Highlands & Northern Islands Transport

Getting around

If you don't have wheels, make your first priority grabbing a free copy of The Highlands, Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles Public Transport Map from a tourist office. It's a valuable resource.

Contents

Boat

Ferries connect the mainland with the islands off the west and north coasts. Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac; 0870 565 0000; www.calmac.co.uk) is the main operator off the west coast. If you're travelling by car in summer, it's wise to book a few days in advance.

Bus & tram

Bus

Wick, Thurso, Ullapool and Kyle of Lochalsh can all be reached by Scottish Citylink (08705 505050; www.citylink.co.uk) bus from Inverness, or from Edinburgh and Glasgow via Inverness or Fort William. Another major operator on local routes is Rapsons/Highland Country (01463-710555; www.rapsons.co.uk). The Royal Mail Postbus (0845 774 0740; www.postbus.royalmail.com) serves many remote communities.

There are several bus services specifically aimed at backpackers; see Transport for details.

Car & motorcycle

If you want to explore some of the more remote areas you should consider hiring a car; it will significantly increase your flexibility and independence. Roads are single track in many areas, so duck into passing places when you spot oncoming traffic. Plan ahead, as petrol stations can be few and far between and it's worth considering renting a car from Edinburgh or Glasgow as it works out a bit cheaper. Taking cars on ferries to the islands can be expensive; on the further-flung islands it can work out cheaper to hire a car for a couple of days once you get there.

Train

The two Highland railway lines from Inverness - north along the east coast to Wick and Thurso, and west to Kyle of Lochalsh - are justly famous. The West Highland line also follows a spectacular route from Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig (for the Isle of Skye and the Small Isles).

ScotRail's Highland Rover ticket gives four days of unlimited travel to be used within eight days (£59) on the lines from Inverness to Wick and Thurso, Kyle of Lochalsh, Aberdeen and Aviemore; and on the West Highland line between Glasgow, Oban, Fort William and Mallaig; inquire about local ferry and bus travel also included in the ticket.

For rail information, you can call the National Rail Enquiries (08457 48 49 50; www.nation alrail.co.uk) or check ScotRail's website at www.scotrail.co.uk.