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Travel/Transport
If you are coming from London we recommend flying to Inverness. The following airlines fly to Inverness: British Airways (from London, Gatwick); Eastern Airways (from Manchester); Easyjet (from London, Gatwick and Luton). The London/Inverness flight takes approximately one-and-a-half hours.
We advise you to wear your boots and to pack essential items in your hand baggage. Your local travel agent should be able to arrange transport to Inverness for you.
There are direct train links to Inverness from Edinburgh and Glasgow and other UK cities (including sleeper from London, Euston) as well as to our other holiday start points. Regular bus services operate from most UK cities to our holiday start points.

Taxis are available from the bus and railway stations and the airport to your hotel in Inverness. Taxis cost approximately £10 from the airport to Inverness.


Flights from London Gatwick to Inverness
British Airways - please consult their online timetables
or phone 0345 222111. To contact British Airways from the USA call 1-800-247-9297(24 hours).
Gatwick d 0930 Inverness d 1115 We will meet this flight on the Saturday.
Inverness d 1155 Gatwick a 1340 We return you for this flight.
Flights from London Luton to Inverness
Contact low-cost airline easyJet (online timetables & booking)
Tel. 0870 6000 000

Trains
For train services in Scotland, and Sleeper Services from London visit Scotrail or phone 08457 550033.
The APEX fare from London to Inverness is approx. £99 return for a sleeper. The sleepers do not run on Saturdays. Friday trains depart London Euston at 9.05pm, and arrive in Inverness 8.30am Saturday.
Train details are also available from National Rail Enquiries (phone 08457 484950). and the British Rail online timetable service.

Coaches
Citylink (phone 08705 505050) operate between Inverness and many Scottish cities.
National Express (phone 08705 808080) run coaches between England and Scotland.

Ferries
Caledonian MacBrayne operates most ferries to the islands off the west coast of Scotland.
Ferries to Orkney are run by:
P&O Scottish ferries
Pentland Ferries
John O'Groats Ferries (passengers only)




Accommodation in Inverness

If you are staying in Inverness before joining us, let us know the address and we will collect you. Inverness Tourist Office has details of accommodation - 01463 234353 - or you can book directly with one of the hotels listed below.

Glen Mhor Hotel, 9/12 Ness Bank, Inverness IV2 4SG Tel. 01463 234308 On the river bank, quiet, close to town centre. Rooms have en suite facilities. B&B from about £30-50 for double/twin, £50-70 for single.
Culduthel Lodge, 14 Culduthel Road, Inverness IV2 4AG Tel. 01463 240089 A Georgian residence, a few minutes walk from the town centre. Rooms have en suite facilities. B&B from about £38 for double/twin, £45 for single.
Felstead Guest House, 18 Ness Bank, Inverness IV2 4SF Tel. 01463 231634 Comfortable accommodation with many rooms looking over the river. Many en suite rooms available. B&B from about £26 - 30 for double/twin. £28 - 32 for single.
Larchfield House, 14/15 Ness Bank, Inverness IV2 4SF Tel. 01463 233 874 B&B from about £20-38 for double/twin. £20-30 for single.
MacRae Guest House, 24 Ness Bank, Inverness IV1 4SF Tel. 01463 243658 Overlooking River Ness, non smoking, private facilities available in many rooms. B&B from about £24 for double/twin. £20 for single.


Practical information

Health and Medical
For our overseas clients, no vaccinations are required for the UK. We do recommend that your Tetanus vaccination is up to date. Additionally you will want to carry a personal medical kit in your daypack. You may want to include some form of stomach medication, aspirin or ibuprofen, a topical antiseptic for cuts and scrapes, Band-Aids/blister dressing and any personal medication and prescriptions in an adequate supply for the trip. If you have any important medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or allergies you should let us know.

Equipment
You should bring comfortable, waterproof hiking boots, warm clothing, wool or pile hat, gloves, waterproof jacket and trousers. During the summer you are just as likely to need shorts, T-shirts, sunhat, water bottle, and sunscreen. You will also need a personal first aid kit and a thermos for hot drinks if you use one. Gaiters are useful. Don't forget your camera and binoculars. Some kind of insect repellent is recommended as midges, which can be present from late May to September, have an irritating bite. Most of the above items (not boots) are available for hire if you let us know in advance. You will need to carry a small daypack each day. Keep in mind that you will be carrying your extra clothing, camera equipment, rain gear and lunch in this pack. You may consider bringing trekking poles as the ground can be quite rough.

Clothing
The weather in Scotland changes constantly and rain can occur during summer months. The temperature is seldom extreme but the wind can make it feel chilly. The temperature ranges from 55 to 75F in August. Casual dress in the evenings is normal.

It is best to layer your clothing for changing temperatures. On warm, dry days a T-shirt will work well as the layer next to your skin. When the weather is rainy or windy, it is better to have a lightweight synthetic layer next to your skin such as polypropylene or Capilene. These fabrics wick moisture away from your skin and dry quickly. The next layer(s) should be a medium-weight garment, such as fleece, a wool shirt, or a thick, tightly woven sweater. On top of the middle layer you may need to wear waterproof gear including a jacket/anorak and over-trousers/rainpants - breathable waterproof gear is recommended. We also recommend wearing synthetic materials on your lower body. Loose fitting trousers, hiking tights or shorts (on warm days) will be sufficient. It is also important to carry a wool or pile hat and a light pair of gloves.

The most important item is comfortable waterproof hiking boots. Lightweight boots made of fabric/Goretex or leather are suitable. Be certain that the boots fit well from the start. Remember while trying on boots to wear the socks you plan to wear while walking and that you have plenty of room for your toes. Please be sure your boots are well broken in before your holiday.

Weather Reports
Web sites providing useful weather information for Scotland include:

The BBC
The official UK Meteorological Office
Online Weather
Yahoo UK Weather
Bank Facilities
There are banks with cash machines (ATMs) in Inverness, Kyle of Lochalsh, Portree (Skye), Tarbert (Harris), Stornoway (Lewis) and Ullapool. Money exchange is not available at Inverness airport but is available at the town's banks. Travellers cheques in sterling are accepted in most places as are most major credit cards.