Some of you have previously urged us not to go to Skye given the fairly short time frame that we will be in Scotland. But we would really like to see the highlands, even at the expense of the cities. We are flying into Prestwick airport late on Monday, July 3, and staying at a hotel very near the airport. We have arranged a car rental from Prestwick airport for early July 4. We will be flying home mid-afternoon on July 7 from Edinburgh.

Is it feasible for us to drive to Fort William or its environs on July 4, take the Jacobite train to Maillig on July 5, and then take the ferry to Sky and stay in Skye on July 5. Could we then comfortably get back to Edinburgh sometime the night of July 6.

We seem to be fixated on this area, and our kids really want to do the Jacobite steam train thing. And for two hours one way, it seems fine.

As I write this it seems that maybe the car might be a hindrance, or at least a waste at times. Would we be better doing trains?

Anyway, if someone could suggest an itinerary along these lines that is doable, along with some notable sites in these areas, I'd be most appreciatve. Of course if the consensus is that it is totally not doable, then I will embrace my MIL's expression: when everyone says you're drunk, you'd better lay down.

Topping for Sheila, Janis & other people who know more about Scotland outwith Edinburgh & Glasgow than I do.

Thats all good if thats what you want, but definitely keep the car.You will save time and see more as well as it being cheaper. Do you plan to drive through Skye to the south end of the island and take the ferry to Mallaig? The drive from Mallaig to Glasgow is beautiful,but the roads are not great.It sounds like youre in for a busy trip. Sure you dont want to stay in Oban and go to some of the islands from there? Nearby Inverary is lovely too.

So you are going to take the train to Mallaig, come back, then drive to Mallaig & take the ferry to Skye.

Any chance of renting a car where you can drop it off at Fort William & then travel to Mallaig, take the ferry, stay on Skye, then return to Edinburgh by ferry & train.

Otherwise I'd check to see if you can actually get a ferry to Skye in what will probably be early or late evening. If you can't then your plan is goosed anyway

In fact WHY do you even need a car?

We have no set plan for Scotland at this point. I have taken steps to have a place to land when we get into Prestwick late Mon. night, rented a car which I can cancel or change (because I was nervous about securing one at all), and reserved a place at the back end in Edinburgh. Other than that we are open for Tues, Wed. and Thurs. and I am not at all familiar with Scotland.

I am pretty open to ideas you all can suggest. The thing is after having done the city thing at different places in Europe on this trip, we were thinking about basically wanting to enjoy nature and beautiful scenery mixed in with some castles in Scotland. Plus, as I posted earlier, my kids are pretty excited about the Jacobite Steam train. From those who know, is it worth doing? If the consensus is that it's not, we will rethink it.

I am not familiar with Oban or really the other islands. We just want to get into the country side and enjoy the view.

Are there areas that are good for hiking or doing a bike ride with the kids (is this possible anywhere here) - if so that would be great. We are avid bikers. We are trying to think of things that will appeal to all the kids even though they are spread out agewise - 7, 11 and 15.

When people talk about seeing some different castles, do you all think this would hold the attention of the kids. Any castles in particular?

This part of the trip is confusing to me, as I am much more comfortable planning for Italy. Anyway, a continuing thanks for your input!

You're not even spending one full day in Edinburgh ?

Do you think we should? I don't mind moving around a bit Tues, Wed and Thurs. especially after having just come from a relaxing 6 days on the Amalfi coast. Could we work in seeing some sights if we arrive in Edinburgh early PM on Thursday? Could we make this fit with any highlands visit?

Well I know I'm biased; but if you haven't been to Edinburgh, before, I think you really should give it at least a day and a half. If you're leaving mid afternoon you'll only have a morning.

As well as all the usual popular sights like the Castle, the Palace and the Camwera Obscura, I'm sure your kids would love the Edinburgh Dungeon - it's a bit cheesy but good fun. Then there's the Royal Yacht Britannia down on the waterfront, which has a good audio tour. A good way to start is to take one of the hop on hop off open top bus tours (Guide Friday is best as it has a live guide) which will give you a good overview of the Old and New Towns (the New Town is the Georgian part ) & goes past or near all the main sights. You could get off at the stop nearest the Castle, at the top of the Royal Mile, do the Castle, walk down the Royal Mile (kids like the sword shops), do the Palace then get back on the bus. You should allow a full day just for that IMO, although I know Sheila & no doubt others think a lot more can be fitted in.

If you arrive early afternoon on Thursday I guess you'll at least have time for the bus tour.

Do you already have your one night's accommodation in Edinburgh ?

I suppose in the end, though, you don't have very long in total; so only you can decide what's most important to you.

Re the bike rides question : you'll be looking for somewhere you can hire bikes, I suppose ?

I am travelling to the Highlands in late June, and like you, I was interested in taking the Jacobite steam train. However, after looking at where I wanted to go and how much time it takes to do this trip, I really couldn't justify it. Unless you are dropping your rental car in Fort William and picking up another in Mallaig (if that is even possible), it's not a 2 hour excursion--it's more like six. And to get that close to Skye, only to backtrack, doesn't seem to be a good use of time on a short schedule.

Instead, why not just drive to Mallaig and take some pictures of the train along the way, or at the station? Then you can take the ferry from Mallaig over to Skye and have some time to see the island before heading to Edinburgh.

OK - the itineraries suggested on your other threads don't seem to have struck a chord.

So to work w/ what you want now. &quot;<i>And for two hours one way, it seems fine</i>&quot; is a bit confusing. Yes, the train only takes about 2 hours one-way -- but then you have to get back on and spend two hours going back to Ft William. So basically you will have spent a night in Ft William (which isn't great) and most of a day going to and from Mallaig.

The Jacobite train is wonderful - but the logistics are a problem for you. You'd either have to get off the train, board the ferry to Skye, take local buses or possibly rent a car on Skye, stay overnight and then repeat the exercise in reverse the next day -- OR -- Take the Train fro/to Ft William and then jump in your car and drive back to Skye over basically the same route you just traveled twice by train.

If you had two weeks in Scotland you'd have more options - but what you want to do doesn't make sens w/ just 3 days.

You really should spend at least one full day/night in Edinburgh (plus your departure day)

So if you want to drive to Skye - that is an option - but taking the train and then driving back again -- nope.

sorry for the typos . . .

Why not forget about Skye AND Mallaig &amp; go to Arran instead. Much less hassle, almost as nice

Not an expert -- only made one trip to the area so far -- but as the others have said, you're spending a lot of time bouncing back and forth.

My suggestion is that you decide whether the train or Skye is the more important and not try to do both. If the kids want the train (this is all Harry Potter's fault, isn't it?) The take the round trip, stay somewhere near Glen Coe and do some hiking the next day. If Skye is more important, skip the train and drive there, taking the bridge, and do your hiking or biking out of Portree.

I would also join the others encouraging you to spend a bit more time in Edinburgh. There are some nice walks there, too, up the crags beyond Holyrood House.

Arran is actually a good idea since it's so close to Glasgow. The island offers numerous activites including hiking and cycling.


I'm a big advocate of Skye but with such imited time, I wouldn't recommend it.

Pausanias has given you good advice.

The straight answer is:- I wouldn't do this, but you could.

Do you want to see the Highlands or is it Skye and the train that you're fixed on. If the former you can do better. If the latter you've go it; go for it.

Here's one more thought: If the kids are hell bent on riding the train, maybe one of you (I assume both parent will be along) can ride the train with the kids and the other can follow the train from Fort William to Mallaig by car. That would allow the kids to get the train journey, while at the same time putting you in position to continue from Mallaig to Skye by ferry.

My parents did this when we rode the narrow gage railway between Durango and Silverton in Colorado. If I was the family photographer, I would probably want the chance to try to photograph the train en route from the car as opposed to photographing the scenery from the train.

twk makes an excellent suggestion. In fact, it's just about the only way to do the things you want and give you any time to do them . . . .