Gills Bay Ferries

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

Gills Bay is accessible via the A836 coastal road, approximately 30 minutes east of Thurso and about 2.5 hours north of Inverness by car. Regular bus services connect the terminal with Thurso and Wick, though schedules align primarily with ferry departure times. The nearest train station is in Thurso, requiring a taxi or bus connection for the final leg to Gills Bay. Ample parking is available at the terminal for those traveling by car, with both short and long-stay options for passengers continuing their journey to Orkney. For travelers coming from further afield, car rental services are available in Thurso, Wick, and Inverness.

Nestled on the northeastern tip of mainland Scotland, Gills Bay serves as a vital maritime link to the Orkney Islands. This small coastal settlement in Caithness offers travelers their first glimpse of the stunning Pentland Firth, with its powerful tidal currents and dramatic seascapes. Gills Bay combines the rugged charm of Scotland's northern coastline with the practical convenience of a key ferry terminal, making it an essential starting point for adventures to Orkney.

The summer months of June through August offer the mildest weather and longest daylight hours, with temperatures typically ranging from 10-18°C (50-65°F) – ideal for crossing the sometimes choppy Pentland Firth. May and September provide a pleasant alternative with fewer tourists and generally stable sailing conditions. Winter visits from November through March can be rewarding for those seeking solitude and dramatic seascapes, though ferry crossings may occasionally face disruption due to North Sea storms. Ferry services operate year-round but run more frequently during summer, with additional sailings added during peak holiday periods and local events like the St. Magnus Festival in June.

From Gills Bay, the fast ferry service reaches St. Margaret's Hope on South Ronaldsay (Orkney) in just 60 minutes, offering the quickest sea route to the Orkney archipelago. Once in Orkney, the island of Hoy is accessible via a short connecting ferry, where dramatic sea cliffs and the famous Old Man of Hoy sea stack await adventurous travelers. The Orkney Mainland, reached by road from St. Margaret's Hope, features prehistoric wonders like Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar, all within an hour's drive from the ferry landing. The remote North Isles of Orkney, including Westray and Papa Westray, can be reached by connecting ferries, allowing visitors to experience the full breadth of Orkney's maritime heritage and island culture.

While Gills Bay itself is primarily a departure point, the surrounding Caithness coastline offers remarkable experiences worth exploring before or after your ferry journey. Castle of Mey, the former holiday home of the Queen Mother, stands just a few miles west of Gills Bay and features beautiful gardens and sea views. Nature enthusiasts should visit the nearby Dunnet Head, the northernmost point of mainland Britain, where puffins and other seabirds nest during summer months. The coastal walk from Gills Bay to St. John's Point rewards hikers with panoramic views across the Pentland Firth toward Orkney. For authentic local flavor, sample fresh seafood at small harborside eateries in nearby communities like John O'Groats, where the catch of the day often includes Pentland Firth crab, lobster, and line-caught mackerel.

The Pentland Firth waters visible from Gills Bay harbor some of the strongest tidal currents in Europe, reaching speeds of up to 11 knots (20 km/h) during spring tides. This natural phenomenon has made the area a pioneering location for tidal energy development. The bay is named after the Norse word 'gil' meaning ravine or narrow valley, reflecting the Viking heritage that still influences local culture. Nearby Stroma Island, visible from the ferry terminal, was once inhabited but has been abandoned since the 1960s, with only wild sheep and seabirds now calling it home. Gills Bay's modern ferry terminal sits near ancient Pictish settlements, with archaeological evidence suggesting the area has been an important crossing point for over 1,500 years.