Driving to Isle of Skye
We loved driving through Scotland, and one of our favorites was driving to Isle of Skye!
Leaving Oban
We woke up to eat breakfast at the hotel then hit the road! Our end destination was our hotel on Isle of Skye, but we planned several stops before we got there. Following Rick Steves’ advice, we drove towards Glencoe from Oban. His book lists several places for scenic drives and hikes. He also lists two places to stop to get groceries. On our second attempt, we found the co-op grocery store near Balluchulish. All of us enjoyed looking through the local choices that differed from ours at home and loading up on snacks for the drive!
On the Road Again!
Our wonderful Driver
These two pictures as well as the following group picture were taken just off of the side of the road. We saw this gorgeous view and pulled the car over! One of the many advantages of having our own car!
Snack Stop!
Glencoe Visitor Center
Rick Steves also mentions the Glencoe Vistor Center in his book. The Center is located just off the A-82. After walking around the center, obtaining some maps and using the potties, we headed out for a beautiful drive. We followed the driving tour for a little ways before stopping at a waterfall for some pictures before driving back to Glencoe and continuing the drive to Skye.
Glencoe Visitor Center
Scenic Drive:
Walter
It is very hard to tell, but it was snowing when we stopped to see the waterfall!
Our navigator/tour guide (since I get carsick and couldn’t read aloud)
The Road to the Isles
The next leg of the drive was the Road to the Isles. Many stops are also listed in Rick Steves. Neptune’s Staircase was the first stop in the book. This is a network of locks designed in the early 19th century. Rick Steves specifically stated, “Engineers might want to pull over just after the bridge to stroll around the locks for a closer look.” Since I travelled with 2 engineers, I followed this advice!
Neptune’s Staircase
Scottish Ducks!
Glenfinnan
According to Rick Steves’ history, Bonnie Prince Charlie arrived in Glenfinnan in 1745 to step foot in Scotland for the first time. Now, Glenfinnan is the site of the Glenfinnan Monument and the Glenfinnan Viaduct. I was SO excited to see the viaduct as it the viaduct seen in the Harry Potter Movies!!!!! When visiting Scotland, make sure to look up all of the Harry Potter movie sites and important places. I also found several places with ties to Outlander to visit. 🙂 After walking through the visitor’s center, we climbed the short hike to the top of the hill. Once at the top, you can see the viaduct and the monument. Unfortunately, the train did not pass by while we watched. You can check the train’s schedule if you want to be there as it passes over.
Hiking to the Top
Glenfinnan Monument
View from the Parking Lot
Evan stole my scarf.
How you pose with a monument…
Tim
Harry Potter Train Viaduct!!
This is also the entirety of my winter wardrobe 🙂
Walking Back Down
Taking the Ferry in Mallaig
I booked our ferry tickets on my phone during our evening in Oban. I recommend booking ahead of time to make sure you have a spot on the ferry! We drove on from Glenfinnan to Mallaig through another snow storm!
After arriving at the ferry terminal, I went inside to get our paper passes for the ferry. Evan parked the car in line for the boat, and we all walked to the local grocery store for lunch and more road snacks. The coolest thing about the backseat of Walter was the pull down tables! Mr Jack and I had the perfect lunch spot while we waited to load the boat. This was my first ferry ride, and I had no idea what to expect. I thought I would just chill in the car and relax on the ride over, but the car rocked and rolled! Motion sickness brought me to the top of the boat to enjoy the wind and cold as well as the views!
Lunch Time!
Loading the Ferry
Please notice how closely the person on our right parked causing Evan to exit the car by climbing out of Tim’s window.
Evan still mad about the parking situation
Sooo Cold! But Beautiful Views
Group Shot
Arriving on Skye
After exiting the ferry, we completed the drive to our hotel on Skye. I may save the rest of the pictures for the next post, as this one is already super long!
Here is how we ended the night 🙂
Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to check out our post. It’s so fun to go back and relive this trip. I hope you’re enjoying our recaps! Stay tuned next week for our Isle of Skye adventures!
Click here to see our entire itinerary.
<3 Ali
My name is Ali and I'm learning how to be a country girl! I'm a physical therapist, wife, lover of running and reading and I love to travel!