Mallaig-Skye Ferry

[Deleted account Cooperman]

Got turned away from this ferry yesterday on Skye. The high viz guy mumbled something about a smaller boat, few bike spaces and all booked.

Speaking to another biker the same happened to him at the other end at Mallaig.

Pity as I love the road from Mallaig back to Fort Bill

 

[Posh Pete]

Use the wee ferry at Glenelg. More a bimble to get to but nicer views IMO. The road south from Mam Ratagan / Glensheil is almost as much fun as "the road to the isles".

 

[Deleted account Cooperman]

Sounds like they have changed the ferry - presumably for one with less bike capacity.

http://www.whfp.com/2016/04/28/calmac-have-nothing-to-add-on-mallaig-armadale-ferry-service/

I've tweeted CalMac who have responded saying there are only a few lashing points for bikes. Booking essential.

 

[mcinlb]

Got caught out like that 2 years ago now, dedicated spaces all bookable. Can't just turn up now for a space as you used to.

 

[DC]

yep, same happened to a group of us few weeks back , would only let half of the group on ,so five would have to wait for the next one

returning up there mid june ..but have pre booked and paid for 5 tickets ,,seems the way to go now

 

[AustinW]

I managed to just rock up last thursday and got on OK, as did a group of 5 Dutch bikes. But I think that was that ferry full as far as bikes go - they make you park up at right angles to the car lines at the back of the boat where they have the chocks, tie downs and seat protectors to hand - and there was only 6 such spaces. From the timetable I think there are alternate boats - a 52 vehicle capacity boat and a 21 capacity boat. I guess the 21er has even less bike capacity.

 

[brut33]

I managed to just rock up last thursday and got on OK, as did a group of 5 Dutch bikes. But I think that was that ferry full as far as bikes go - they make you park up at right angles to the car lines at the back of the boat where they have the chocks, tie downs and seat protectors to hand - and there was only 6 such spaces. From the timetable I think there are alternate boats - a 52 vehicle capacity boat and a 21 capacity boat. I guess the 21er has even less bike capacity.

Small world. I boarded the 15.10 Skye/ Mallaig on the same Thursday.
Had to wait two hours after turning up on spec just after 1pm. Only two bikes on ours which was the smaller ferry.
It was only half full of cars.

 

[DrFarkoff]

Glenelg Ferry is great and the roads to and from, are nice ones you wont see otherwise

 

[ShakeyGS]

Had this issue with a group booking for July.

The new boat takes SIX bikes only.

Best to book in advance then and of course if everyone is doing that, it makes it difficult to just roll up........

 

[Davel]

A few years ago, we rode from Fort Bill to the ferry at Mallaig. They could take two of us but not the other three, so we turned round and headed back along the cost road and took the Corran Ferry.

Fabulous roads!

 

[fink]

There are actually 2 ferries on the run now so there are more crossings. Sadly like has been said each can only carry a maximum of 6 bikes compared to the previous 14.

If you are in a large group and intend using the ferry I suggest you study the timetable as there are several sailings which are only 30 mins apart on arrival time. I would also recommend booking the ferry too.



The other suggestion would be the glenelg ferry for its quirkiness would be one to do.

 

[Arsey]

Had this issue with a group booking for July.

The new boat takes SIX bikes only.

Best to book in advance then and of course if everyone is doing that, it makes it difficult to just roll up........

Well it took 9 last week.

 

[Gas_Up_Lets_Go]

Getting better...

It looks like the problem will soon be resolved as CalMac are bringing back the bigger boats

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-36425859

 

[gerarddwatts]

The 'Lord of The Isles' does the early S.Uist-Mallaig crossing, then some shuttles to Armadale until it goes back across to Lochboisdale at 5.30. I think it can only take 6 bikes.

Should you be on that boat, don't leave your helmet or jacket on the bike...I've just been over to S Uist, and the bike was soaked in salt water on the way out. Luckily I took it all with me but I often leave it all on the bike for the crossing to save carting it all about.

 

[mspenz]

They are running boat little boat at the moment, I turned up yesterday after booking onto the 15.20 to Armadale and parked beside the office with the intention of grabbing something to eat in the Mallaig metropolis.
I'd only been there a few minutes when the guys asked me if I wanted to go on the 14.00 which was about to leave, ok so more time in Skye
It was the small ferry and calm enough not to lash the bike, blowing force 6 the previous day though so would have been a different matter.

 

[ThreeDawg]

Did the crossing on Tuesday about 1 ish. Two boats running at the same time- one large, one much smaller. Dunno how many bikes they take- we were two of only three on the smaller boat, but I did notice that the fare had come down since the last time I was on it- £10.70 or so for a bike, rider and pillion. Very reasonable I thought.

 

[Northern jock]

I was on the wee Glenelg ferry 2 weeks ago, that's worth using. And the pub in Glenelg is good, you can camp for free on the edge of the beach either north or south of the pub. Bar food a bit pricey tho good, beer normally excellent and they do have rooms but I suspect both busy and expensive.