I’m sure that many have asked how far is it to the Isle of Skye, over the years. You will probably find that the journey will always take a little bit longer than you planned. Not just because of the traffic, you might meet, but because you will pass some stunning scenery on your way, and feel compelled to stop and soak it in. Wherever your starting point, whether it is Edinburgh, Glasgow, or further afield you are in for a memorable journey.

Before we moved to Skye we would drive up from just south of Manchester. A journey that could take between 9-12 hours depending on traffic and roadworks. We always shared the driving, as we were always eager to get here, we became creatures of habit on where we stopped.

Our first stop would be Tebay Services an oasis compared to some service stops. It offers tasty well-cooked meals and snacks. With a good deli shop if you need to stock up with supplies on route too. It has a good area for walking your dogs as well. They also have a hotel should you need an overnight stop. We stayed here once when traveling south and it is a well-equipped establishment with a good restaurant.

Another place you can break the journey, and perhaps stay over, is Stirling. Why not explore Stirling Castle and then climb the 246 steps to the top of the Wallace Monument. Both places provide breathtaking views. We have stayed at The Springfield Lodge B&B which has off-road parking and a short walk from somewhere to eat.

Secondly, we stop in Callander, to swap drivers. A lovely small town on the River Teith. Here you can fill up with fuel, stretch your legs and take advantage of the selection of cafes on the main street. Our favourite is Ben Ledi Coffee Co. Run by our good friends Gillian and Mhairi where they offer deliciously filled bagels and a great selection of homemade cakes.

Forty minutes outside Callander is Inverardran Guest House, somewhere I have stayed when doing the journey on my own. I had the pleasure of watching red squirrels feeding outside whilst having my breakfast. What a treat. You’ll then drive up over Rannoch Moor always an atmospheric place whatever the weather with some great scenery, get your camera ready. Then down into Glencoe, if you need a snack Crafts & Things has a super cafe, gift shop, and gallery.

We then go on to Fort William and quite often stock up in the various supermarkets there. Onward and passed the Commando Monument.

Then on up through Invergarry. As you rise to the top of the hill there are stunning views over Glengarry back down over the valley.

Then you’ll drive alongside Loch Cluanie, which almost has a lunar landscape feel about it. If there has been rainfall when you travel you will see some impressive waterfalls along this stretch of road. As you drive down toward Glen Sheil watch out for feral goats, some have the most impressive horns.

You will pass Eilean Donan Castle, worth a visit if you have the time. Although first inhabited around the 6th century, the first fortified castle was built in the mid 13th century and stood guard over the lands of Kintail. Since then, at least four different versions of the castle have been built and re-built as the feudal history of Scotland unfolded through the centuries.

Just a few miles more and you will be at the Sky Bridge, and the island awaits you, you are ready to explore.

Remember as you drive around the island many roads are single track with passing places. Please drive carefully and give way to others. Pull over to let others pass if you have a queue behind you.

So, How Far Is It To The Isle of Skye depends on how long you want it to be. Do you drive straight here, only stopping when necessary, or do you add a couple of days onto your holiday and stop off on route.