related discussions as well as this one.