The cheapest but surely not the fastest way up north from central London is an overnight coach from Victoria station taking you all the way to Inverness. The journey takes just over 12 hours and a return ticket, bought few months in advance even for a bank holiday weekend, costs just under £30.
Camera: Nikon D5600 Lens: Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ISO: 640
Shutter Speed: 1/800 Aperture: f/4.5
Once at Farraline Park bus station I grabbed lunch in town before continuing my onward journey to the adored by many Isle of Skye. I was stunned by the gothic architecture, brightened up by colourful flower hanging baskets, while listening to the traditional here Scottish bagpipe.
Camera: Nikon D5600 Lens: Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ISO: 110
Shutter Speed: 1/800 Aperture: f/3.6
Inverness High Street.
Camera: Nikon D5600 Lens: Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ISO: 100
Shutter Speed: 1/800 Aperture: f/4.4
The Tolbooth Steeple attached to the old courthouse in Inverness.
Camera: Nikon D5600 Lens: Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ISO: 100
Shutter Speed: 1/800 Aperture: f/3.6
Inverness - the capital of the Highlands.
Camera: Nikon D5600 Lens: Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ISO: 140
Shutter Speed: 1/800 Aperture: f/3.9
Then I hopped on the infrequent but reliable Scottish Citylink service which takes you to Sligachan. Tickets are sold by the bus driver himself so no need to prebook them in advance. Don't worry about availability as the busses run just half full. Many people self drive around here or even hitchhike as this area is well known for being extremely safe with plenty of friendly locals always available for a chat, if you are up for it of course.
Camera: Nikon D5600 Lens: Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ISO: 500
Shutter Speed: 1/800 Aperture: f/5
Bridge connecting the mainland Kyle of Lochalsh village to Kyleakin on Skye.
Camera: Nikon D5600 Lens: Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ISO: 125
Shutter Speed: 1/800 Aperture: f/4.6
Cuillin Mountain Range.
Camera: Nikon D5600 Lens: Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ISO: 100
Shutter Speed: 1/800 Aperture: f/3.7
Common heather Calluna vulgaris (bottom right) is an iconic plant of the Scottish Highlands.
Camera: Nikon D5600 Lens: Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ISO: 500
Shutter Speed: 1/800 Aperture: f/3.6
Camping is extremely popular in the Scottish highlands from April till October. If you don't like the weather on arrival, don't worry at all as it will change in the next half an hour or so. The less personal belongings you have on you the better as long as you have the essentials starting with a waterproof coat, a pair of wellies, hiking boots and a warm jumper.
Camera: Nikon D5600 Lens: Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ISO: 180
Shutter Speed: 1/800 Aperture: f/4
Camera: Nikon D5600 Lens: Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ISO: 400
Shutter Speed: 1/60 Aperture: f/4.2
Camera: Nikon D5600 Lens: Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ISO: 560
Shutter Speed: 1/800 Aperture: f/5
I opted for a self catering accommodation which also usually comes with a drying room so I was able to carry on comfortably exploring the great outdoors day after day.
Camera: Nikon D5600 Lens: Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ISO: 125
Shutter Speed: 1/800 Aperture: f/4.4
Another option for experiencing the Scottish highlands without even spending a penny is if you consider helping out locals run their farm or support a family in the daily jobs around the allotment and garden in exchange for accommodation and food. It is extremely safe to do so popular amongst young, even international, students on a gap year sort of trip.
Whitewashed cottage near Sligachan.
Camera: Nikon D5600 Lens: Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ISO: 200
Shutter Speed: 1/800 Aperture: f/3.8
I totally enjoyed taking all the photos featured in this post together with hundreds more, so stay tuned.
Camera: Nikon D5600 Lens: Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ISO: 320
Shutter Speed: 1/800 Aperture: f/3.6
I believe this post is useful to some of you looking forward to a Scottish adventure. Or maybe even inspired some to plan a trip to the Highlands.
Safe travels!