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2-3 Day Inverness to Skye Road Trip

This Inverness to Skye road trip takes around 3 hours each way to drive. Although this could be done in a day, we recommend the full two or three days to make the most of it. This is a very scenic trip, taking in many popular Highland sights and attractions.

Road trip details: Two or three day route, 113 miles, 6 hours driving time

Stops include: Glen Moriston, Glen Shiel, Loch Duich Viewpoint, Eilean Donan Castle, Sligachan. Portree, Old Man of Storr, Fairy Pools, Dunvegan Castle and Gardens.

Explore the route map below for this road trip…

Inverness to Glen Moriston

Wind beautiful roads over bridges and glens

The Route:

Inverness to Glen Moriston

1. Take the A82 from Inverness towards Fort William. You’ll drive down the north side of Loch Ness, passing through Drumnadrochit village, home of Nessie.

2. As you come to Invermoriston, take the A887 Skye Road. The road follows the Moriston river past Dundreggan Dam and reservoir and on to Glen Moriston. Drive carefully, as much of this route is single-track road.

3. Just past Dundreggan, you’ll see the Torgyle Bridge, a lovely bridge with three stone arches. You can park opposite to view it. Further along and back on the two-lane road, you’ll come to the grave of Roderick MacKenzie, marking the spot where a fugitive was killed by redcoat soldiers in 1746.

Glen Moriston to Dornie

4. From Glen Moriston, head east towards Glen Shiel. It is worth stopping at the watershed, the point where when the rivers and burns all run towards a common point, for great views.

5. You’ll soon come to a brown crossed swords sign, marking the site of the Battle of Glen Shiel in 1719, one of the lesser-known Jacobite Risings. You can stop here to view the information panels, which are set into a stone wall at the side of the glen.

6. As you continue along the road, you’ll see the Five Sisters of Kintail mountains on the right, and The Saddle mountain on the left. When you come to the junction, follow the Skye Road over the causeway and through Inverinate. You have now reached the west coast, as you drive along the shores of Loch Duich.

7. Just after Inverinate Service Station, you can go off the main road, following a sign for Loch Duich Viewpoint. This will take you onto an old part of the road and up to the viewpoint for amazing scenery. You will then rejoin the main road and continue on to the village of Dornie.

8. As you reach Dornie, you’ll see Eilean Donan Castle on your right, a 13th century castle, which was reconstructed in the early 20th century. You can stop here for a visit or simply to take in the views.

Dornie to Skye

9. From Dornie, keep going along the road as you pass through Kyle of Lochalsh and then take the Skye Bridge. You are now on the island of Skye!

10. Follow the A87 towards Portree. You’ll pass through Broadford village and then Sligachan. The Sligachan Hotel is a good place to stop for refreshments and also great views of the Cuillin Hills.

11. When you reach Portree, Skye’s main town, you will find shops and places to eat and relax. Other recommended things to see and do on Skye include the Old Man of Storr, Fairy Pools, Stardust Boat Trips and Dunvegan Castle and Gardens. The Three Chimneys in Colbost is one of the most famous restaurants in Scotland. Book in advance if you’d like to enjoy some fine dining during your visit.

Skye to Inverness

12. You can head back to Inverness the same way that you came, allowing around three hours driving time.

We hope you enjoy this Inverness to Skye road trip. Find more road trip ideas here.

Walking

Caledonian Canal

Loch Ness Monster