Inverness to Fort William with a dog

Patrington

Hi
We would really like to come up to Scotland in the Summer and walk the Caledonian Canal from Fort William to Inverness.
Ideally we would also like to bring our Cocker Spaniel Poppy with us too.Finding accommodation,although more limited, hasn't been a problem but the sticking point at the moment is how to get back to Fort William once we have reached Inverness.
I contacted the city link bus company as they run a service but they said they will only have small dogs inside a carrier onboard.
If anybody knows how we could travel back or has any suggestions it would be much appreciated.
Thank you

podperson

Have you checked trains? Also look at more local buses, Citylink run the coaches and they don't really have any space at the front like buses do so guess that may be why they won't take bigger dogs. Am pretty sure Stagecoach run a service between Inverness and Fort William and First have a lot of routes around where I am in central Scotland, not sure if they extend to the Highlands but worth checking.

NeverAgain_2

Since the Caledonian Canal runs between Inverness and Fort William, it must be possible to do at least part of the journey by boat.

http://www.visitlochness.com/days-out/caledonian-canal.php

mummyyummy_2

firstly there is no train service between fort william and inverness. try ringing 01397702373. local bus office, they will tell you if they will take your dog. good luck :j

Mark_Hewitt

podperson wrote: »

Have you checked trains?.

Have you? As far as I can tell going from Inverness to Fort William by train will involve changing at Glasgow..

ScottySmog

Not saying this route would be quick and the timings may make it impossible but it would be a nice day out with some great scenery! Also avoids using coaches if they won't let your dog on board.

Inverness - Kyle of Lochalsh (train)
Kyle of Lochalsh - Armadale, Skye (local bus)
Armadale - Mallaig (Ferry - half an hour)
Mallaig - Fort William (train)

Mark_Hewitt

ScottySmog wrote: »

Not saying this route would be quick and the timings may make it impossible but it would be a nice day out with some great scenery! Also avoids using coaches if they won't let your dog on board.

Inverness - Kyle of Lochalsh (train)
Kyle of Lochalsh - Armadale, Skye (local bus)
Armadale - Mallaig (Ferry - half an hour)
Mallaig - Fort William (train)

I'd certainly recommend this route from a sight seeing point of view, completely glorious!

I did the second three parts of that trip by car just last week.

JanetG

If necessary, one of you could get the coach back to Fort William, then drive up to Inverness to pick partner and dog up.

Patrington

Thanks for all the advice, it has been really useful.

I have already followed up on the Stagecoach idea from podperson and they do allow dogs onboard and although the services are quite limited it is certainly an option.

I will also look into the option given by Scottysmog as that sounds like a good adventure to finish off our holiday

Thanks again!!! :j