Getting a Taxi from Cluanie Inn? A87

[RTMcB]

Can anyone give advice on getting a taxi from the Cluanie Inn to Shielbridge, Kintail?

Planning on doing the sisters and brothers of Kintail starting from Shielbridge and also (on a different) day doing the south Shiel ridge. SMRussell and myself aim to do these early May, camping at Shielbridge.

Have looked into citilink bused, but both the first bus 9:15am and last bus 7:50pm don't give that much flexibility with these long walks.

Aside from hitching a lift, any other options?

Cheers!

[NickyRannoch]

there a couple of taxi firms. you should get to the other end of.the glen for around a tenner. remember to book in advance though as you may be waiting a while if you just phone up.

if you are staying at the inn they offer a drop off/ pick up service or they used to

[clivegrif]

Hello,
This is one of those places where I never had any trouble hitching a lift.

There always seems to be some kind soul who was willing to share their car with a damp sweaty climber!

You may be able to save your baubies for a beer at the Inn.

[electricfly]

There is a private hire firm in the area. If your planning on an early start then I'd advise booking at least a few days before your hike.

Macrae Kintail - Private Hire (01599 511384 ) and mobile (07823 322 469) ...ask for Finlay.

My favourite option when doing the Kintail hills is to strap my mountain bike to the car, drop it (combi-locked) at the Cluanie Inn then drive down to start from Sheilbridge. Not such a great cycle the other way round however!

[KeithS]

I've also hitched along Glen Shiel a couple of times. There's always some kind soul who will pick you up (me if I'm on the road but that's a bit of a long shot!)

I've never had any trouble, and I haven't got particularly shapely legs. It's a lot cheaper than a taxi.

[Border Reiver]

I did my hitching at the start of the day at about 7.00am.
I parked the car in a big (to allow vehicles plenty of room to stop in) layby along from the start of the Saddle path and held up a big card with only "Cluanie Inn" on it and the 2nd vehicle along stopped for me (the card went back in my car). They were 2 fellow walkers who were doing the South Glen Shiel ridge, same as me.

[Border Reiver]

I forgot to add, the advantages of hitching early in the day are...1. Hitch-hikers are less likely to be sweaty and dirty. 2. Potential lifts are more likely to be in a better mood and more inclined to stop, so long as you give them a safe place to do so.

[neilmci]

why not park up in the morning at the end of your route and then get the bus to the starting point, that way you come back down without any time pressures direclty into the car without worrying about lifts, waiting around etc etc.

[EwaMH]

Another option might be going with others that also have a car

[Steve B]

I used a taxi from the Kintail Lodge Hotel to the start of the 5 sisters route a good number of years ago. The hotel arranged it. Worked out pretty well and ended the walk at the bar, always a bonus!

[SMRussell]

Some good few replies there guys. While your thoughts on hitching sound good, there is no guarantee if we opted to hitch. Taxis might be a tad costly. neilmci's idea seems good - but the bus would work out at £15.

Another option might be going with others that also have a car

Perhaps you two will just have to play your cards right
RTMcB is the planner - I'm (meant to be) doing other things!

[RTMcB]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions!

Really looking forward to this set of walks, just hoping for decent weather!

[Liathach]

I honestly don't think you will have a problem hitching a lift in Kintail. I've done it three times and got a lift within three cars each time.

[SMRussell]

I honestly don't think you will have a problem hitching a lift in Kintail. I've done it three times and got a lift within three cars each time.

Hitching a ride seems to be the most popular option Best make sure we have a sly peek in the windows of the car before stepping in, you know check there aren't any bloodied sharp or blunt objects, body parts etc. or better yet check they're not listening to radio 1 before we step in - the horror!!

[chrisandbex]

Another option might be going with others that also have a car

We're also heading that direction early May, we are off work 5th-12th May. Haven't made a hard and fast schedule for that week, it may be weather dependent but certainly hope to be in Glen Sheil, probably camping +/- one night in Cluanie Inn that week. We will have our car so very happy to give lifts if the dates work out??

Bex

as long as you don't mind friendly collie dog breathing down your neck