Getting to Inverness, UK
Hi there I am planning a trip to the UK in April and want to end up in Inverness. I am considering a flight into Dublin, spending a few days in Ireland, and then heading for Scotland by ferry. Just wanted to get some advice on planning it and how doable it was. I wasn't planning to drive but am open to taking bus or train. Thanks in advance.
alan
los angeles 10/29/09
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The ferries to Scotland leave from Belfast, not Dublin, and arrive at Stranraer on the South-West Scottish coast. It would be possible to get from there to Inverness by train via Glasgow but the trains are relatively slow so it won't be possible to do the whole Dublin-Inverness trip in one day without flying.
Inverness is a great place to base yourself for a large part of Scotland. Trains are great for touring the UK- especially Scotland. Unfortuantely, I haven't had any experience with the Ireland ferry. Let us know if you want ideas for Inverness and surrournding area.
Thanks for the information. Inverness is the designated pickup point for a four day trip to Skye. I've set aside a couple of weeks to do the whole thing, and not having been to Ireland (but have done Glasgow, Edinboro, Loch Ness), I thought I might take advantage of flying into Dublin. At worst, I figured I could get a EasyJet (or similar) flight to Glasgow, but a ferry sounded like a fun alternative. I am also looking into a few days in a photogenic and hikable village on the north coast of Scotland, any ideas?
If you decide to fly from Dublin, why not try to fly direct to Inverness? It would save you some time. I don't think it's in the area you want, but Aviemore (about an hour from Inverness by train) is a lovely village in the Caringorm Mts. Lots of hiking in the only Alpine area of the UK. Also horeseback riding, canoeing, etc. It also has a microbrewery that gives tours and samples (try the Blessed Thistle and the Golden Caringorm brews). You can also get to several distilleries from there by train or bus.
I think that you should look harder at the ferry alternative if you are viewing the journey is part of your vacation. I checked Scot Rail and it's 6 and 1/2 hours from Stranear to Inverness. So it's completely doable. The train ride from Glasgow north is very nice. I couldn't figure out the ferry, but I'm sure you can if you persevere. ; ) Pam
We flew Easy Jet from Belfast International airport to Edinburgh, then train to Inverness. Wonderful train trip as you take in the amazing scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
If you take Judy's suggesstion, Aviemore (the small village in the Caringorms) is about 1/2 way between Edinburgh and Inverness.
Actually Aviemore is only about 30 miles south of Inverness, and about 125 miles from Edinburgh
Hi Alan,
Not only is it possible to travel from Dublin to Inverness via the ferry, it is possible to do it rather cheaply! Visit Sailrail's website. They will sell you one ticket, which will get you on the 'Enterprise' train from Dublin to Belfast, the ferry to Stranraer, train to Glasgow and then train to Inverness.
There is no need to book in advance and the fares are cheap. I'm not sure of the cost to Inverness, but from anywhere in England, it's £29. This is a really well-kept secret! Visit seat61.com for more info an advice.
Mark
Wow... thanks to everyone for all the good info! I'm still trying to get my work plans squared away so I can start looking at flight times. In the meantime, what kind of temperatures might I be looking at in Inverness in late April?