Skye without a car, for a few days?
Feb 16, 2019, 7:50 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: UK
Programs: BAEC GGL, HHonors Diamond, IHG Uninspired, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium, UK AMEX Plat
Posts: 2,152
Skye without a car, for a few days?
This July, we're thinking of taking the in-laws up to the Highlands for a week or so. Rough plan is to get one of the nifty-looking "Scottish Grand Tour rail rovers" <http://www.railrover.org/pages/scottish-grand-tour.html>, and make our way round by train:
Scottish Grand Tour rail rover map
While I've been to much of the route covered before by train / bus / car, I've never yet been out to Skye. Skye is also the part that the other-half seem most excited about visiting...
So, first query - is it practical to visit Skye for a few days in the summer, without a car, just relying on buses or tours to get around? Or do I need to plan on hiring a car for our time there, between getting the ferry/bus over and the bus off again?
Second query - my usual hotel searching techniques aren't really working for skye, mostly I guess as it's lots of little and independent places! Looking for a B&B or self catering cottage, what's a good site/sites to check to find places?
Scottish Grand Tour rail rover map
While I've been to much of the route covered before by train / bus / car, I've never yet been out to Skye. Skye is also the part that the other-half seem most excited about visiting...
So, first query - is it practical to visit Skye for a few days in the summer, without a car, just relying on buses or tours to get around? Or do I need to plan on hiring a car for our time there, between getting the ferry/bus over and the bus off again?
Second query - my usual hotel searching techniques aren't really working for skye, mostly I guess as it's lots of little and independent places! Looking for a B&B or self catering cottage, what's a good site/sites to check to find places?
Feb 16, 2019, 8:56 am
#2
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: ORF
Programs: Amex Plat, AA, BA Silver, Marriott Plat, Choice Gold, HHonors Gold, IHG Diamond
Posts: 3,749
This July, we're thinking of taking the in-laws up to the Highlands for a week or so. Rough plan is to get one of the nifty-looking "Scottish Grand Tour rail rovers" <http://www.railrover.org/pages/scottish-grand-tour.html>, and make our way round by train:
Scottish Grand Tour rail rover map
While I've been to much of the route covered before by train / bus / car, I've never yet been out to Skye. Skye is also the part that the other-half seem most excited about visiting...
So, first query - is it practical to visit Skye for a few days in the summer, without a car, just relying on buses or tours to get around? Or do I need to plan on hiring a car for our time there, between getting the ferry/bus over and the bus off again?
Second query - my usual hotel searching techniques aren't really working for skye, mostly I guess as it's lots of little and independent places! Looking for a B&B or self catering cottage, what's a good site/sites to check to find places?
Scottish Grand Tour rail rover map
While I've been to much of the route covered before by train / bus / car, I've never yet been out to Skye. Skye is also the part that the other-half seem most excited about visiting...
So, first query - is it practical to visit Skye for a few days in the summer, without a car, just relying on buses or tours to get around? Or do I need to plan on hiring a car for our time there, between getting the ferry/bus over and the bus off again?
Second query - my usual hotel searching techniques aren't really working for skye, mostly I guess as it's lots of little and independent places! Looking for a B&B or self catering cottage, what's a good site/sites to check to find places?
My go-to websites for finding rural or small-town accommodations are http://booking.com and https://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/. I just did a quick check on both, and both list a number of options on Skye.
Enjoy your trip! The pictures my sister has brought back from Skye are nothing short of spectacular.
Feb 16, 2019, 10:05 am
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Argentina
Posts: 40,211
Been to Skye many times hiking, biking and by car. In my opinion given your situation a car will be essential.
B&B's can be found on the Visit Scotland website.
B&B's can be found on the Visit Scotland website.
Feb 16, 2019, 10:31 am
#4
Moderator: UK and Ireland & Europe
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Biggleswade
Programs: SK*G, Lots of Blue Elsewhere
Posts: 13,611
I'm probably more used than most here to relying on buses that run once every one or two hours, as that's commonplace round here!
If you want to find out details of the services, the excellent Traveline Scotland website is the place to go.
If you want to find out details of the services, the excellent Traveline Scotland website is the place to go.
Feb 17, 2019, 1:11 am
#5
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: GLA
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 2,962
You’re going to need a car to get the most out of Skye I’m afraid. It is the biggest of all the islands off the U.K. and has minimal public transport. There are taxis, but that’s not ideal and doesn’t allow you to just pull over to take a photo.
Feb 19, 2019, 4:54 am
#6
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: BA Exec Club
Posts: 581
I know Skye reasonably well. A car is utterly vital to get around and see it.
Secondly, you need to book ASAP if you want to be certain of accommodation in July. Skye regularly has more visitors than hotel beds available, and Police advice is not to arrive on the island without a bed secured. This is doubly so if you don't have a car.
One option I would strongly suggest looking at is to get the train to Inverness, but then use a hire car from Inverness to Skye- it gives you a lot more flexibility and ability to stop in some stunning places. Then return the car in Inverness and get the train down to Glashgow.
Secondly, you need to book ASAP if you want to be certain of accommodation in July. Skye regularly has more visitors than hotel beds available, and Police advice is not to arrive on the island without a bed secured. This is doubly so if you don't have a car.
One option I would strongly suggest looking at is to get the train to Inverness, but then use a hire car from Inverness to Skye- it gives you a lot more flexibility and ability to stop in some stunning places. Then return the car in Inverness and get the train down to Glashgow.
Feb 20, 2019, 12:19 am
#7
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: London
Posts: 1,546
A car is not essential, but relying on buses greatly reduce your flexibility and you'd need to plan your itinerary in advance with military precision.....
I think I'd prefer a car. This local company is set up to meet trains and ferries, and would enable you to pick up from Kyle (train from Inverness) and drop at Armadale (for the ferry over to Mallaig, West Highland line train to Glasgow)
Skye Car Hire and Kyle Taxi service
Remember - rental cars in UK are usually manual, you'll need to check if they have automatic - if you need that.
Second the advise about booking Skye accommodation now - it sells out throughout the summer.
I think I'd prefer a car. This local company is set up to meet trains and ferries, and would enable you to pick up from Kyle (train from Inverness) and drop at Armadale (for the ferry over to Mallaig, West Highland line train to Glasgow)
Skye Car Hire and Kyle Taxi service
Remember - rental cars in UK are usually manual, you'll need to check if they have automatic - if you need that.
Second the advise about booking Skye accommodation now - it sells out throughout the summer.
Feb 20, 2019, 8:52 pm
#8
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 1,153
I'll third the advice of booking accommodation ASAP. You will already be too late for some places.
I have been to Skye many times and personally would never want to do it without a car. Depends on your plans though. I go out walking and need the flexibility.
www.walkhighlands.co.uk is good, both for researching walks/nature and it has some accommodation listings. They also have a very active forum including trip reports. There are plenty of people in Scotland who religiously use public transport. Its possible but you have to plan around it.
I have been to Skye many times and personally would never want to do it without a car. Depends on your plans though. I go out walking and need the flexibility.
www.walkhighlands.co.uk is good, both for researching walks/nature and it has some accommodation listings. They also have a very active forum including trip reports. There are plenty of people in Scotland who religiously use public transport. Its possible but you have to plan around it.