Road trip in Scotland #3: Fort William to the Isle of Skye
After discovering Edinburgh and then taking the road through the Highlands to Fort William, we continue our journey. road trip in Scotland towards the Isle of Skye.
And this day absolutely did not go as planned!
Our starting point was simple: to reach Mallaig, take the ferry and arrive directly on the island of Skye. But in travel, there is always a small part of the unexpected… and this time, we simply had everything planned out. we missed our ferry.
At the time, we weren’t exactly thrilled. But in retrospect, it was actually one of the best unexpected events of our trip.
Because the detour we had to make allowed us to cross absolutely incredible landscapes: snow-covered mountains, lochs, deserted roads, vast spaces, and the feeling of being alone in the world.
I am taking you with us on this third stage of our journey. road trip in the Highlands, from Fort William to the Isle of Skye.
Our road trip in Scotland
This stage is the third part of our road trip.
If you arrive here, I recommend starting with:
Road trip in Scotland #1: Edinburgh
Then:
Road trip in Scotland #2: from Edinburgh to Fort William
And after this step, you can continue with:
Road trip in Scotland #4: the Isle of Skye
And finally:
Road trip in Scotland #5: St Andrews, the legend of golf
I have also grouped my practical advice into my article on preparing for a trip to Scotland.
Renting a car for a road trip in Scotland
For this type of route, I find that the car remains particularly convenient.
It makes it easy to stop, to reach more isolated places, and above all to build a much freer itinerary.
Just a note: Driving on the left in Scotland.
If you want to rent a car for your road trip, you can use my partner BSP Auto.
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From Fort William to Mallaig: our first plan
That morning, we leave Fort William towards the Isle of Skye.
We had planned to join Mallaig, a small fishing port located on the west coast of Scotland, then take the ferry to Armadale, in the south of Skye.
The idea was quite good: it allowed us to discover the route to Mallaig and then reach the island by sea.
To this day, there is still a connection between Mallaig and Armadale. The ferry is operated by CalMac and the schedules vary according to the season: you must therefore check the schedules and the status of the service in advance before setting off.
At the time, unfortunately, we were not sufficiently proactive…
And of course… we missed the ferry!
Once we arrived in Mallaig, the surprise was even worse: Our ferry had already left.
The next one would have forced us to wait for about five hours.
We could have waited quietly in the small port town… but we still had a long way to go and above all, a real desire to enjoy our day.
We therefore made a decision: turn around towards Fort William to join the road leading to Skye via the bridge.
Result: about three hours lost.
But finally, what a chance!
Because this mistake gave us one of the most beautiful stretches of road of our journey.
The road between Fort William and the Isle of Skye
Starting from Fort William, the scenery changes very quickly.
This is what particularly struck me during this road trip: you can feel like you’re in a different setting for a few kilometers, then make a turn and completely change the atmosphere.
A few minutes after leaving Fort William, we began to cross snowy landscapes.
The vegetation gradually disappears, giving way to large white expanses.
The road winds through the mountains and, at the top of the passes, the panoramas are completely surreal.
Although we had come to Scotland for its landscapes, I think we didn't expect this.
A break on the banks of Loch Shiel
After the snowy landscapes, we gradually descend towards the lochs.
We borrow, among other things, from A830 and I'll go along Loch Shiel.
We then decide to stop for a few minutes to enjoy the scenery.
There is a small path with a bridge over a pond and we set off for a short walk in about half an hour.
It’s exactly the kind of stop I love on a road trip: no particular attraction to tick off, no specific itinerary… just a road, a landscape, and the urge to stop because it’s beautiful.
And in Scotland, places like this, there are places like this everywhere.
Loch Shiel and the Highlands landscapes
This part of the route is really beautiful.
The snow-capped mountains reflect in the waters of the lochs and, that day, we also enjoyed a beautiful blue sky.
The contrast between the white of the mountains, the blue of the sky, and the dark waters of the lochs was incredible.
It’s the kind of landscape that makes you want to slow down and just look out the window.
And that’s also why I really recommend doing this part by car On a road trip, you can stop whenever you want, take a short detour, take a photo break, or simply enjoy the scenery.
And what if you were to pass through Mallaig?
In retrospect, I absolutely do not regret missing our ferry.
The road to Mallaig is very beautiful too, and I completely understand why people want to take it.
But during our trip, we finally preferred the landscapes between Fort William and the Isle of Skye.
Moreover, a reader had asked us exactly this question in the comments to the original article: should we prioritize the road to Mallaig or the one passing by the bridge?
At the time, we had advised him to reach Skye by road and, if possible, to return by ferry to Mallaig.
It’s actually a great way to discover both routes without feeling like you’re doing the same journey twice.
Eilean Donan Castle: the must-see castle before Skye
Shortly before arriving on the island of Skye, we take another break.
This time, it's impossible to miss: Eilean Donan Castle.
It is one of the most famous castles in Scotland, set in an absolutely incredible setting between the lochs and the mountains.
If you've already seen the movie Highlander, The castle might tell you something.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit the interior.
And that’s one of my little regrets from this trip.
We contented ourselves with admiring it from the outside before continuing on our way.
If you are planning your itinerary today, I recommend that you allow enough time to make a proper stop in Eilean Donan.
Kyle of Lochalsh and the bridge to the Isle of Skye
We continue our journey through the Highlands.
Then we arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh, the small town located on the continent just before the Skye Bridge.
And here we are.
We will finally reach the island.
The Skye Bridge Today, Kyle of Lochalsh is still linked to Kyleakin on the Isle of Skye. It is one of the two main ways to get to the island by ferry from Mallaig to Armadale.
We cross the bridge and immediately have this feeling of having arrived in another world.
Welcome to the Isle of Skye
From the very first kilometers on Skye, we experience this impression of vast spaces and wild landscapes.
At this time of the year, there were very few people there.
The feeling of being alone in the world was quite incredible.
In the distance, we could already see the Cuillin, This impressive mountain range is part of the island’s emblematic landscapes.
And then I thought to myself that we really did well to come this far.
Our arrival in Broadford
Another fifteen minutes on the road and we arrive at Broadford, where we had booked a Bed & Breakfast.
Broadford is a small village located on the edge of the sea and is a convenient base from which to explore the island.
We drop off our luggage and finally enjoy some rest after this long day of travel.
But our discovery of Skye is just beginning.
And this time, we plan to go explore the island.
What to see on the Isle of Skye after Broadford?
During our next stop, we discovered, among other things, Portree, the Cuillins, Sligachan, Kilt Rock and Uig.
We had also taken the road to Carbost to visit the Talisker distillery.
I’ll tell you about this day in detail here:
Road trip in Scotland #4: the Isle of Skye
And if visiting a distillery interests you, I have also dedicated an article to this experience:
What accommodation is there in Skye?
During our trip, we slept in a Bed & Breakfast in Broadford.
I had liked the idea of sleeping in a small local establishment rather than in a large hotel chain.
Broadford is also well placed to start exploring the island.
For your own trip, I recommend comparing the accommodations based on your itinerary: Broadford might be convenient, but Portree can also be a good base for planned visits.
Tip: In high season, book early, especially if you are traveling with family.
Activities to book in Scotland
For tours, excursions and activities, you can also check the availability on GetYourGuide.
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For Eilean Donan or the various excursions around Skye, be sure to check the conditions and schedules when making your reservation.
My route from Fort William to the Isle of Skye
To sum up this day:
Fort William → Mallaig → Half-turn → A830 → Loch Shiel → Highlands → Eilean Donan Castle → Kyle of Lochalsh → Skye Bridge → Broadford
It was a pretty long day, but it remains for me one of the most beautiful days of our road trip.
And above all, a day that perfectly illustrates what I love about car travel: Sometimes, the best memories come from the unexpected.
Comments
Beautiful, it really makes you want to try it 🙂
At what period did you go there already?Kissing. Céline
Thibault & Capucine
31 October 2014
Hello Céline, it was in March.
We were lucky with the weather, but if I have to go back there it will be more towards June because it was still very cold!
It’s a great thing that you missed the ferry after all! The snowy landscapes are truly magnificent; you really feel like you’re in another world. I absolutely loved Eilean Donan Castle; you could almost spot Christophe Lambert. The Isle of Skye is also stunning!
it’s beautifuluuuu!!! it really makes you want to go there, the photos are breathtaking! 🙂
Yeah, this article is spot on, I’m leaving in a month for a week and apparently I’ll be doing pretty much the same route as you! So beautiful, your photos already make me want to go there too! By the way, one quick question: would you recommend staying on the Isle of Skye for 2 days or a day is enough to see everything (and take the time to see it all)? Can’t wait to see the rest, have a great day!
CécileHello Cécile,
What a beautiful trip you are going on! For the Isle of Skye, I recommend staying there for 2 days to take the time to appreciate the beauty of the places; it’s truly magical 😉😉 Tomorrow morning I’ll publish the 4th part of the road trip on the Isle of Skye; there will be more information
Re-moi! I have another question for you, as I am finalizing my itinerary 🙂
Apparently you took both routes to get to the Isle of Skye: the one up to Mallaig for the ferry that you missed, and then the route from Fort Williams to the Isle of Skye.
I’m very hesitant between taking the ferry to see the coast between Glencoe and Mallaig, which apparently is beautiful, or going directly from Fort William to the Isle of Skye by car (and passing through the bridge. Is this stretch of road really worth the detour over the bridge? I’m afraid I’ll miss some beautiful scenery on the way to Mallaig.).
Thanks for your responses!Capucine and Thibault
8 May 2014
Hello! We preferred the scenery in Fort William more than in Skye, although the ones up to Mallaig are beautiful too. Try to go there along this route, and return by ferry from Skye to Mallaig 😉
Okay, thanks again for your answer! Unfortunately, I won’t be able to do both, I think, because we also have to pass through Inverness; the choice will be difficult! Have a good evening 🙂
Capucine and Thibault
9 May 2014
We could organize a #bloggers’ gathering in Cannes to discuss it 😉
Clémence
4 November 2014
Hello,
I hesitate to leave for Scotland in late March 2015. Do you really recommend this time of year? Are the landscapes beautiful at this time of year (a priori yes, given your wonderful photos!)? Did you need to book accommodation in advance given the season?
Thank you very much in advance, I am discovering your blog and I love it!