Unless you drop in by
parachute, or arrive with your own private plane, your only
arrival option involves you in a boat or ferry trip.
Firstly, we should look at the ferry options:Most visitors arrive by the main Oban ferry,
which runs regularly during the summer and the travel time is
about 45 minutes. The ferry is able to be booked in
advance, and it certainly advisable to do so during the Summer
months, and particularly on Saturdays. If you
have an option to travel on other days than Saturdays, savings
can be made by avoiding expensive 'peak sailings'. If
you travel to Mull more than a couple of times a year,
consider buying a book of six journey tickets, as the local
people do. In summer, the ferry trip can feel more like
a cruise than a necessary part of the journey.
Oban ferry
timetable
The second option is the
ferry from Lochaline on Morvern to Fishnish on Mull.
This option is better if you are travelling from the northern
areas of Scotland, particularly if your journey takes you
through Fort William. This ferry crossing takes about 20
minutes and you are not able to book. Having said that, watch out for very
busy periods like bank holidays and rally etc. The ferry
travels hourly, with a break for lunch. Again,
books of tickets are available and this ferry now takes credit
cards. It is a much cheaper ferry than the one from
Oban, but is a bit further to drive, and you need to use the Corran ferry if
coming from the north and east.
The third ferry option is to travel from
Kilchoan on Ardnamurchan. This is a good alternative if
travelling from Mallaig or Ardnamurchan. The ferry is
quite small and is not bookable. Care should be taken to
arrive in good time to make sure of a crossing. Another
good reason to take this option is that the drive along Loch
Sunart is very scenic, although winding and along single track
roads. If visiting Tobermory for Balamory reasons, this
option is good as it allows a day visit without needing
further transportation. The Kilchoan ferry is the only
ferry arriving in Tobermory. Kilchoan ferry
timetable
The
ferry to Iona
sails regularly from Fionnphort. Motorised vehicles are
only allowed with a permit. Bikes are fine, however, it
should be noted that there is no camping allowed on Iona.
All of the above routes are served by
Caledonian MacBrayne. Contacts for bookings and
up-to-date information call 08457 650050
www.calmac.co.uk
A ferry service
operates to the Isle of Ulva.
Private ferry running by request during the winter and the
frry doesn't run on a Saturday.
In recent years,
small boat operators have started regular services to less
common destinations. It is now possible to travel to the
Isles of Muck
and also Colonsay
. Also it is possible to travel from
Drimnin and
Sunart on the mainland. Please note that these
vessels only carry passengers and bikes by arrangement.
Contact the owners prior to travel.