Skye spectacular with super Citylink 917

A stroll round Inverness

Start the day with a leisurely stroll round Inverness, along the River Ness with its great backdrop of the castle.

Take in the many historical buildings in the city centre with their sense of grandeur and then, opening at 08:00, there’s time to enjoy a coffee and pastry at Cafe Victoria by Paulo which is in the Victorian Market, less than 5 minutes from the bus and coach station.

Board Scottish Citylink 917 at Inverness Bus Station

This mesmerising adventure starts as the coach leaves Inverness behind and crosses the iconic Kessock Bridge with wonderful views of the Beauly Firth. From there, it’s one jaw-dropping view to another, alongside Loch Ness, past Urquhart Castle, with mountains as a backdrop, alongside the River Moriston. Criss-crossing glens, waterfalls and with the road winding left, then right, this is a spectacular trip already.

Alight at Dornie Bridge

Dornie’s a delight and is a village close to the Loch Long Bridge, but also the home of the stunning Eilean Donan Castle.

Visit Eilean Donan Castle

It’s a 5-minute walk from the bus stop to the incredible Castle, originally built in the 13th Century but re-constructed in the 20th Centre and with a bridge that links to the small tidal island situated at the confluence of the three sea lochs (Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh) from which it is located. Seeped in history and often featured in film and television, it is well worth a visit.

Back on-board the 917 to Uig

This barnstorming adventure continues, firstly through the still and calm of Kyle of Lochalsh, over the incredible Skye Bridge and into even more serene Broadford towards Uig. Twisting and turning round Broadford Bay, with views over to the Isle of Raasay, this is the most remote of settings as the coach finds its way to Uig, overlooking the Northern Minch.

Alight at Uig and take in the views!

It’s been a long but entrancing trip on the coach, but now time to disembark for half an hour and soak up the silence and fresh air of the hills and the horseshoe Uig Bay, with captivating views of the Fairy Glen and across towards the Outer Hebrides, to which ferries run.

Back on-board the 917 to Portree

it’s a short but blissful journey back to paradisiacal Portree.

Alight at Portree Square and enjoy the delights of this amazing town

Time for a late lunch and what better place than the The Isles Inn in Somerled Square. It’s right by the coach stop and  there’s always a hearty welcome and the scram is fabulous, particularly the Haggis Tower and delicious Steak and Ale Pie!

Then, it’s a walk down to the Harbour and the famous sight of the pastel waterfront houses, fishing boats and dramatic coastal scenery. Then, take a stroll up Lumpers Hill for panoramic views and back into the town where it’s fun perusing the many independent shops. as well as checking out the Isle of Skye Candle Company Visitor Centre, with its fabulous candle shop. The Carmina Gadelica Bookshop is also worth a visit – you can lose yourself in there, with its combo of books, music and artwork!

Make your way back to the coach stop and hopefully there’s time to spare for a quick pint or wee dram in the cosy West Highland Bar, which is part of Portree Hotel. You can wait there in the warm, listen to the 1980s and 1990s music that plays there and step out a minute or two before the coach pulls up outside!

On-board the 917 to Inverness

More picture postcard perfection from the windows of the coach as it purposefully makes its way back to Inverness, straddling Loch Ness, along this journey of magical mystique and historical charm.

Disembark at Inverness Bus Station

Well may it have been a long journey, but it literally has been one ‘Wow-Factor’ view every step of the way and now as the coach nestles into Inverness, there’s still time to enjoy the character and vitality of this wonderful place with its bridges and castle lit up at night, creating a real sense of occasion and ambience.

Enjoy the Inverness nightlife

The Black Isle Bar is a cracker, always vibrant and with wonderful home cooked pizzas (there’s great affordable rooms to stay overnight upstairs too). Platform 8 is another fab bar with a real energy about it, so too is Hootnanny, which is a live music venue. Whatever the night of the week, there’s never a dull moment in  invincible Inverness.