Onward Travel to the Highlands
Most people when they travel to the north of Scotland go to Loch Ness and then Skye. Loch Ness is a large lake and that is it really. It’s main interest is that it is supposedly inhabited by a monster. Up to you to judge how likely you are to have a sighting of it.
I would say “West is best”. Skye is beautiful but the Outer Hebrides will transport you to a different environment (and time).
1) OBAN TO ULLAPOOL AND APPLECROSS; The WEST COAST is the most scenic part of Scotland, (The east of Scotland, which is mostly farmland, does have some picturesque little harbours). Anywhere along the coast from Oban to Ullapool is really memorable (and Oban is a pleasant seaside resort with great seafood).
This is route that you would only really be able to do in a car. Possible to do the route in the opposite direction, of course. Quickest way to get to Ullapool is via Inverness.
This trip involves a crossing between Mallaig and Armadale (in Skye). To find out more about ferry crossings, go to the Caledonian MacBrayne website:
https://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/timetables/#
And this is the page for Mallaig to Armadale:
https://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/timetables/#/skyeraasaysmallisles
The area around Arisaig and Mallaig stands out (long sandy beaches) as does, a little further to the north, Applecross (and, indeed, the region around Applecross – Wester Ross – is spectacular).
Getting to Applecross involves a winding mountain road that is memorable in itself. There is a campsite in Applecross but, during the summer, if you have not already booked, it is difficult to find other types of accommodation.
2. KYLE OF LOCHALSH TO INVERNESS AND EDINBURGH. The A9 is the quickest way of travelling up to or back from the north but not the most scenic.
Perhaps think of getting to Inverness or Ullapool in a day and take the time, on the way, to explore the snow roads in the Cairngorms National Park. This route is just north of Aviemore but count on adding a few hours to your journey.
The trip from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh (which can be done by train: even there and back in the day) is beautiful. The train is a small, regional train with two coaches. It is possible to cross over to Skye from Kyle of Lochalsh by bus.
The famous Eileen Donan Castle on the road to Kyle of Lochalsh
3. THE INNER AND OUTER HEBRIDES; For the more adventurous , with a minimup of 4 days week to spend, the Outer Hebrides is a great trip.
For the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry crossings to the Outer Hebrides:
https://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/timetables/#/outerhebrides
Go from Edinburgh to Ullapool. Cross over to Stornoway. Travel down the Outer Hebrides to Lochboisdale and return to Mallaig. A memorable trip will be guaranteed. Unfortunately cannot guarantee that it will not rain! And take anti-mosquito spray!
Go from Edinburgh to Kyle of Lochalsh and Uig and then either Lochmaddy or Tarbert (Uist and Lewis and Harris respectively). I prefer Uist. Travel down from Lochmaddy to Lochbosidale and cross over to Mallaig again – and so Kyle of Lochalsh, Uig, Lochmaddy, Lochboisdale and back to Mallaig – or the same thing in the other direction.
The ferry crossing to the outer Hebrides is subsidised by the Scottish government is not too bad in terms of cost (£100-200 return for a car with passengers).
Once again a memorable trip (more for the scenery and Gaelic Scotland than for the delights of urban living). Take rain protecting clothes and mosquito repellant (really!)
