Ferries to the Hebrides
Ferries to the Hebrides
The Hebridean Islands consist of two groups: the Inner Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides. The Outer Hebrides are located further off the coast of mainland Scotland. There are numerous ferry services to the islands, most of which are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries (CalMac).
Lots of ferries
For a clear overview of all ferry routes, you can check the map with all crossings. We've also included the Firth of Clyde crossings, as they could be part of your trip to the Hebrides.
You can use the booking module and select Scotland as your destination to find all the crossings to and within Scotland and the Inner and Outer Hebrides for example
Ferry Map: ferry routes to all the Hebrides
Use the interactive map to find the right crossing and ferry company. You can zoom in and out and view the routes in the ports.
On the map, you can clearly see the locations of the Inner and Outer Hebrides. The strip of islands in the northwest is part of the Outer Hebrides, where you'll find the longer ferry crossings. The Inner Hebrides are closer to the Scottish coast, with shorter and easily accessible ferry routes.
Further south, you'll find areas like the Kintyre Peninsula, Isle of Arran, and Isle of Great Cumbrae, which are part of the Firth of Clyde region.
You can click on the map for more information on specific routes or keep scrolling for additional details.
Crossings to the Hebrides, Scotland
Guide ferries to the Hebrides
Ferries to the Outer Hebrides
Let's first explore the ferries to the Outer Hebrides.
The departure ports for the Outer Hebrides islands (Lewis, North Uist, South Uist, and Barra) are all reasonably easy to reach from the Scottish mainland. Ferries departing from the Isle of Skye can be accessed via a bridge to the island. The other major port is Oban, which is easily accessible from Glasgow by car or rail.
Ferries to the Inner Hebrides
The ferry routes in the Inner Hebrides can be divided into three regions, plus the Firth of Clyde, which, while not officially part of the Hebrides, is close enough to be relevant for those travelling by ferry in the area.
- Skye and Raasay: These belong to the northernmost part of the Inner Hebrides.
- The Small Isles: This group includes Eigg, Muck, Rum, and Canna, located a bit further south. One ferry connects all of these isles, with most ferries departing from Mallaig.
- The Southern Hebrides: This region includes Mull, Coll, Tiree, Jura, Islay, and Gigha. The main harbours for this area are Oban and Kennacraig.
- The Isle of Arran and Great Cumbrae: These islands are part of the Firth of Clyde.
CalMac ferries operate in this area, including those departing from Uig on the Isle of Skye.
Ferries to Skye and Raasay
The Isle of Skye and the Isle of Raasay are located in the northern part of the Inner Hebrides. While there is a bridge to the Isle of Skye from Kyle of Lochalsh, you can also take the ferry. The bridge is a faster option if you’re on the west side of Loch Linnhe. Additionally, multiple ferries from the Outer Hebrides connect to Skye.
Raasay can only be reached by ferry from Skye. Below, you’ll find the routes, but you can also check out the Isle of Skye page for a handy map and more details.
Also, read our blog: The Isle of Skye: Fairytales Do Exist!
Ferries to the Small Isles (Eigg, Muck, Rum, Canna)
If you want to visit one of the Small Isles, you can take the CalMac ferry. This ferry departs from Mallaig and stops at all the islands, allowing you to travel between them as well.
Travel tip: Check the route status
The crossings around the Hebrides are very seasonal. In addition, bad weather or tides can affect sailings. Therefore, check in advance the status of the crossings. For CalMac sailings, you can find information about this on the Service status & info page.
Ferries to the Southern Hebrides (Mull, Coll, Tiree, Colonsay, Gigha, Islay, Jura)
The Southern Hebrides are located near the Firth of Clyde region and encompass the southern part of the Inner Hebrides. This region includes several large islands, such as Islay, Jura, and Mull.
Travel tip: Check the route status
The crossings around the Hebrides are very seasonal. In addition, bad weather or tides can affect sailings. Therefore, check in advance the status of the crossings. For CalMac sailings you can find information about this on the Service status & info page.
Ferries Firth of Clyde (Bute, Arran, Cumbrae, Kintyre, Dunoon)
The Firth of Clyde is formed by the Clyde Estuary and sea lochs to the north of the Firth and Loch Ryan in the south of the area. Bute, Arran, Ailsa Craig, and the Cumbraes are islands in this area. The outer boundary where the Firth of Clyde meets the Irish Sea extends from the southern tip of the Mull of Kintyre to Corsewall Point.[1]Scottish Marine and Freshwater Science Volume 3 Number 3: Clyde Ecosystem Review, www.gov.scot
Various ferries sail in this area, as seen in the picture.
Firth of Clyde Ferries
About the Scottish Hebrides
Picture of Ardoil (Lewis) in the Outer Hebrides
The Hebrides stretch across the west coast of Scotland. It is a popular destination due to its nature and variety of activities. This ranges from hiking to windsurfing and other water sports.
Culture is also an important reason people travel to the Hebrides. For example, Scottish Gallic is still spoken on the islands. You will also find nice villages and local whiskey makers.
Before Corona, about 219 thousand people visited to the Outer Hebrides islands, of which 42% were visiting the islands for the first time.[2]Outer Hebrides, Visitscotland.orgOuter That means that there are many people who regularly return to the islands.
Island hopping thanks to Calmac's ferry network
Calmac Ferry sailing to the Hebrides
CalMac Ferries Ltd, also known as Caledonian MacBrayne, is a ferry operator owned by the Scottish Government. It is the largest ferry operator to the main islands on the west coast of Scotland.[3]Caledonian MacBrayne, Wikipedia.org
Because there are some islands and ferry connections, the area is very suitable for Island hopping. In this way, you get to know different islands' unique atmospheres and nature. More information about Island hopping can be found on a page on the CalMac website. Several example routes can be found here. Of course, you can also simply map out your own route.
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References
| ↑1 | Scottish Marine and Freshwater Science Volume 3 Number 3: Clyde Ecosystem Review, www.gov.scot |
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| ↑2 | Outer Hebrides, Visitscotland.org |
| ↑3 | Caledonian MacBrayne, Wikipedia.org |
Can you take dogs on the ferry to Arran?
Hi Richard,
Yes you can bring your dog on the ferry to Arran. More information here as well: https://www.calmac.co.uk/article/5952/Travelling-with-pets