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Where to stay between Edinburgh and Skye?

We'll be staying in Edinburgh for 2 nights and then want to drive towards Skye. I think it would be too long of a trip to stay the night in Skye immediately, so I'm looking for suggestions/advice on where to stay in between.

On the way from Edinburgh to Skye, we'd like to see Stirling Castle, Loch Lomand, Oban, Ft William, to name a few, so any of those places are options.

Thanks in advance!

Posted by
5678 posts

I would start by going from Edinburgh to Stirling. You can drive west to Loch Lomond and north to Oban. I think that the drive from Stirling to Oban will be at least 3 hours, but maybe you'll get someone to answer who has made this drive. My estimate is based on driving bits of this and using via michelin web site. The drive to Mallaig the next day will take at least 2-3 hours. It will take you an hour plus to get to Stirling. Ask you hotel host what would be the best strategy for leaving Edinburgh. You should be going against commuters in the AM. Bear in mind that these are beautiful drives and its hard to resist stopping to admire views and take in the scenery. You might want to think about going straight up to Fort William from Stirling and on to Skye the next day. And then catch Oban and Loch Lomond on a return trip south. Pam

Posted by
30 posts

Thanks Pam! We won't be coming south, though, but rather going East towards Loch Ness/Inverness/Culloden. So this will be our one chance.

Posted by
41 posts

Three years ago I went to Scotland with a similar itinerary to yours. I remember we stayed Glengarry House in Tyndrum. There's not much in Tyndrum except that it's an in-between place. The B&B was fantastic though. We also stayed at An Airidh in Portree (gorgeous views of the loch).

If you're planning on heading up towards Loch Ness, we stayed at Fiddler's at Oakdale in Drumnadrochit.

Scotland is my favorite place to visit. I think it's great that you're allowing a stopover between Edinburgh and Skye. We found ourselves stopping every so many miles to take pictures of the breathtaking scenery and hiking off the road away from the car sometimes to get even better shots. It took us twice as long to get anywhere in the Highlands :)

Posted by
30 posts

Ahhhh... I'm currently listening to the rain fall tonight at a B&B in Ft. William. The drive here from Edinburgh was truly breathtaking and I can't wait to explore more!

Posted by
189 posts

Hi! In one day, I drove from Edinburgh, by Loch Lomond, up to Skye and back. Now, that was a LOONGG day. I do not recommend it. I think you are smart to break it up. Stirling is a great place to stay, and the town and castle are amazing.
Make sure you see Eilean Donan. It's an amazing place.