Skye Highs Short Break

5 Days & 4 Nights

4.3

The perfect 4-night escape to explore the magical Isle of Skye
Crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train, the ‘Hogwarts Express’
Visit the Isle of Raasay and visit its first small-batch whisky distillery
Walks to explore Skye’s Cuillin mountains, the rocky Storr and wild beaches
Relax with a cup of tea, large slice of cake and maybe a wee dram

This short break itinerary truly packs a punch showcasing the rugged beauty of the Isle of Skye and the famous Jacobite steam train, one of the world's greatest rail journeys. We have selected easy-going walks that take in the rocky Highlands, remote lochs, and wild beaches that Skye is famed for. Combine this with a free day in Portree to take an optional expertly guided day trip from a local taking in all the highlights or a boat trip with a backdrop of the Cuillins, and you have all the right ingredients for a trip of a lifetime.

From £795.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Fort William, travel to Mallaig by Jacobite 4 miles / 6 km

Your short break to the Isle of Skye begins at Fort William, the finish point of the West Highland Way, and at the foot of Britain’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis. Speak to a Destination Specialist to book pre-holiday accommodation in Fort William.

Hop on board the historic Jacobite steam train on one of the world’s greatest rail journeys (2h15m). The 'Hogwarts Express' puffs its way over the 21 arches of the Glenfinnan viaduct, past mountains, sandy beaches, and lochs, to arrive in Mallaig. There’s time to enjoy an afternoon walk with views of the Small Isles of Eigg and Rum.

***Please note, the Jacobite steam train is in extremely high demand for the whole season. Tickets sell out way before the summer months. If tickets are not available for your requested date, you will be given a discount and booked on a regular Scotrail service - this train will travel on the same line as the Jacobite over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.***

Loch an Nostarie Loop Walk: 6km (4mi), ascent/descent: +155m/-154m

Overnight Mallaig

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Seaview Guest house | Guest House

Seaview Guesthouse is a comfortable guesthouse in the centre of Mallaig. Overlooking the harbour of this pretty fishing village, the guesthouse provides all you need for a relaxing stay.

The Moorings Guest house | Guest House

Heather looks forward to meeting you at the Moorings which has super views over the working fishing port of Mallaig. Moorings is located approximately a 5 minute walk from Mallaig Train station, with ferries for Skye, the Outer Isles and other local amenities nearby. All bedrooms are comfortably furnished with TV, radio, en suite shower, tea and coffee making facilities and room hairdryer.

West Highland Hotel | 4 Star | Hotel

Overlooking the village, this 4-star hotel retains the traditional charm of a bygone age combined with modern touches in the comfortable surroundings. Dining is a delight with views out to the Cuillin mountains in Skye. All rooms are en-suite with Freeview TVs and some boasting views of the harbour and isles beyond.

Day 2 Travel from Mallaig to Portree 3 miles / 5 km Day 3 Free day on the Isle of Skye 4 miles / 7 km

You are spoiled for choice with things to do during a free day on Skye! If you would like to discover Skye with a local on a small group guided day tour of Skye's popular spots from Portree, we can organise this for you (this can be booked as an add-on, subject to availability).

Another memorable experience is a 2-hour cruise through the Sound of Raasay with a backdrop of the Cuillin Ridge. Look out for golden- and white-tailed sea eagles, and you're also likely to see common seals and possibly even dolphins or porpoises surfing alongside the boat's waves. If you wish to book a wildlife boat cruise as an add-on, please advise us at the time of booking to avoid disappointment.

If a cup of tea and a slice of cake is more your style, you can relax in a café and do a spot of souvenir shopping. Calmac also operates a ferry service from nearby Sconser to Raasay (25m) if you prefer to explore one of the islands on a gentle walk along its coastline and secluded beaches with far-reaching views of Skye. The path takes you above North Bay towards Raasay House and offers views across the Red Hills before reaching the tiny capital, Inverarish, which has a small whisky distillery.

Isle of Raasay Loop Walk: 6.5km (4mi), ascent/descent: 118/-118m

Portree Loop Walk: 7km (4.5mi), ascent/descent: 119/-127m

Overnight Portree

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Duirinish Guesthouse | Guest House

This B&B is located only a five-minute walk from the lively town centre, where there are parks, restaurants, pubs, shops and banks. All guest rooms are en-suite and have blackout curtains, complimentary toiletries and wifi.

Erisco B&B | Bed and breakfast

Erisco is a most relaxing accommodation on the Isle of Skye, very close to the town centre attractions of Portree. Recently refurbished and renovated, all rooms are en-suite, comfortably furnished and have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay. Jessie and John will provide you with a very warm Skye welcome at this lovely property.

Portree Hotel | Hotel

The Portree Hotel has recently undergone extensive refurbishment, now offering 24 redesigned en-suite rooms, with all the expected facilities including 32” flat screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryers and irons. The new Antlers Bar and Grill and West Highland Bar have also been tastefully refurbished, this includes wood burning stoves, which creates a cosy and comfortable atmosphere.

Day 4 Walk The Old Man of Storr 3 miles / 5 km Day 5 Onward travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 13kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our greenest trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 13kg is equivalent to 3 full English breakfasts. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Is it for me? Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

Optional Excursions

This itinerary has a free day in Portree which is the perfect base to explore all that Skye has to offer. We have two beautiful loop walks that allow you to explore the woodlands on the outskirts of Portree and takes you along the banks of Portree Loch, or you can hop on a ferry to explore the Isle of Raasay, a well-kept secret. Please find a couple of excursions below and please get in touch if you are interested. It should be noted that these excursions are subject to availability and should be booked in advance in order to avoid disappointment.

Skye in a Day tour: Visit the most beautiful locations on Skye on our 8-hour small group tour seating a maximum of 8 passengers. This itinerary includes The Fairy Pools, Neist Point, Dunvegan Castle (photostop), Fairy Glens, The Quiraing, Kilt Rock & Old Man of Storr (photo stop). The tour starts at 08.50 am and returns around 5 pm. It is suitable for those with reasonable levels of fitness and mobility.

Sound of Raasay cruise: Another memorable experience is a 2-hour cruise through the Sound of Raasay with a backdrop of the Cuillin Ridge. Look out for golden- and white-tailed sea eagles, and you're also likely to see common seals and possibly even dolphins or porpoises surfing alongside the boat's waves.

Equipment

The weather in Scotland can be variable all year so make sure you have waterproofs, warm layers, and a hat, buff/scarf, and gloves with you. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.