ira

Hi all,

We shall be visiting Beauly in the Highlands in September.

I'm planning a daytrip that will include Eilean Donan Castle.

From there, we can
1. go to Portree and come back to Beauly by way of Loch Luichart, or
2. go via Loch Luichart to Ullapool and back to Beauly.

Suggestions on which is the better option?

Suggestions that are different will be entertained.

Thanks,

Michael

Something between the two to visit Inverewe gardens?

ira

A very interesting idea, Michael.

Thanks

adrienne

I thought Portree was prettier than Ullapool but I enjoyed them both. The gardens are good too. Is Plockton anywhere near there? I seem to remember I went to Plockton after visiting the gardens. Charming small town with memories of the cow attempting to climb into the car window and me getting locked in the hotel room! I'll never forget Plockton!

Mimar

You could also stop at the cute small town of Plockton, just north of Kyle of Lochalsh. Like Inverewe, Plockton has palm trees and flowers along its seafront. Amazing so far north. And Plockton is a good place for a meal.

If choosing between Ullapool and Portree, I'd pick Portree as a more interesting town. And you'd also see something of the isle of Skye. But Portree is a much longer drive, too long a day trip for me. You might just drive over the bridge and sample a little of Skye without going all the way to Portree.

Michael

According to Google maps, the shortest itinerary is 195 mi., which I find a bit much if one wants to stop and visit locations along the route. Our drive from Oban to Poolewe (closest town to Inverewe) was 180 mi. and pretty much took all day, leaving Oban in the morning and arriving in Gairloch just before the tourist information office closed.

Mimar

Yes, Ira, I think you may be underestimating driving times in northern Scotland. That area doesn't lend itself to daytrips from a base.

janisj

You are staying at Beauly - IF you are set one going to Eilean Donan - then only Skye makes sense. IMO Portree is just a 'town' - Skye is the 'attraction. No need to go to Portree at all once you are on Skye. Portree is a decent small town - Skye is a MAGNIFICENT island.

But if Eilean Donan isn't a must - then a Ullapool/Poolewe/Inverewe/plus more in the area day trip would be wonderful

Re Eilean D. It is a very pretty castle to look at - as every shortbeard tin proves. Inside it is meh. So it is really best as a 10-minute photo op from the car park just south of the bridge to the castle.

adrienne

janisj - I'm so glad to read your opinion on Eilean Donan. I was underwhelmed by the inside and thought it was contrived.

Ira - one of the best things I remembered about Skye was going out in a small row boat to see the seals. I'm not a nature girl and was dubious about seeing seals and about the small boat my mother wanted to get into but it was a wonderful hour on the loch. But you cannot do this as a day trip. If you can rearrange your itinerary and spend at least a night on Skye then please do so.

ira

Hi all,

Thanks for your very helpful responses.

I think that we shall drive a clockwise route to Inverewe and then follow the A832 toward Ullapool. We can decide then if we want to visit the town or just go back to Beauly.
(163 mi, 4 hr according to the google map)

nini

Hope you won't miss out on dining at The Three Chimneys-well worth it to stay on Skye near the restaurant for a night. Our meals were wonderful. Rooms at TC ( six, I think) are expensive so we opted for Silverdale Cottage which is almost next door.

janisj

ira: "<i>163 mi, 4 hr according to the google map</i>"

Sure hope you aren't planning your whole itinerary using google maps (or any other on-line) calculator and accepting the #'s they spit out. Doesn't work that way. In most places you must add about 50% to the drive times. Sometimes that is generous and you beat the time by a little, but other times it will take twice as long.