917, Inverness to Portree and Uig

Journey Overview

This is one of the most breathtaking journeys in the world. Over the Kessock Bridge, with incredible views of the Moray Firth to the right and Beauly Firth on the left, below, the coach bids farewell to invigorating Inverness, then winds its way alongside Loch Ness, as scenic thrill seekers peer out of the window for sightings of the famous monster! Caledonian Canal is passed over and it’s into Drumnadraht and ‘Nesse Land’ ahead, with Drum Farm Gallery and Gift Shop visible from the window.

Before long, the Citylink coach stops at the mystical Castle Urquhart with snowy mountains, and clouds halfway up them, often as a backdrop. The majestic River Moriston is on the left, and the terrain is craggy with auburn heather and other foliage as well as rocks. The views of Loch Ness are more expansive and amazing with every pulsating mile on this incredible scenic sojourn. Goats cross the road occasionally as it winds right, then left, up and over the glen before the coach stops at Dornie and the famous Eilean Dornie Castle.

Into and out of Kyle of Lochalsh and it’s over the awe-inspiring Isle of Sky Bridge and into the Isle of Skye. White cottages and farmhouses at serene Kyleakin are passed and then the journey gets ever more remote, the desolute but delightful landscape with the breathtaking sea views on the right of ‘Inner Sound’. Civilisation re-appears fleetingly at Broadford, with views of the Isle of Pabay on the right, but it’s soon back to a cavernous terrain, with gushing waterfalls, as the coach encircles Loch Ainort, then Loch Sligachan and the serene water in view as far as the eye can see.

Inland the Citylink coach goes, into the depths of the Isle of Skye, it’s mountains and moorland before Portree appears on the horizon with views over to the Isle of Raasay across the calm waters of the Sound of Rassay. In Portree Square the bus stops and you can feel the excitement as customers rush to disembark and walk past fascinating independent shops, down to the seafront and harbour area where the coast is tranquil, green grass and trees look out onto fishing boats and more importantly the world-famous picture-postcard view of coloured shops and houses. This is an epic denouement to the most memorable and thrilling of scenic journeys! But, it’s not finished yet as after spending some time in Portree, customers can wait for the next coach and venture further to Uig, where the landscape is even more remote and magical.

A Fab Day Out!

This is a journey that can be experienced in one trip. However, as there are only two services a day currently (one in the morning and early evening), to get the most out of your adventure, you could enjoy spreading it over 2 or maybe three days!

Leaving the culture and history of bustling Inverness behind, the bus traverses fabulous scenery along the Caledonian Canal with its magnificent vantage points of Loch Ness, including disembarking at the Visitor Centre for a brief cruise of the Loch and fascinating insights into the mythical monster. Disembarking the coach at Dochgarroch Lock, there’s also fabulous walks along the Caledonian canal or a longer Jacobite Cruise with its incredible panorama as the boat sails down the canal and Loch Ness.

A visit to Urquhart Castle is highly recommended and then maybe an overnight stay in the lovely Inergarry, with a walk up to the village’s local Corbett, Ben Tee!

The next day, the bus follows a winding route through the heart of the Highland landscape. Stop off first at Claunie Inn, at the head of Glen Shiel, a delightful, remote mountain Inn with fabulous Highland hospitality and a cracking log fire and great food. 

Back on the coach and it’s through the remote hamlets of Ardelve, Kirkton, Renraig, Kyle of Lochalsh, crossing Shiel Bridge over the Loch Alsh. After crossing the Skye Bridge, the first stop on the Island is Kyleakin. Then it’s onto Broadford, which is a fabulous place to disembark to take in the view across the bay to Applecross or some bird spotting at this most fantastic of locations.

You can stop off at any of these places along the way. Or you might want to wait until arriving at Broadford, the second largest village on the island. Set against the mountainous backdrop of the Red Cuillins, the views across the bay to Applecross, under the backdrop of the mountains of the Red Cuillins, are breath-taking. It’s also one of the best bird-watching locations on Skye where you can see a huge array of species including native varieties and exotic migrants. Stopping off at Strollamus is also highly recommended, where you can see a handful still of working crofts, despite the crofting population declining markedly over the past few decade.

The coach then finds its way to Portree, the capital of the Isle of Skye, with its beautiful harbour, pretty painted houses and fascinating wildlife. There’s also another great scenic journey to enjoy – the half hour trip to Kensaleyre from Portree where one of the Island’s most ancient site, the Kensaleyre Standing Stones can be experienced. It’s situated on the moorland shore of Loch Eyre, surrounded by an ancient church and burial cairns.