Ferry to Hebrides
How to travel to the Hebrides by ferry
Ferry to the Hebrides
We've also included the Firth of Clyde crossings, as they could be part of your trip to the Hebrides.
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Map with crossings to the Scottish Hebrides
On the map, it is already reasonably well visible where the inner and outer Hebrides are located. The strip of islands in the northwest is considered part of the Outer Hebrides. This is also where you can find the longer ferry crossings. The inner Hebrides are islands close to the Scottish coast and are all easily accessible by short ferry crossings.
Further south, you will find areas such as the Kintyre Peninsula, Isle of Arran, and Isle of Great Cumbrae. These areas are part of the Firth of Clyde region.
You can click on the map to find more information on specific routes or keep on scrolling for more information.
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.
Also on this page
Ferries to the Outer Hebrides
Let's first have a look at the ferries to the Outer Hebrides.
The departure ports to the Outer Hebrides islands (Lewis, North Uig, South Uig, and Barra) are all fairly easy to reach from the Scottish mainland. The ferries departing from the Isle of Skye can be reached via a bridge to this island. The other major port is Oban, which is easily accessible from Glasgow by car and rail.
Ferry to Lewis in Ullapool
Outer Hebrides
Ferries to the Inner Hebrides
The ferry lines in the Inner Hebrides can be divided into three regions. In addition, you have the Firth of Clyde. This region is not officially part of the Hebrides but is close enough to be relevant to those wishing to travel by ferry in the area.
- Skye and Raasay belong to the most Northern part of the Inner Hebrides.
- You can find Eig, Muck, Rum, and Canna a bit more to the South. These isles are known as the Small Isles. One ferry connects all of these isles. Most ferries in this area depart from Mallaig.
- Mull, Coll, Tiree, Jura, Islay, and Gigha are part of the Southern Hebrides. Oban and Kennacraig are important harbors for this region.
- The isle of Arran and Great Cumbrae are part of the Firth of Clyde.
CalMac ferry leaving 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. There is a bridge to the Isle of Skye from Kyle of Lochalsh, but you can also take the ferry. The bridge is faster if you are on the west side of Loch Linnhe. From the Outer Hebrides, you can also take multiple ferries to Skye.
Raasay can only be reached by ferry from Skye. Below you will find the routes, but you can also take a look at the isle of Skye page for a handy map and additional explanation.
Skye & Raasay
Ferries to the Small Isles (Eig, Muck, Rum, Canna)
If you want to go to one of the Small Isles, you can take the ferry from CalMac. This sails from Maillag and goes past all the islands. With this boat, you can also travel between the islands.
Small Isles
Ferries to the Southern Hebrides (Mull, Coll, Tiree, Colonsay, Gigha, Islay, Jura)
The Southern Hebrides are located near the Firth of Clyde region. It encompasses the southern part of the inner Hebrides. Some large islands such as Islay, Jura, and Mull can be counted in this area.
Southern Hebrides
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
Firth of Clyde
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most of the routes are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac).
Use our ferry guides and maps
References
| ↑1 | Scottish Marine and Freshwater Science Volume 3 Number 3: Clyde Ecosystem Review, www.gov.scot |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | Outer Hebrides, Visitscotland.org |
| ↑3 | Caledonian MacBrayne, Wikipedia.org |