Skye and Isle of Rona

travel and tourist guide

Journey by train or plane to the Isle of Rona and Skye

Is the long drive from the south the only issue holding you back from a holiday on the Isle of Skye?

There are many exiting and interesting travel options, should you really want to avoid the long drive from the South.

Option 1 - by Rail

Inverness station is served by direct Anglo / Scottish train services.

There is a 6 day weekly direct sleeper service operated by Scotrail from London Euston departing (approx 2030 hours) calling at intermediate stations via Watford, Birmingham, Crewe and Edinburgh, delivering you "bright and breezy" in Inverness at (approx 0830 hours).

And a corresponding return service departing from Inverness (approx 2040 hours) arriving London Kings Cross (approx 0800 hours).

ALSO

There is a 6 day direct weekly service operated by GNER from London Kings Cross departing (approx 12.00 hours) calling at intermediate stations via, Peterborough, Doncaster, York and Edinburgh arriving Inverness at (approx 2000 hours).

And a corresponding return service departing from Inverness (approx 0800) hours arriving London Kings Cross (approx 1600 hours)

 

For detailed rail information please visit the Scotrail website www.firstgroup.com/scotrail

Option 2 - by Plane

Inverness also has an airport taking regular service flights from

London Gatwick with (BAA CitiExpress), Glasgow and Edinburgh with (Loganair) Manchester and Norwich with (Eastern Airways). Also from London Luton with EasyJet who specialise in great value budget flights to Inverness airport.

 

For detailed information on flights in and out of Aberdeen, please visit their website www.invernessairport.com

 

 

Car Hire and the road to the Skye and the Isle of Rona

The roads to the Isle of Skye are a pleasure to drive on, wide and empty with fantastic views. The best way to access the Isle of Skye from Inverness is to take the A82 (Fort William) trunk road running alongside Loch Ness to Invermoriston then join the A887 (leading to the A87) to Kyle of Lochalsh.

Cross the now toll free Skye bridge onto skye, then head for Portree A87, where you can free park your car at the harbour (limited spaces) or the larger car park behind. There are a limited number of free parking spaces on the pier (Douglas Row/Quay Street) or a large free car park at the Bayfield. It is a 10-minute walk from Bayfield to Portree Pier. Please allow plenty of time to unpack your luggage and, if necessary purchase provisions.  

 

      Please be ready to depart at least 15 minutes before ferry departure time     

PLEASE ENSURE YOU TAKE EVERYTHING YOU WILL NEED DURING YOUR STAY ON RONA

A list at the end of this leaflet suggests some useful ideas. Food and supplies can be purchased from the Co-op Supermarket past Ewan MacRae’s garage on the Dunvegan Road or the smaller Safeway on the corner of Wentworth Street. Alternatively, if passing through Broadford or Kyle of Lochalsh there are also Co-op Supermarkets. Portree has a good range of other shops, bakery, banks etc. Accommodation can be organised with numerous hotels, B & B’s and hostels. Please click here for a list of recommended establishments or contact Portree Tourist Information for more details on 01478 612137.

        

MV Stardust and easy access on and off Rona

Mr Corrigal Mobile: 07798 743 858 or Home: 01478 612333 who is hired by the Rona Estate operates the boat. Please do not attempt to board or disembark the boat until ropes are secure and the skipper has directed you to do so. You will be given a full briefing regarding Health and Safety on boarding. Although the boat has a cabin and enclosed wheelhouse, you are asked to be suitably dressed for the trip,with plenty of layers and a good waterproof jacket as well as strong footwear. Weather conditions at sea can be the same summer or winter.

All decisions relating to the boat and the suitability of the weather for making the trip to Rona are made at the Skipper’s sole discretion. In the event that the crossing cannot be made, Bed & Breakfast accommodation will be organised in Portree.

The ferry from Portree leaves Portree Harbour at 9.30am returning from Rona 11.00am on Saturdays, weather permitting.


Car and van rental is in-expensive, from as little as £24.00 per day and available from Avis and Hertz at their desks on the public concourse at Inverness Airport and Inverness Railway Station:

AVIS +44 (0) 1667 462787 and HERTZ +44 (0) 1667 462652.

There is also Northern Vehicle Hire +44 (0)1463 235337

or email: reservations@northernvehiclehire.com

N.B. All All travel information listed is intended as a guide only and we recommend that you contact personally all of the companies you intend travelling or hiring with, through the word hyper links we have provided.

"So there is no need to let the distance... spoil a once in a lifetime experience"