We're going to Skye (Dunvegan area) from Manchester in early August. Never been before and I'm wondering about the best driving route. Time isn't so much of an issue as we'll split it into two days anyway, probably stay in Glencoe overnight. I'm thinking of using the ferry from Mallaig rather than driving to the bridge but am interested in what others more experienced in travelling round there think. If I took the ferry is it really necessary to book ahead?
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 If you're taking time and seeing the place for the first time I'd do one way on each: quite a different character to the landscape on each leg and you might as well take it all in. Don't know how much you need to book (only done the Mallaig ferry with a bike), call Calmac and ask them! Pete.
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 You could use the Mallaig Ferry there and the Kyle Rhea Ferry on your return.The ferry across Kyle Rhea takes you into the Glenelg area where there are some brochs that can visit. There are also a number of hills worth climbing. The drive over the Bealach Ratagan is interesting as from the top of the pass you have excellent views, weather permitting, of the Five Sisters and Loch Duich, something not to be missed in my mind. Not using the bridge route you miss Eilean Donan Castle but it is only a short drive from Shiel Bridge (end of route from Glenelg) to Dornie where the castle is located.
Enjoy your visit.
Slainte
Lindsay
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 The ferry is a slightly shorter drive - but will take longer due to a need to check in early and the ferry journey. But it is a nice sail on a good day. You should book a sailing too - the sailings were full up when we used the service in June. I'd agree with Peter and Lindsay - use a different return - the drive via the bridge and Glen Shiel is great too Enjoy 
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You can't lose whatever you choose but I'd agree with others you should go one way and back another - now just the task of choosing Kyle Rhea ferry (my preference) or bridge.  
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| Edited: 07/07/11 18:18 |
If going over to Kylerhea consider a jaunt up Ben Aslak from the top of the road - a short walk with great views.
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 Have a look if the Gaelic festival is on at the Gaelic College, it's just a short drive from the ferry terminal on Skye and worth a visit if you are into that kind of stuff (saw a concert by one Luala Kennedy which was most enjoyable and the college itself must have the most grandiose view a student can ever wish to have from the caf...). The coastal road to Mallaig is quite interesting, in a good but also bad way, being very tight, just hope you aren't stuck behind a Dutch or American tourist in a rented car...
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The coastal road to Mallaig is quite interesting, in a good but also bad way, being very tight, just hope you aren't stuck behind a Dutch or American tourist in a rented car...
I'm not sure what road the poster is referring to but if it is the Fort William to Mallaig road it no longer has sections of single track road. It even now has a small crawler lane section since it was upgraded. Slainte LB
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 ferry there and bridge back,like others have raid before..
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We drove on that road in the early 00's, I really can't remember if there was single track sections but I do remember it being a twisty road that gave a bit of a challenge to some drivers not use to that kind of road. When was it upgraded, I'm intrigued now...?
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It was completed in two different periods, the first several years ago and the second more recently, probably completed 2009. It is now a good road to travel on and by-passes Arisaig and Morar. Slainte Lindsay
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Cheers LB. It certainly is a wonderfully scenic drive!
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Thanks for the tips. Think we'll try both as several of you suggested. Nice break from the car for our 9 month old boy on the ferry as well
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Have a blinda Awesome Island. pictures on your return pleasd 
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