The West Highland Line
One of the most picturesque railway journeys in Europe and the best way to get to Skye from the south. Travelling from Glasgow to Fort William, you pass the biggest loch (Lomond) and the highest ben (Nevis). You can make the journey from Fort William to Mallaig by steam train from mid-May to October — this is regarded as one of the world’s great railway journeys.
Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh
Two less celebrated but mesmerising rail journeys start from Inverness. The journey to Kyle of Lochalsh no longer has an observation car in summer, so get a window seat and take a map; the last section through Glen Carron and the coast at Lochcarron is exceptional. There are three trains a day and it takes two and a half hours. Inverness to Wick (via Thurso) takes four and a half hours.
Glenelg to Kylerhea
The shorter of the two remaining ferry crossings to Skye and definitely the best way to get there if you’re not pushed for time. The drive to Glenelg from the A87 is spectacular and so is this five-minute crossing of the deep Kylerhea narrows. Easter to October, every 20 minutes. The ferry is run by Glenelg’s local community. Before departure, visit the otter-watching hide at Kylerhea.
Wemyss Bay to Rothesay
The landmark glass-roofed station at Wemyss Bay, the railhead from Glasgow, is redolent of an age-old terminus (refurbished in 2015). The frequent CalMac ferry has all the Scottish traits and treats you can handle, and Rothesay (with its period seaside mansions) appears out of blood-smeared sunsets and rain-sodden mornings alike, a gentle watercolour from summer holidays past.
Most of the island plane journeys pass over many smaller islands and are fascinating, but the daily flight from Glasgow to Barra is doubly special because the island’s airport is on Cockleshell Beach (11km from Castlebay) after a splendid approach. The Loganair aircraft lands and departs based on the tide.
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Taken from Scotland the Best by Peter Irvine (HarperCollins, £15.99)
