917 Inverness to Skye

Journey Overview

This is possibly one of the most spellbinding journeys in the UK and indeed the world, encompassing the Highlands and islands, from the culture and heritage of Inverness to the magic of the Isle of Skye, there’s breath-taking scenery and adventure with every twist and turn. Dramatic glens, serene lochs and marvellous villages appear on the landscape with fascinating frequency on this remarkable journey. 

Incredible vistas, delightful villages and iconic destinations and attractions, including Loch Ness, the Caledonian Canal, Fort Augustus and Urquhart Castle, it’s a trip that creates lifelong memories and experiences. There’s an invincible sense of occasion on each stage of the journey, no more so than the last stage as the bus penetrates the heart of island life, crossing the Sky Bridge onto the Isle of Skye and cutting through vibrant, croft communities in Broadford and Portree.

A Fab Day Out!

This is a journey that can be experienced in one trip. However, as there are only two services a day currently (one in the morning and early evening), to get the most out of your adventure, you could enjoy spreading it over 2 or maybe three days!

Leaving the culture and history of bustling Inverness behind, the bus traverses fabulous scenery along the Caledonian Canal with its magnificent vantage points of Loch Ness, including disembarking at the Visitor Centre for a brief cruise of the Loch and fascinating insights into the mythical monster. Disembarking the coach at Dochgarroch Lock, there’s also fabulous walks along the Caledonian canal or a longer Jacobite Cruise with its incredible panorama as the boat sails down the canal and Loch Ness.

A visit to Urquhart Castle is highly recommended and then maybe an overnight stay in the lovely Inergarry, with a walk up to the village’s local Corbett, Ben Tee!

The next day, the bus follows a winding route through the heart of the Highland landscape. Stop off first at Claunie Inn, at the head of Glen Shiel, a delightful, remote mountain Inn with fabulous Highland hospitality and a cracking log fire and great food. 

Back on the coach and it’s through the remote hamlets of Ardelve, Kirkton, Renraig, Kyle of Lochalsh, crossing Shiel Bridge over the Loch Alsh. After crossing the Skye Bridge, the first stop on the Island is Kyleakin. Then it’s onto Broadford, which is a fabulous place to disembark to take in the view across the bay to Applecross or some bird spotting at this most fantastic of locations.

You can stop off at any of these places along the way. Or you might want to wait until arriving at Broadford, the second largest village on the island. Set against the mountainous backdrop of the Red Cuillins, the views across the bay to Applecross, under the backdrop of the mountains of the Red Cuillins, are breath-taking. It’s also one of the best bird-watching locations on Skye where you can see a huge array of species including native varieties and exotic migrants. Stopping off at Strollamus is also highly recommended, where you can see a handful still of working crofts, despite the crofting population declining markedly over the past few decade.

The coach then finds its way to Portree, the capital of the Isle of Skye, with its beautiful harbour, pretty painted houses and fascinating wildlife. There’s also another great scenic journey to enjoy – the half hour trip to Kensaleyre from Portree where one of the Island’s most ancient site, the Kensaleyre Standing Stones can be experienced. It’s situated on the moorland shore of Loch Eyre, surrounded by an ancient church and burial cairns.