The Spectacular Isle of Skye Without a Car

The Isle of Skye is small: simply fifty miles north to south and 25 miles east to west. I may really feel that smallness. It was cozy. It felt good. Despite the small measurement, it took some planning to journey the Isle of Skye with out a automotive.

Hours from Scotland’s cities, homes dot Skye’s panorama. The separation from the mainland and the space between homes had me reveling within the isolation and, on the identical time, feeling a way of group, regardless of being a traveler.

And then, after all, there’s the panorama for which Skye is greatest recognized.

Having arrived at my vacation spot, I sat in entrance of my hostel and appeared left the place the land of grasses, moss, heather, and bracken light into the ocean. Then I turned my consideration to the proper, the place the land rose towards jagged cliffs of granite and a vary of rocky cliffs.

Getting Around the Isle of Skye Without a Car

Planning my journey to Skye was a problem logistically. I may have rented a automotive however I’m not assured driving on the left facet of the highway. There are many locations to remain, nonetheless, they’re costly. Most had been out of my worth vary. Plus, I used to be searching for a little bit of quiet. I did not wish to be in a city. Research took me everywhere in the Internet studying what was doable. Here’s the knowledge I feel you must journey to Skye with out a automotive–what I realized upfront and whereas there.

• Lay of the Land
  • Portree is the principle city on the Isle of Skye. It’s the hub for buses. There is a vacationer data workplace within the city to reply your questions and a Co-op the place you should buy groceries. There are additionally various eating places there.
  • The Old Man of Storr is the most well-liked stroll. It’s busy and except you are there on the low season it’s going to not provide you with that feeling of actually being on the Isle of Skye.
  • The Quiraing is a hike very value doing. Most individuals begin on the parking zone on the south finish and do not full the stroll. Consequently, that part of the stroll is busy. I like to recommend that you simply begin on the north entry level, which I did. As a end result, I met just one celebration of three till I used to be on the midway mark.
  • The Fairy Glen is basically value visiting. The Glen is as lovely because the Fairy Pools and simple to succeed in by bus. Walk in from the highway. It will probably be a couple of 4 km spherical journey.
  • The Fairy Pools predominant entrance is troublesome to succeed in by bus however it is just a 2.4 km spherical journey to see the swimming pools from the parking zone. You can take a bus from Portree to Sligachan Hotel after which hike to the swimming pools from there. It’s about 8 km every method so that you would want a really early begin.
• Isle of Skye Without a Car
  • Stagecoach is the native bus service on Skye. It just isn’t frequent however their planning instrument is useful. I bought caught on a Sunday afternoon in Portree after 5:00 pm when the service had ended and needed to pay for a taxi to my hostel. That was costly. It’s essential to notice that, exterior of the cities, you do not have to be at a chosen bus cease for the bus to select you up. You can flag the bus down.
  • Walking paths are in all places and are an choice. However, for those who’re making an attempt to get someplace specifically it is most likely not your best option.
  • Hitchhiking is completed on Skye. I had not hitchhiked in many years however as a result of transportation is so restricted and the island so small, it is carried out there. I hitchhiked 3 times and every time I used to be picked up by vacationers. On one event it was a pair from Denmark, one in all whom is called Monsieur Guerlain, a fragrance blogger. The three of us went for espresso.
  • Real Scottish Journeys is a tour firm. I did a one-day tour with them to make sure that I did not miss the Isle of Skye’s highlights. I’m glad I did as a result of I couldn’t provide you with an opinion on locations just like the Fairy Pools in any other case. Bill was a superb information, weaving conventional music and folklore into his commentary. If I had per week I might positively suggest the tour for orientation. However, with little time I might suggest a protracted stroll quite than a bus tour as that is the right way to expertise the actual Skye.

Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye

Finding a hostel in Skye was a problem. But it has been three years since I used to be there and, now that I’m updating this publish, I’ve discovered some fascinating choices.

I stayed at Dun Flodigarry Hostel. The location is implausible on the east coast of Skye. It’s off the grid and makes use of a windmill for energy. It has a implausible kitchen and eating room. The dorms are combined, there aren’t any lockers, and I did not discover the beds snug. So it will get a suggestion, however not a excessive one. Here are different choices I’ve researched so that you can take into account.

• North-east, close to north entry to The Quiraing. The Flodigarry Hotel and Skye Restaurant provides the identical fabulous location because the hostel however with the consolation and comfort of a pleasant lodge and stylish eating. Rooms have sea views and you may stroll to fabulous mountain climbing and fishing. If you are exploring the Isle of Skye with out a automotive, you’ll have to depend on taxis or buses to get there however when you’re settled in, you may have many choices.
• Central. An inexpensive choice in Portree is the Portree Guest House. It is on the principle highway into Portree, the principle city on Skye, is inexpensive, and has personal bogs.
• South. Go upscale and keep in a boutique lodge with an award-winning restaurant. Located on the southernmost tip of Skye close to Isleornsay, the Duisdale House Hotel was previously a searching lodge inbuilt 1865. It’s been fully remodeled. The lodge is included in some luxurious strolling excursions and, naturally, has good strolling alternatives. It is way from the most well-liked ones, although (and subsequently from the crowds as nicely).
• North-west, close to the Fairy Glen. A contemporary B&B with personal bogs, Stones Bed & Breakfast is close to the magical Fairy Glen and on the stagecoach route.

Last up to date: twenty eighth November, 2022