Fort William and isle of Skye plans

[Shakeyourwammyfannyfunkysong]

I'm fancying a trip here from the East Midlands in the May half term. My current plan is Fort William at the Hoseasons Ben Nevis holiday park for 4 nights then 4 nights in Skye. In Fort William we'll enjoy hikes and definitely would want to see the steam train as daughter is a massive HP fan. We might consider Ben Nevis weather permitting . In Skye we'll probably get an air bnb or equivalent in the Portree area.

I've never travelled to this area. Does anyone habe any tips/suggestions? Does this sound like an enjoyable itinery with an 8 year old? Thanks

Mull is amazing - you can easily spend a week there.
Wildlife on Mull is amazing - I've had otter within a metre of me, with 5 golden eagles circling overhead, and a sea eagle half an hour later....

What you're discovering is that Scotland needs multiple visits. That each Island and area is different. And that travel between is huge distances/time, but that spending time in the area not just driving through following an Instagram tick list, is so worthwhile....

I agree with folk that Fort William is a dump. Ullapool has a much better vibe . We also saw dolphins in the bay while we were there. There’s lots of good places to eat out at.
I also think the North of Skye is more stunning than the South. Portree isn’t great bu5 is a reasonable base.
Beaches in Harris are absolutely stunning . The standing stones in Lewis are interesting to see.
Mull is also very beautiful with lots of wildlife . The ferry to Mull goes very regularly from Oban and is a shorter crossing . It’s not as dramatic maybe as Skye or Lewis/ Harris.
Theres no way you could do Mull , Skye and Lewis in the same trip . As people have said - it takes a long time to travel the distances required. In Mull for example it takes around an hour to an hour and a half to drive from the Ferry terminal to Ffionport ( where you can get the ferry to Iona which is amazing) . The actual distance travelled is only around 35 miles but it’s nearly all single track roads .

Fossil hunting at Bearreraig Bay

DH and my eldest were on North Uist and Benbecula in October last year and had the best time - the Honesty boxes! Lots of lovely cakes.

They got the ferry from Uig to Loch maddy.

I entirely agree with @MrTwisterHasABlister. Ardnamurchan is fabulous.

Fort William is fine as a base, not picturesque, just functional but it has the services you need to stay in the area. Just remember with the ferries that delays happen especially due to weather but they have a habit of breaking down too and they are pricey, add up quickly. If you only have a few days i would suggest choosing less locations

Pack for all weather's

It can be incredibly windy & wet on the islands

If you are lucky with good weather, the scis stunning !