Seven Days and Six Nights in the Scottish Highlands
You don’t need to drive or join a tour to explore the Scottish Highlands; you can easily travel by bus. The best scenery is along the way, and riding a coach while enjoying the stunning views of snow-capped mountains and lakes is fantastic! One important tip: if possible, definitely spend two days on the Isle of Skye! As usual, due to word limits, I’ll list some key points, with the specific itinerary, attractions, accommodation, public transport, dining, and costs in the images.
Transportation: Departing from Edinburgh, travel entirely by Citylink Highland buses. I highly recommend purchasing the Citylink 5-Day Highland Explorer Pass, which is valid for 10 days from the date of purchase. During this period, you can choose any 5 days to travel. On the travel day, the driver will mark or punch your ticket. This is a physical ticket that can be bought online and mailed to your address, but it's best to allow enough time for delivery. Alternatively, you can buy it on-site at the Edinburgh or Glasgow bus stations. If you buy on-site, be sure to get a bus timetable (essential for bus travel!). You can ask the ticket seller in Edinburgh for one (it’s not available in the window publications), or you can grab one at the Glasgow station. Important note!! With this ticket, you can hop on and off the bus, provided there are available seats! It’s highly recommended to reserve your bus tickets online in advance using your ticket number, as this ensures you have a seat. The driver will have a list of reservations at the starting station. Otherwise, discovering the bus is full at the station could disrupt your travel plans, especially for buses coming from the Isle of Skye, where seats can be very tight. I saw several groups of tourists turned away because the bus was full.
Accommodation: Most places in the Highlands are guesthouses. In winter's low season, prices start from a bit over £100, but in peak season, it's best to book well in advance; otherwise, you might struggle to find a room.
Dining: Don’t expect too much from the food in the Highlands, especially in Portree on the Isle of Skye. Please make sure to book restaurants in advance, or you might end up wandering the streets without a meal.
Weather: Compared to strong winds, occasional rain showers are not a big deal. Fortunately, by the end of March, the weather is mostly sunny with little rain.
Gear: It's best to have waterproof hiking shoes and a windproof jacket! Wind protection is crucial! If you're unsure, add a hat for extra coverage!
Shopping: Don’t buy the Loch Ness monster souvenirs in Ness; they’re discounted at the Morriston supermarket in Fort William. For famous whiskies, shop prices can be high; I feel you don’t necessarily need to buy them in the Highlands, as they are even more expensive at the airport.
Finally, the detailed itinerary is too lengthy to be clear. If you need the original version, feel free to message or leave a comment. The remaining days' itinerary will be in the next article.
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