Claonaig Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Claonaig is accessible via the A83 road that runs along the Kintyre peninsula, approximately 13 miles south of Tarbert. Travelers from Glasgow can reach the area in about 3 hours by car, following the scenic route around Loch Lomond and through Inveraray. Public transport options include buses from Glasgow to Tarbert, with connecting services to Claonaig during ferry operating times. Limited parking is available near the ferry slip, so arriving 30-45 minutes before departure is recommended, especially during summer months. For those without a vehicle, taxi services can be arranged from Tarbert to meet specific ferry departures.

Nestled on the eastern shores of the Kintyre peninsula, Claonaig serves as a vital ferry connection point to the Isle of Arran. This small, picturesque harbor offers travelers their first glimpse of the wild, unspoiled landscapes that define this remote corner of Scotland. With rolling hills meeting the sea and the silhouette of Arran visible across the water, Claonaig embodies the tranquil charm of Scotland's western coastline.

The summer months of June through August offer the most reliable weather for visiting Claonaig, with longer daylight hours perfect for exploring the surrounding countryside. During this peak season, the ferry service to Arran operates more frequently, typically with multiple daily sailings. May and September provide excellent alternatives with fewer tourists and often pleasant weather. Winter brings a stark beauty to the landscape, though ferry services become more limited and weather-dependent between October and April. The Kintyre peninsula hosts various events throughout the year, including the Tarbert Seafood Festival in July, making summer particularly vibrant for visitors.

The primary destination from Claonaig is Lochranza on the Isle of Arran, a journey of just 30 minutes across the Kilbrannan Sound. Arran, often called 'Scotland in Miniature,' offers dramatic mountain landscapes, prehistoric sites, and the renowned Arran Distillery. From Arran, connections to the Isle of Bute can be made via Ardrossan, extending your island-hopping adventure. During summer, the Campbeltown ferry service provides access to the southern tip of Kintyre, completing a circular route for exploration. The Claonaig-Lochranza crossing is particularly beautiful at sunset, when the hills of Arran are bathed in golden light.

While Claonaig itself is primarily a ferry terminal, the surrounding area offers remarkable experiences for visitors with time to explore. The nearby Skipness Castle provides a fascinating glimpse into medieval history, with stunning views across to Arran. The Seafood Cabin at Skipness serves locally caught seafood that's considered some of the finest in Scotland. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the walking trails along the coastline, where seals, otters, and sea birds are commonly spotted. Just north in Tarbert, sample the fresh catch at one of the harbor restaurants, where langoustines and scallops feature prominently on menus. The Kintyre Way long-distance walking route passes near Claonaig, offering sections perfect for day hikes through breathtaking scenery.

Claonaig's name derives from the Gaelic 'Claon Aig,' meaning 'sloping bay,' aptly describing its geographical setting. The area featured in Paul McCartney's song 'Mull of Kintyre,' which became the UK's highest-selling single at the time of its release in 1977. The waters between Claonaig and Arran were once busy with illicit whisky smuggling, with contraband spirits moving between the islands and mainland to avoid taxation. During clear days, the ferry crossing offers views of Ailsa Craig, the distinctive granite island that provides the stone used to make Olympic curling stones.