Scotland - Island Hopping

[Chapeltom]

Apologies in the wrong forum, didn't know where else to put it.

Next Summer, I'm pretty much free from June to mid September and wouldn't mind a a few days to a week away after my A-Levels preferably not costing more than a few hundred quid.

I've looked at the idea of an All-Line Rover on the trains for a week but wouldn't mind going round Scotland for a week. I've looked on the ferry websites but I can't get my head round a route I could do. I'd like to do one or more of the following train lines if possible as well, Kyle Line, Far North Line, West Highland Line.

Anyone any experience in island hopping and any decent routes


Thanks

 

[jopsuk]

Island hopping can be a bit slow. If you're not wanting to use the same ferry route back, the buses on the islands aren't exactly fast and frequent- though they do connect to the ferries I think.

Having said that, the Freedom Of Scotland rover may be ideal. For instance, it allows you to go all the way up the West Highland to Mallaig, take the ferry to Skye, the bus along Skye and over the bridge to Kyle and the train from Kyle to Inverness.

If you want to take in Islands and rail bashing in Scotland, I'd recommend:
A Freedom Of Scotland Pass 8/15
Keep a keen eye on the "Bargain Berths" page to get the sleeper for as little as possible.
Come up with an itinerary and research hostels (mainly YHA, but not restricted to just them) for cheap accommodation- at the time of year you suggest, you would be strongly recommend to book in advance.

 

[jamesontheroad]

Island hopping can be a bit slow.

That is the whole point

Jopsuk has explained the most popular and best value option: Glasgow - Mallaig, over to Skye and then back from Kyle of Lochalsh via Inverness. You'll see every inch of the most spectactular scenery. If you fancy something more of a trek, then consider going from Oban out to Barra and then working your way up the Outer Hebrides before coming back to Uig on Skye.

 

[blackfive460]

I'd recommend doing Glasgow to Mallaig then back to Fort William for a bus to Inverness to do the Kyle line, over to Skye with a bus to Uig. Uig to Tarbert in Harris by CalMac ferry for a bus to Stornoway for the ferry to Ullapool and a bus back to Inverness from where you could then do Thurso.
Doing that on a Freedom of Scotland Travelpass, all you would have to pay for is the bus from Tarbert to Stornoway all the rest is included.
You might struggle to fit this in on a 4 in 8 day ticket though but spread over 8 in 15 you could make it much more relaxing with extra days here and there.

 

[Greenback]

We would love to do some island hopping. We may do the Hebrides next year. I've looked into Glasgow -Mallaig - Armadale - Portree -Kyle - Inverness, but we'd like to set aside at least 9 days to do it properly.