Today, following this classic route, you will travel to the Isle of Skye.
This Inner Hebridean island is the holy grail for those visiting Scotland, but it can feel like Disneyland in the summer due to over-tourism.
If you prefer less crowded experiences, try to avoid the school holidays and the high-season summer months of June, July, and August.
Today is all about monuments, trains, and white sands, which require an early start.
Note: To avoid disappointment, you should pre-book your ferry ride from Mallaig to Armadale on the Isle of Skye with CalMac Ferries.
You don’t have to take the ferry, although driving does add 2-3 hours to your trip.
For this option, take the road to Spean Bridge from Glenfinnan (point of interest below), then up the A87 to Eilean Donan Castle and over the Skye Bridge.
See this guide for full details on all the ways you can get to Skye.
Morning: Inverlochy Castle, Neptune’s Staircase, Caol & Glenfinnan
Start day three early, as you have two scheduled times to meet if you want to get the best out of fit.
Firstly, the Harry Potter train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct an hour before it is due to arrive.
Secondly, your ferry to the Isle of Skye from Mallaig.
The first stop is Inverlochy Castle, ruins next to the Highland Soap Company shop.
While this journey should take around eight minutes as it is only approximately four miles away from Fort William, during ‘silly season’, it can take up to 45 minutes.
The road infrastructure is such that traffic gets clogged up easily.
Enjoy the views of Ben Nevis as you drive along.
Is she showing her tip? It is often hidden!
Following the road out of Fort William towards Inverness, you will come to the turning for the Highland Soap Company.
Take this left turn and follow the road.
Passing over the bridge, you will see the castle ruins on the left.
Park around here and get out for a quick wander around these ruins.
Inverlochy Castle was built in the 13th century as a stronghold for the lords of Badenoch.
Situated on the River Lochy, it allowed ease of access to Loch Linnhe.
It has hosted Queen Victoria, who is said to have written in her diary, “I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot”, and you will find the same tranquillity when you visit.
The next stop is a true feat of engineering.
Banavie (4 miles approx 6 minutes)
Banavie is a small suburb of Fort William where you can park and walk up Neptune’s Staircase.
This is a set of locks on the Caledonian Canal where boats pass through as they make their way down or up the Great Glen using the waterways.
It takes around 90 minutes to travel these locks, and spectators can sit on the banks and watch as the boats are quite literally taken up a ‘water staircase.’
If you are pushed for time, you can skip this attraction.
Corpach Wreck
If you leave the car where you have parked it and walk over one of the locks to the left-hand side, you can walk down towards the Corpach Wreck.
This boat has been here since a storm in 2011 brought it all the way from Kinlochleven.
The boat itself has the perfect backdrop, as you will see from the many photos on social media.
Ben Nevis gives this wreck a reason to stay put.
With the surrounding Loch Linnhe, you would not find a more picturesque set.
How to get to Corpach Wreck
- Cross the canal at Corpah Basin so you are on the side of Ben Nevis
- Turn into the woods at the blue tourist signs
- Walk down towards the shore
- Cross the bridge over the water
- Turn right and walk down the manmade path, skipping over the empty drink bottles and tins to the beach
If this already sounds too rushed, enjoy a slow breakfast instead and head straight to Glenfinnan.
Glenfinnan (17 miles, approx 25 minutes)
Situated at the top of Loch Shiel, Glenfinnan’s small hamlet is where the Jacobite uprising began in 1745 when Bonnie Prince Charlie arrived on the shores and raised his standard.
The monument was built 70 years later and is an iconic tower recognizing this historic event.
The other famous structure which fans come from all over the world to see is the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
This is where the Harry Potter steam train passes over 1000ft of land at a height of 100ft.
The local residents of Glenfinnan Community have created a car park for the visitors who want to stop and film the train going over.
Please pay the parking charge and don’t give your ticket to another car.
The money goes towards the investment in the area, so you have somewhere to park, pee, and eat.
Leaving your car here, you can walk up to the viaduct and grab a prime spot for that once-in-a-lifetime video.
Remember, you’re on Highland time now, and it may be running a little late.
Warning: The midges, Scottish nippy bugs that bite, are pretty bad around the viaduct. We actually wore our midge nets—no shame!
If you can, take some time to walk down to Loch Shiel to see the Glenfinnan Monument and appreciate the area’s stillness.
If you plan to drive to Skye, skip the next section, follow the road to Spean Bridge, and then onto the A87.
Glenfinnan to Arisaig (19 miles, approx 30 minutes)
As you drive towards Arisaig, the views become more beautiful with every passing mile.
The lochs change from Loch Shiel to Loch Eilt and then to Loch Ailort.
Various islands make the whole landscape stunning in the middle of the lochs.
Use the parking places to stop and take photographs.
It is a busy road, and you need to take care.
Arisaig Beaches
To get into Arisaig, take the alternative coast road on B8008.
You will not be disappointed.
This road gives you the first glimpses of the turquoise waters and white sands this part of Scotland is famous for.
The road is a single-track road, and you must follow the rules for allowing traffic to pass.
Here are some simple rules to remember:
- Locals use this road daily and know it well.
- If someone is close behind you as you enjoy the scenery, please let them overtake you.
- This stops frustration and accidents.
- Don’t park at the side of the road or in passing places.
- This can cause problems for other road users.
- Most of all, enjoy the drive!
You won’t find anywhere else like this in the world.
The road winds alongside the water, and as you look out over the turquoise waters, you can see Eigg, Rhum, Mull, Skye, and South Uist on a very clear day!
The beaches are breathtaking, but they are for public use, meaning they are not wild camping spots.
The white, smooth sand resembles what you would find in the Caribbean.
The water may be a little less warm than the Caribbean, though!
You can stop at a few different beaches and enjoy a picnic.
Traigh Beach has a designated car park and is easy to access.
On the other side, you have a 9-hole golf course with views that nowhere else can boast.
Further along, you have Camsudarach Beach.
Again, there is a car park here, but access is a little trickier as you need to navigate the dunes.
Then, you will encounter the Silver Sands of Morar.
These three beaches are jam-packed on a hot summer’s day.
However, there is still room to move and enjoy some sunbathing.
Be cautious of your time as you have a pre-booked ferry to catch.
If you are anxious about missing it, head straight to Malliag from Glenfinnan.
Afternoon: Airsaig to Mallaig (8 miles approx 15 minutes)
Mallaig is a port town where you can catch a pre-booked ferry to Skye.
The ferry takes around 45 minutes and docks in Armadale, south of the island.
You can also take the mail boat to the Knoydart peninsula from Mallaig.
The Isle of Skye: Armadale to Portree (42 miles, approx 1 hour)
Welcome to the largest of the Inner Hebridean Islands!
When you disembark, it is tempting to head straight to Portree.
However, if you have time, take a beat to appreciate the stunning Sleat Peninsula.
Just a short walk from the pier is Armadale Castle.
The castle and the gardens are part of the Clan Donald’s Land trust, and again, if you are researching your heritage, this is a good place to explore.
After you have explored this wee village, your drive now takes you through the Cullins.
These spectacular mountains tower above you, following the road that winds towards your destination.
The roads will be busy as this is the most popular of the Scottish Islands.
Portree
Here is your base for the next two nights.
There are lots of different accommodations to choose from.
We would recommend the Royal Hotel or Skeabost House Hotel.
Evening
Portree offers many fantastic restaurants that use the vast array of seafood Skye boasts.
If you want something a little more upmarket with a bit of a drive, then the Michelin-starred Loch Bay in Stein is well worth a visit.
Or the Three Chimneys.
Having eaten here, I cannot recommend it highly enough.
It was the only reason for one of my trips to Skye!
Locally, you will find everything from Scottish cuisine to pizza eateries.
After you have enjoyed a meal, wander along Portree’s streets; you will find a cosy wee pub where you can enjoy a dram or two.
Seeing the sunsets over the island finishes the day perfectly.
Highlights on This Leg
The Road to the Isles is one of Scotland’s great drives — Jacobite history at Glenfinnan, silver-sand beaches at Arisaig, then the ferry from Mallaig across the Sound of Sleat to Skye. Explore each stop in depth:
- Glenfinnan Viaduct — the curved railway viaduct made famous by the Hogwarts Express — see our full guide to tours and the best viewpoints
- Isle of Skye — our complete guide to Skye’s attractions, from the Old Man of Storr to Neist Point
- Portree — Skye’s colourful harbour capital and your base for the next two nights
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book the Mallaig to Armadale ferry?
In summer the Mallaig–Armadale crossing is busy, so booking a vehicle space with CalMac in advance is strongly recommended. If it is full, you can still reach Skye via the road bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh, about 90 minutes further north.
When can I see the Jacobite steam train on the Glenfinnan Viaduct?
The Jacobite steam train typically crosses the viaduct late morning and again in the afternoon during its April–October season. Arrive at least 45 minutes early to walk to the viewpoint and secure a spot — see our dedicated Glenfinnan guide for timings.
Is the Road to the Isles worth driving?
Absolutely. The A830 from Fort William to Mallaig packs viaducts, white-sand beaches, and sea views into 45 miles. Combined with the ferry to Skye it is one of the most scenic legs of the entire itinerary.