Getting To The Highlands
Many itineraries across the Highlands often assume that one is driving. Some itineraries are even entirely focussed on the car such as the legendary NC500.
Not everybody can drive though, or some just don’t want to drive on holidays. Is it possible to explore the Highlands without a car? How can you get there? Which towns are better connected?
Train
If coming from the South, getting to the Highlands by Scotrail train is a great introduction to these mesmerising lands.
From Edinburgh, one can arrive at the buzzing Cairngorm town of Aviemore in around 2 hours 40 minutes.
Starting from Glasgow? The outdoor mecca that is Fort William is 3 hours 50 minutes, whilst the gateway to Skye, Mallaig is 5 hours 30 minutes.
These trains are just about the journey as they are the destination as you meander through the great Glens, Lochs and mountains of the Highlands.
Of course, it would be sacrilegious to talk about trains without mentioning the great Caledonian Sleeper. This luxury overnight train allows passengers to board in London, get a good night’s sleep and wake up in the heart of the Highlands be it Aviemore, Fort William or the Highlands capital of Inverness.
Bus
On a budget? Citylink will whisk you from Glasgow to Fort William in 3 hours, or Skye in around 5 hours 30.
Megabus also operates and links up Edinburgh and Inverness.
Flying
Whether flying domestically in the UK or coming in from abroad, Inverness Airport is the easiest way to reach the Highlands from the sky.
At the time of writing, Inverness is linked up with London, Amsterdam, Manchester, and even Majorca!
Getting Around The Highlands
Now that you’re in the Highlands, how do you get around?
Bus companies such as Stagecoach link up this area but make sure to research timetables beforehand, you won’t get the same frequency of services here as in the cities!
As for trains, the West Highland Line has once been described as the world’s most scenic rail journey and will connect you from Fort William to Mallaig. If you’re crossing from West to East though, you won’t find many direct trains and it will be more practical to travel via bus.
If you are planning on travelling via rail extensively, it might be worth looking into getting a BritRail or Highland Rover Pass which allows you to travel for a set number of days across a period which may work out more economical than purchasing separate tickets.
If you want to explore some of the Islands such as the Hebrides, you’ll also find yourself using ferries. Local ferry operators include NorthLink Ferries and CalMac.
Connected Towns
If you’re travelling solely via public transport, it may make more sense to base yourself out of one or two towns that are relatively well connected across the Highlands.
Some great Highland towns and cities that are best connected include:
Guided Tours
The easiest and most convenient way to see the Highlands without driving is by taking advantage of a guided tour of this breathtaking region.
Taking part in guided tours means that your transport (and sometimes your accommodation) is arranged and that you can spend more time enjoying your holiday rather than being bogged down in logistics (although some people love that aspect, everyone’s different!).
Guided tours with the likes of Rabbie’s Tours can be taken in mixed groups, allowing you to meet like-minded travellers, or private, providing you with a personalised adventure.
As well as not having to worry about seasonal bus timetables or train connections, a guided tour will provide access to local expertise for amazing distilleries, natural wonders and the best haggis!
Parting Advice
Not having or wanting to drive a car shouldn’t stop you from taking the trip of a lifetime across the Highlands.
Quite the contrary, not driving yourself gives access to amazing alternative experiences such as travelling by rail on the world-class West Highlands line, or experiencing the raw beauty of the ad-hoc Highland bus services, or getting really under the skin of the land by taking part in a guided tour.
There’s something here for everybody, and there are a ton of ways to explore and experience it too!
What are your top travel tips for seeing the Highlands without a car?
Let us know in the comments below!
