Skye - Armadale to Mallaig Ferry

gcp
gcp Forum Participant Posts: 17
edited August 2016 in UK Campsites & Touring #1

Hello

We're going to Skye in a few weeks via the bridge, but considering returning via the Armadale to Mallaig ferry.

I have a Passat estate and 7.2m single axle caravan - is this return journey straightforward and 'doable' or should I just return via the bridge and accept the additional miles.

Any tips and advice greatly appreciated. Happy

Comments

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,831 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2016 #2

    I heard a few years ago of someone who had to reverse a car+caravan on to a ferry on that route, so check with Calmac which ship they are currently using there and ask them what the situation now is. 

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited August 2016 #3

    Depends which direction you're heading for, the costs involved and the weather.

    http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/skye/mallaigferry/

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #4

    I went roll on roll off a few years ago - no problems but the advice to ask Cal Mac is good - the roads to the ferry are single track if memory serves but you need to check that too.  Its a very pleasant crossing and saves a bit especially if you already
    drove to the bridge the other way. 

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited August 2016 #5

    In the link it mentions roads have been updated and occasionally the ferry has to go bow in both ends so I presume some reversing might be needed then. The ferry crews are usually very helpful if needed. I think in good weather the views will be superb.Smile

  • gcp
    gcp Forum Participant Posts: 17
    edited August 2016 #6

    Thanks all.

    As advised I emailed CalMac and this is the reply I've just received -

    "You would have no problem travelling on the ferry with your car and caravan and would be able to drive on and off facing forward. At present there is good availability on your chosen day however I would advise making a booking as soon as possible to reserve
    your space.

    If you require any further information or assistance please do not hesitateto get in touch."

    Top customer service, and speedy too. Happy



  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited August 2016 #7

    Hope you enjoy your travels, may the waters be calm for you.Happy

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
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    edited August 2016 #8

    Have a wonderful time!  CalMac are one of the most efficient and friendly ferries I have travelled with.   Pity they don't operate the ferries to Shetland - but that's another story of holding up a boat because they loaded it incorrectly! 

  • Romaroamer
    Romaroamer Forum Participant Posts: 9
    edited August 2016 #9

    We used this crossing from Armadale to Mallaig in April. Three solos with motorhomes upto 7.4m in length and two of us have never used a ferry with the m/h before. The roads are fine. On Skye it had all been recently resurfaced with quite a few laybys if
    you want to take advantage of the photo opportunities.

    The cal Mac staff were excellent. When we arrived we were nervous and asked if we had to reverse off and got the jovial reply "Well that can be arranged if you like, but most people just drive off!"

    The conundrum is why do your reversing skills evaporate when being watched? I have no problems with tiny parking spaces etc.

    Enjoy your trip.

  • gcp
    gcp Forum Participant Posts: 17
    edited September 2016 #10

    Just a quick update on the Skye trip.

    Skye did not disappoint whatsoever. The roads are excellent and all the main routes are very 'towable'. Just allow plenty of time to take in the amazing scenary. Unfortunately the weather was foul for the majority of our visit so while the rest of the country
    was enjoying record breaking September temperatures we had 60mph winds and horizontal rain.

    We did return via the Armadale/Mallaig ferry and it was superb. As others said very efficient, and relatively good value. That particular day we had blue skys and a flat calm sea which all made it a bit more enjoyable.

    We can't wait to return and explore a bit more.

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited September 2016 #11

    Thanks for coming back on here and telling us about your visit.. Better luck with the weather next time! Have you seen the coral beaches, they are quite something!? We've had nice holidays on the mainland going over to Skye from the Kyle of Lochalsh, it
    gives you a chance of beating the weather. The Mallaig ferry is a lovely alternative when the weather is good. Smile

  • gcp
    gcp Forum Participant Posts: 17
    edited September 2016 #12

    Thanks brue, yes we did find Coral Beach. We were very surprised by the lack of sandy beaches on Skye (don't let this put you off - it's all still beautiful) so the Coral Beach was a bit special.

  • Fysherman
    Fysherman Forum Participant Posts: 1,570
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2016 #13

    A really nice part of Scotland but unless the wind is blowing, Dunvegan (Kinloch Campsite) has those mutated midgies that eat you whole then spit the bits they don't want out.

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