Kyle of Lochalsh to Armadale Pier - where's the bus gone?

[Muzer]

I was planning my ALR (leaving it to the last minute, as always...). I had wanted to do the standard journey of Inverness --> Kyle of Lochalsh --> Mallaig via Skye --> Glasgow.

However, upon searching for the 51 bus (copied from someone else's ALR plan), I can't find any info about it. Is it no longer running, or does it only run in the summer or something? The Stagecoach Skye map references it, but has information only for the 55 and some school buses. Traveline also doesn't seem to know about it.

Is this bus gone for good? are there any reasonable alternatives to use from the 1128 train from Inverness, or do I just need to get a taxi/give up?

 

[PaulLothian]

You seem to need to change at Broadford, but it is possible. Try Traveline for details.

 

[Muzer]

Ah, found it. Traveline recommends reservations, but the site won't even show me the coach I want on the day. Does this mean it's full (because I'm booking quite late), or is it just broken?

(I'm looking for the 12:15 916 on the 8th).


EDIT: I've searched for some random other days and also can't find those. I'm suspecting the 916 is just not in their booking system for some reason.

 

[Hadders]

I've done this journey twice in the last 12 months, arriving in Kyle on the train at 1128.

The Stagecoach 51 bus (which last summer ran direct from Kyle to Armadale leaving at around 1330) only runs during the summer months. As it happens I was looking for this years summer timetable last night but it doesn't appear to be up yet.

You can catch the Citylink 916 service from Kyle to Broadford which leaves at 1215 (it's the Glasgow to Uig service - the website says reservations are recommended but in reality there's always space on this part of the journey - just pay the driver, it's about £3).

Alight from the 916 at Broadford Post Office where you need to cross the road and catch the Maclean Coaches 601 service to Armadale. This service leaves at 1315 so you have about 40 minutes to wait.

The summer timetable on the ferries starts on 4 April so you'll have more options once you get to Armadale.

It's my favourite rail trip. Enjoy!

 

[Muzer]

Yep, I'm going after 4th April. It's just a shame the buses aren't in the summer months then...

 

[Liam]

Just a wee warning, the summer Mallaig-Armadale ferry Coruisk crashed into Dunoon pier a few weeks ago and is still out of action. The slower and smaller Hallaig, or the even smaller Loch Linnhe will begin the summer timetable. As these ferries are slower they may not run to timetable.

 

[Muzer]

Ah, thanks for the warning. Hopefully they shouldn't rack up too much delay - I've got just under an hour in my current plan to get from Mallaig ferry terminal to the station (presumably a very short walk).

 

[Liam]

Ah, thanks for the warning. Hopefully they shouldn't rack up too much delay - I've got just under an hour in my current plan to get from Mallaig ferry terminal to the station (presumably a very short walk).

You can't miss the station from the ferry It must be less than 100 yards from station to ferry terminal building.

It depens when you go, Coruisk should be up and running second or third week of April, she needs a new front visor. The major downside is that you won't get a cup of tea of a plate of soup on the Hallaig or Loch Linnhe .

 

[Muzer]

Heh. I'm looking at the 8th, so quite early.

 

[Lrd]

Heh. I'm looking at the 8th, so quite early.

I'm looking forward to a trip report!

 

[Muzer]

I'll try to provide a good one! Hopefully there won't be too many delays - or if there are, I can try to claim delay repay on an ALR and see how far I get