janisj

>> . . . we just need to plan another longer trip to the Highlands!<<

Great idea!

Plan on about 5 or 6 days for the Jacobite/Skye/the Inverness area

PalenQ

janis - let me tap into your obvious expertise on what are IYO the highlights of Skye - you know I just went from the bridge to the port on a bus and what I saw was a fairly ordinary landscape - I assume there are rugged coastlines, cute villages, etc. Please, sincerely, clue me in!!!

Thanks.

nalemma

I would love to tap in to your expertise about traveling from Fort William to Oban. I believe that we would need to hire a rather large vehicle to accomodate 5 people. Any suggestions in how to find a company?
Thank you!

janisj

<B>PQ:</B> Sorry if this sounds snarky -- but if you only ever rode a bus and that only from Kyleakin to Armadale (which covers less than 1% of Skye) why do you post about how to visit Skye?

Google is your friend . . . https://www.google.com/search?q=isle...w&ved=0CDQQsAQ

<B>nalemma:</B> You don't need a particularly large vehicle - any people mover (mini van) or large-ish saloon (sedan) or estate (station wagon) would work as long as you aren't taking a boatload of luggage.

AFAIK there isn't anyplace in Ft William that allows one way rentals (One does allow pick up in Ft William and drop off in Inverness but that's it). Like I said - this is a very rural part of the country and there aren't a lot of city services like full service car rental.

You need to decide if you want to return the car to Ft William and then take a train to Edinburgh . . . or just stay in Ft William and take the train to Edinburgh.


BUT . . . have you already purchased the train tickets from London to Ft William? If not, book London to Glasgow instead (or if you <i>have</i> booked to Ft William -- just get off in Glasgow). There are tons of rental agencies in Glasgow and you could pick up a car here and drop it at Edinburgh no problem.

On arrival at central Glasgow, take the bus to GLA (the airport). Every international/national brand is represented there (Hertz, Avis, Budget and several British brands). Drive to Oban and stay your two nights (or you could go any number of other places). Then drive to EDI (the airport) and take a cab or the tram into the city.

PalenQ

PQ: Sorry if this sounds snarky -- but if you only ever rode a bus and that only from Kyleakin to Armadale (which covers less than 1% of Skye) why do you post about how to visit Skye?>

for my information and why not ask Fodor's foremost Scottish/British expert (from a tourist's point of view) - just why do you think so highly of Skye - and that Google link I see a steam train - I did not know there were any railways on Skye - even a tourist one - now that may be a reason to go back formore time there. Is there really a steam train on Skye?

Cheers and go Warriors!

janisj

oh for pete's sakes -- that was just a google link that shows SOME photos that google and some sites associate w/ Skye.

But you know VERY well that train pic is the Jacobite -- look at any google images links and you will find some shots that are not applicable. There are also photos of Eilean Donan and other things not not Skye but 99+% of them are ON Skye.

Since you aren't planning a trip to Skye . . . and IF you are curious what is there - do your own research.

PalenQ

I just thought I'd like your take on Skye's highlights as you are so familiar with it - why do you push it so much - in my research it is nice but not spectacular - I'd spend more time on the Scottish mainland rather than Skye - anything you see on Skye you see on the mainland - coastlines, etc. I think the Scottish isles are quaint maybe but a bit too ballyhooed. Fine for folks who have done the Scottish Highlands, the Edinburgh area, the Borders Abbeys; Loch Ness and Loch Lomand and the awesome West Highlands Railway but on a first visit is it worth it to pop over to Skye and if so why.

just thought I'd like your input on if it is so exceptional as sincerely you know so much from a personal standpoint than does Google.

But sorry to bother you.

Cheers!

historytraveler

Pal, it is irrational to make comments in regard to Skye such as "not spectacular" and " a bit too ballyhooed" if you have only spent the 40 minutes it takes to cross the Sleat Peninsula from Kyle of Lochalsh to Armadale. I alluded to the fact ( in an earlier post ) that one needs to get off the main road, the A851, to appreciate the sights and beauty of the Sleat Peninsula. As janisj has said, this is only a small portion of Isle of Skye. BTW, the Sleat Peninsula is known as the "Garden of Skye". As someone who has spent considerable time on Skye and has also visited the other places in Scotland you mentioned, I can easily say that Skye holds its own in regard to spectacular scenery.

PalenQ

historytraveler - that's just what I wanted to know - someone I know knows what they are talking about - my comments were reflecting on my research - casual at best - I had never heard of those nice aspects and makes me want to go - you words weigh well on me and should on others - that Skye is not just a novel because it's one of the iconic Scottish islands but is exceptional if you have to chose between them.

Thanks for taking the time.

janisj

You are just trying to be provocative/engage in debates and frankly I don't have any interest in playing your game. I'll spend my time responding to/helping folks who have legitimate questions.

historytraveler

I agree. I'm done on this particular topic. I just couldn't let senseless comments pass without comment.

nalemma

janise thank you for the info on car rentals in Fort Williams. I am indeed finding it difficult to rent a car there. I think we will follow your advice and rent a car in Glasgow. Thank you for the specific info on buses to the Glasgow airport to get a car. One last question that I have for you is does the Caledonian definitely stop in Glasgow? I have been searching for a list of the stops and am having a hard time finding one. Perhaps you could send me a link.
Thank you for all of your invaluable help! We have decided on two nights in Oban and taking a ferry over to the Isle of Mull to get a sense of the highlands.
Nalisa

janisj

>>One last question that I have for you is does the Caledonian definitely stop in Glasgow? I have been searching for a list of the stops and am having a hard time finding one. Perhaps you could send me a link.<<

Yes it does. I've only taken it once but as I remember -- your are assigned carriage by destination and the train splits in the VERY early AM. Half going to Edinburgh and half going to Glasgow. . . . I'll look to see what I can find schedule-wise.

janisj

OK found it . . . . from https://www.sleeper.scot

>>Caledonian Sleeper - Lowland Route

Travelling northbound the Caledonian Sleeper Lowland route sets off at 23.50 five nights a week and at 23.27 on Sundays. The train splits into two portions at Carstairs with arrivals to Glasgow Central at 07.20 and Edinburgh Waverley at 07.20.<<

nalemma

Thank you for the link. It appears to me that we are on the highlands route and the train splits in three at Edinburgh with our leg ending in Fort William. It looks like it does make a stop in Glasgow. Do you see the same info janise?
Thank you so much. I will also call them in the morning to verify.

janisj

one more thing -- just to confuse things more . . . >>We have decided on two nights in Oban and taking a ferry over to the Isle of Mull to get a sense of the highlands.<<

Have you considered staying ON Mull either one or both nights? If you drive to/stay in Fionnphort you can take the foot ferry over to Iona plus explore a lot of Mull too.

nalemma

I don't mind you throwing ideas out there - you've gotten me this far! We do have a guest house reserved for two nights in Oban and I was surprised at how quickly they book up. I suppose it is a rural area and it is high season for tourism. We planned to take the ferry over and spend the day in Mull. Our friend recommended renting a car to drive to Tobermory. Have you been there? How has driving in the UK been for you?
Thanks once again!