Northern Highlands & Islands - Scotland - page 785

Getting There & Away
Boat Despite the bridge, there are still a couple of ferry links between Skye and the main-
land. Ferries also operate from Uig on Skye to the Outer Hebrides.
Mallaig to Armadale ( www.calmac.co.uk ; per person/car £4.35/22.60) The Mallaig to
Armadale ferry (30 minutes, eight daily Monday to Saturday, five to seven on Sunday) is
very popular in July and August, so book ahead if you're travelling by car.
Glenelg to Kylerhea ( www.skyeferry.co.uk ; car with up to four passengers £14) Runs a
tiny vessel (six cars only) on the short Kylerhea to Glenelg crossing (five minutes, every
20 minutes). The ferry operates from 10am to 6pm daily from Easter to October only (to
7pm June to August).
BusGlasgow to Portree £40, seven hours, four daily
Glasgow to Uig £40, 7½ hours, two daily; via Crianlarich, Fort William and Kyle of
Lochalsh
Inverness to Portree £23, 3½ hours, three daily
Car & Motorcycle The Isle of Skye became permanently tethered to the Scottish main-
land when the Skye Bridge opened in 1995. The controversial bridge tolls were abolished
in 2004 and the crossing is now free.
There are petrol stations at Broadford (open 24 hours), Armadale, Portree, Dunvegan
and Uig.
Getting Around
Getting around the island by public transport can be a pain, especially if you want to ex-
plore away from the main Kyleakin-Portree-Uig road. Here, as in much of the Highlands,
there are only a few buses on Saturday, and only one Sunday service (between Kyle of
Lochalsh and Portree).
Bus Stagecoach ( Click here ) operates the main bus routes on the island, linking all the
main villages and towns. Its Skye Dayrider ticket gives unlimited bus travel for one day
for £7.50. For time-table info, call Traveline ( 0871 200 2233) .
TaxiKyle Taxi Company ( 01599-534323) You can order a taxi or hire a car from Kyle
Taxi Company. Car hire costs from around £38 a day, and you can arrange for the car to
be waiting at Kyle of Lochalsh train station.