The picturesque Mallaig Port in the western Scottish Highlands is the right at the end of the ‘Road to the Isles’ (the road travelling from Fort William through the highliands). However, Mallaig port is just the beginning for visitors wishing to explore the Small Isles and the Isle of Skye, both of which are only accessible by ferries leaving Mallaig Port.

Mallaig Port provides only basic services, but the village includes many shops and bars. The Caledonian MacBrayne company, also known as CalMac, supplies most Scottish ferry services, including those based in Mallaig Port. More ferries sail during the summer than in winter, and Mallaig Port ferries regularly sail to the Isle of Skye, the Small Isles, and Loch Nevis.

The Isle of Skye is the biggest and northernmost of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides islands. Frequent sailings aboard the Lord of the Isles car ferry between Mallaig Port and the village of Armadale are provided between the end of March and the end of October, but only two daily crossings restricted to foot passengers are offered in winter. The ferry crossing is just 30 minutes long.

Also located on Scotland’s west coast and easily accessible by ferry service from Mallaig Port are the Small Isles of Canna, Rum, Eigg, and Muck. The ferry makes frequent crossings between the end of March and end of October, and stops at each Small Isle along the way. From the bird sanctuary of Canna to the Edwardian Kinloch Castle overlooking Rum to Muck’s relaxing walking trails to the spectacular views atop the Sgurr of Eigg, all of the Small Isles offer their own distinct charms.

Ferry crossings between Mallaig Port and Loch Nevis, considered one of the most picturesque bodies of water in the United Kingdom, occur twice a day two or three times a week between the end of March and end of October. The crossings to Inverie and Tarbet are restricted to foot passengers only. Inverie is one of the few Scottish villages without access to the road network.

Tags: Caledonian MacBrayne company, CalMac, Canna, Edwardian Kinloch Castle, Eigg, Isle of Skye, Loch Nevis, Mallaig Port, Muck, Rum, Scotland, United Kingdom