So Sarah headed to Edinburgh for a few days in Scotland’s Capital. She has written about her experiences on this trip. The hotel she stayed in and how accessible it was for her. Sarah also details the journey she took to get from Skye to Edinburgh, as well as what she got up to on her time away.
Public transport from Skye to Edinburgh
Getting from Skye to Edinburgh by public transport there are two options. There is a regular train service from Kyle of Lochalsh. A passenger assistance service is available to help customers on and off the trains and with luggage if they have difficulty. This service can be booked once you have received your ticket.
However if you are staying elsewhere on Skye and have to use public transport to get to Kyle then be aware the only way to do this is by bus. Unfortunately the bus and train times do not coincide very well and the journey from the bus stop to the train station is either up several steps or a more circuitous route round the corner. So make sure you plan your journey to allow time in Kyle between the two journeys for the transition to take place. This may result in a long wait in Kyle but will allow some time to explore if you wish to see what Kyle has to offer.
Catching the bus
The other option is to catch the Citylink bus in Portree or along the route. You can catch a bus to either Inverness or Glasgow and then change for Edinburgh. The journey from Skye to Inverness is shorter, about three hours while the one to Glasgow is about five. Then from Inverness to Edinburgh is about four hours while it is a relatively short hop from Glasgow to Edinburgh. Citylink have a number that you can phone when booking to let them know if you will be needing any assistance. I have never used this number and tend to just try and get on as best as I can but wheelchair users should definitely inform them in advance.
Some of the drivers are very helpful though I have found that some are not so experienced in helping disabled passengers. Maybe Citylink needs to consider giving more training in this area. However I usually find that other passengers are always quick to offer help with things such as putting my luggage in the boot, so I usually manage.
The Journey to Edinburgh
On the Inverness route there is usually a little time between the connection to use the toilet and grab a sandwich at the cafe. The Inverness bus stops at Kyle of Lochalsh to allow passengers to use the public toilets. These are located up the steps from the bus stop. However the bus drivers usually let disabled passengers use the onboard toilet here while the bus is not moving, if you are able. The toilets at Inverness bus station cost 20p but the disabled toilet, which requires a radar key is free of charge. And if you wish to allow more time between your connection there is plenty to explore in Inverness too.
If you take the other option, the Glasgow bus, it makes a toilet stop at Kyle and again at the Morrison’s in Fort William. Here they have a disabled toilet and this is also an opportunity to grab a snack. However, be aware that this is not a terribly long stop. If you can not move very quickly you may be better to take food with you for the journey.
Again, there is a cafe at the bus station when you get to Glasgow. This also may be somewhere you would wish to break the journey. I have a trip to Glasgow planned in the New Year so I will hopefully have some suggestions of accessible places for you to stay or visit while there.
When you arrive at Edinburgh bus station there is a disabled toilet that requires a radar key. There is a lift up to the street where taxis are usually waiting. Be aware that Edinburgh taxi’s are not cheap, especially the black cabs. I have always found the taxi drivers very helpful. Sometimes they have even gone so far as to carry my luggage into the hotel for me.
Edinburgh Central Travelodge
Being just off the Royal Mile the Travelodge on St Mary’s Street is well situated for a lot of what Edinburgh has to offer. I often stay here when visiting Edinburgh as it is perfectly located for my favourite haunts.
Three disabled spaces for blue badge holders are located behind the hotel. Here you find a side door with intercom for gaining access from these spaces.
At the front there is a ramp for entry. Unfortunately the doors are not push pad operated and are very heavy. As this is a very busy central hotel there are often other guests coming and going who will kindly hold the door for you. Also staff at reception have a clear view of the front doors and will come and help if necessary.
The hotel has 10 accessible rooms so the staff are used to disabled guests and are very helpful and accommodating. Many of their disabled guests visit regularly because of the excellent location. One time when staying there my case went missing on the journey to Edinburgh. The helpful staff offered to nip to a local supermarket and get some supplies for me until I got things sorted.
The Rooms
One of the highlights of staying here for me is that the accessible rooms have baths. Which means, with the many grab handles around them I am able to have a bath, a rare luxury.
Unfortunately due to the age and nature of the building they have been unable to install any wet room facilities. However the baths are low ones and have showers over them so are a possibility for some with limited mobility.
The accessible rooms have an emergency call button system which can call a member of staff in an emergency. Unfortunately these buttons have not been well located and can be pressed accidentally while reaching for the light switch. However the staff are aware of this problem and very good-natured about it.
The Cafe Bar
This Travelodge is one of those that has a Cafe Bar downstairs. This is where the self-service breakfast is served and during the day it offers light lunch, snacks and evening meals. This means that anytime you do not feel like venturing out to find somewhere to eat you have another option. There are also lots of other eating establishments in the vicinity but these may not all be accessible.
The Cafe Bar is quite cramped but at busy times the staff are good at seating people to make the best use of the space.
The highlights of a few days in Edinburgh
During my stay I went to a show at Edinburgh Playhouse. The entry to the Playhouse has a small ramp and inside the foyer is mainly level access. The main bar is up two small steps but there is a smaller bar in the foyer area selling drinks and snacks. There is also a disabled toilet here.
At the front of the circle there is disabled seating where there is also space for wheelchairs. If you need a chair, or wish to transfer to a chair they can provide this but do inform them of your needs in advance. There is a ramp to this space and a very good view of the stage. They obviously get many disabled visitors as the staff are very helpful and accommodating
My time in Edinburgh coincided with the Christmas market. A very popular event, held every year in the Princes Street Gardens. Disability access has been well considered in the organising of this event. Often, where there are steps throughout the gardens, there are signs directing you to alternative routes with ramps. This is a very popular yearly Edinburgh event so is very busy, but if the crowds do not put you off it is a great opportunity for Christmas shopping. It is, however, very big so you may want to allow several days for this.
This is a very popular time to visit Edinburgh and this is reflected in the prices for hotels and the crowds that flock to the capital at this time. However it is an excellent time to visit if you can. From Skye to Edinburgh for a few days in Scotland’s Capital was a fabulous time for me, Christmas shopping, the theatre, a gig and a catch up with a few friends. I hope you found this blog about the accessibility on my travels helpful.