Martin, I did the same thing last year, i. e., sleeper to Inverness, starting at Shiel Bridge. However, I spent a night in Inverness, and took a train next day from Inverness to Kyle of Localsh, then a bus from there to Shiel Bridge. The train left Inverness around midday, and I arrived at Shiel Bridge late afternoon. Worked great. Just be sure to tell the bus driver you want to stop at Shiel Bridge... I got to do a mile or so of bonus hiking after going past the stop!

Don't know if that helps but good luck. Hoping to give it another go next year.

Kent

...of course, my approach meant a couple extra days spent traveling. But I was fighting jet lag, so I didn't mind a little acclimating time. :slightly_smiling_face:

Martin,
You might get lucky and get a cheap train ticket. Mine was about £9 from Inverness to Plockton. Last year I started at Shiel Bridge and dot off the train at Kyle of lochalsh and then walked down towards the coop to catch the bus to Inver Shiel. Just tell the driver you want the hotel.
It’s a lovely train journey
Good luck, Scott