Scotland
 

Is it doable to drive from Edinburgh to Glen Coe in a day while allowing for stops along the way? Approx. how many hours drive is it? Any suggestions for places to stay? Also, how long is the drive to the Isle of Skye and can I drive there or do I have to take the ferry. Looking to go last week of August? Oh and any suggestions for a nice, quiet and within walking distance to most things in Edinburgh, hotel? thanks much ~

Also, how long is the drive to the Isle of Skye and can I drive there or do I have to take the ferry>

A bridge connects Skye to the Kyle of Lochlash and to the south from Maillag a ferry goes to a port in the south of Skye - so it depends on where you are coming from.

With but a week I'd forego Skye and concentrate on Edinburgh and its area - Stirling is a great short day trip as is St Andrews, a smashingly old seaside town.

And a look around the Highlands a few days. Skye is nice but IME for just a week you may find more awesome places to spend your precious time.

<i>Is it doable to drive from Edinburgh to Glen Coe in a day while allowing for stops along the way?</i>

It's around three hours wheels turning, depending on the specific route, so sure, easily doable in a day.

<i>Also, how long is the drive to the Isle of Skye and can I drive there or do I have to take the ferry.</i>

From Edinburgh, Kyle and the Skye bridge are around 5 hours. From Glen Coe, you're better driving out the Road to the Isles from Fort William (past scenic Glenfinnan) to Mallaig (90 min.) then taking the ferry over to Skye.

I did a fast swing through the Highlands a couple of years ago and did a "micro" trip report here: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...n-scotland.cfm I mention it because my first day went Edinburgh - Glen Coe - Mallaig - Inverness (didn't take the ferry.) That was pretty high speed stuff (not recommended) but as as you can see, certainly doable.

Not having any idea of budget, my favourite city centre hotels are Hotel du Vin, the George and the Apex in the Grassmarket. If I was being careful about money, the Premier Inn at Haymarket is prefectly good.

It doesn't make sense to do a day trip from Edinburgh to Glen Coe (nearly 120 miles and three hours drive) and then drive back to the Isle of Skye on another day. If you use the Skye bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh to Skye that is only another 90 miles beyond Glen Coe. The ferry from Mallaig is even closer at 60 miles.

Why not plan for a stop for Glen Coe on the way to Skye - or if you want more time there, plan on an overnight before heading onto Skye.

You won't want/need a car in Edinburgh as public transport is so good (and to be honest a car is a pain). Instead hire a car from the airport when you leave and drive to Glencoe and then onto Skye.

Thanks everyone.

ESW - I had thought to travel and spend 2 full days in Edinburgh, then drive to Glen Coe, stay over night and then make my way to Skye, spend 2 days there and head back down to Edinburgh.

Does that sound reasonable? Any suggestions on places to stay in any of those 3 locations?

thanks

Have you booked anywhere in Edinburgh. It is Festival time in the city, accommodation is very limited and expensive.

Unclegus, sorry to interrupt, but when does the festival start and end? We will be in Edinburgh on Aug 30th til Oct. 3rd. Thanks for your help in advance.

Both the Festival and the Fringe run from Friday 7 – Monday 31 August. Sounds like you'll only catch the last day or so.

Still no idea of budget, but try the Clachaig or the King's House in Glen Coe. My favourite place on Skye would be the Isle Ornsay