gtrekker2003

Hi!

I'll be visiting Isle of Skye in May for 2 days/3 nights in May, without a car. I'll probably be based in Portree due to having to rely on putlic transportation.

I'm a bit 'stuck' on what to do, where to go, without a car in this area. I'm interested in walks/easy to moderate hikes to view the scenery and get a feel for the area. I'm not interested in castles or museums.

What is public transportation like in this area? Is it reliable? Or would I have to rely on bus tours?

Any suggestions for walks/areas to visit using public transportation during the 2 days?

Lasty any good guide books or websites for info on Isle of Skye? I've looked in Frommer's and Rick Steve's Guide books but not much seems to be said about this area.

Loads of thanks,

gtrekker2003

janisj

Actually Skye has better bus service than a lot of places on the west coast

http://www.rapsons.com/frameset.html has timetables for the main bus company

And - MacBackpackers is a tour company but they also run a hop-on-hop-off bus service.

alcook2

My family and I had 8 nights on Skye last summer. We had a car and really liked Portree. The shopping, dining and sightseeing were great and all walkable...probably one of your 2 days filled. For your second day I'd contact the Portree visitors bureau. The office is easy to walk to and they should have some good advice on transportation to see other parts of Skye including coastal areas.

gtrekker2003

Thanks for the links....that was helpful. It looks like it will be manageable to get around.

Any recommendations of what to do for a 2-day stay to Skye? Only interested in walks/easy hikes, views, visit to the water.

Thanks again,

gtrekker2003

JudyC

Perhaps you might like to check: www.walkscotland.com, there are several interesting walking routes and maps around Skye.

Mimar

There are also drivers who do individual tours. This is not a cheap option, though.

gtrekker, without a car, how do you plan to get to Portree?

gtrekker2003

Thanks for the suggestions.

I plan to get to Portree via:
train from glasgow to mallaig
ferry from mallaig to armadale
bus from armadale to portree

Is it better to stay in Portree or Broadford? I saw that the bus initially starts at Portree and then heads to Broadford (en route to Armadale).

gtrekker2003

janisj

If you want to be in a "town" then Portree would be much better than Broadford. If you want to be in the center of the island than Sligachan would be better - it isn't a town at all. Just a hotel/pub/campsite - but sort of at the crossroads whole island and a LOT of walkers/hikers base there.

But if you want a choice of places to eat, a bank, and such - then Portree is your place.

sheila

Portree. Broadford's got a great filling station, tho'