Driving from Fort William to Portree (Isle of Skye)

The road journey from Fort William to Portree on the Isle of Skye covers approximately 88 miles (142 km) and takes about 2 hours 15 minutes under normal conditions.

Route Overview

1. Follow the A82 south from Fort William along Loch Linnhe (10 mi).
2. At the Corran Ferry (or drive around via A861 if ferry's down), cross the narrows (5 min crossing, ~£10 car return).
3. Take the A861 west along Loch Sunart, then the A884 to Strontian.
4. Continue on A884/A861 to Lochailort, then join the A830 "Road to the Isles" past Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter fame).
5. At Fort William... wait, you're starting there. Reverse: from Fort William, take A830 west to Mallaig (40 mi, 1 hr), then CalMac ferry to Armadale, Skye (30–45 min). From Armadale, A851/A87 north to Portree (35 mi, 1 hr).

Better route: Fort William → A82 south → Corran Ferry → A861/A884 → A830 west to Mallaig → Ferry to Armadale → A851/A87 to Portree. Total ~88 mi driving + ferry.

Alternative: Skye Bridge

Drive north from Fort William via A82 to Invergarry, then A87 west over the Skye Bridge (free since 2004) at Kyle of Lochalsh. Longer drive (~110 mi, 2.5–3 hr) but no ferry schedule dependency.

Tips

• Check CalMac ferry times; book in summer.
• Single-track roads with passing places on Skye—drive courteously.
• Fuel up before crossing; stations are sparse on Skye.
• Weather changes fast—allow extra time.