I have a terrible sense of distance; how long will it take to drive from Portree to Armadale? I'm trying to sort out which ferry to take from Armadale to Mallaig (and how early we'll have to get up to catch it). Thanks in advance.

We just did this drive a few weeks ago.

It's only about 45 miles, but I would allow maybe up to 90 minutes. It could go a little faster, but the part of the road from Isleornasay to Armadale is one lane most of the way and there is some pretty major construction going on.

Also, if you are making advance reservations for the ferry, they will ask that you arrive 30 minutes before departure. People started lining up a hour ahead, although ultimately our ferry was not full. There are a few shops near the ferry to kill some time if you are early.

ms_go is correct - and add even more time in the high summer season of July/Aug. there will be more traffic and if you get stuck behind a lorry or coach or want to stop along the way for any of the amazing photo ops - I'd give myself 2 hours to be safe. You might luck out and do it in an hour - but that's pretty unlikely. And if you get there way too early you might be able to get on an earlier ferry.

You also have the option of the infamous toll bridge financed by The Bank of America which was designed to look like a see gull.

A "see" gull?

My head calculator had come to 75 minutes for me, before I read your other answers.

If you have a reservation Calmac will give it away if you're not there by the check in time. Doesn't mean you won't get on, but it might.