Lochaline Ferries

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

Lochaline is accessible via the scenic A884 road that winds through the Morvern Peninsula, connecting to the A861 at Carnoch. From Glasgow, the journey takes approximately 3.5 hours by car, passing through Fort William and including a short ferry crossing at Corran. Train services run to Oban (about 45 miles away), with bus connections available to complete the journey. The ferry terminal in Lochaline is centrally located in the village with a small car park available for day visitors. For those staying longer, arrangements can often be made with local accommodations for extended parking.

Nestled on Scotland's west coast, Lochaline offers a tranquil escape where the lush Morvern Peninsula meets the Sound of Mull. This charming village serves as a vital ferry connection to the Isle of Mull, making it a strategic starting point for exploring the Inner Hebrides. Visitors to Lochaline are greeted with spectacular sea views, abundant wildlife, and the authentic warmth of Highland hospitality.

Lochaline shines brightest from late spring through early autumn (May to September) when days are longer and the weather more favorable for ferry crossings and outdoor exploration. July and August bring the warmest temperatures, typically ranging from 12-18°C, though these months also attract more visitors. The shoulder months of May, June, and September offer a perfect balance of pleasant weather and quieter experiences. Ferry services operate year-round but run more frequently during summer months. Winter visits (November-March) offer stark, dramatic beauty and glimpses of the Northern Lights on clear nights, though some local services may have reduced hours.

The Lochaline ferry provides a quick 15-minute crossing to Fishnish on the Isle of Mull, opening up a world of island exploration. From Mull, continue your journey to colorful Tobermory with its picturesque harbor, just 30 minutes' drive from Fishnish. The sacred Isle of Iona, with its ancient abbey and pristine beaches, can be reached via a second short ferry from Mull's western shore. For nature enthusiasts, the island of Staffa with its remarkable Fingal's Cave is accessible by tour boats from Mull. The Lochaline-Mull route offers one of Scotland's most scenic short ferry crossings, with regular sightings of dolphins, seals, and sea eagles.

Explore the fascinating Lochaline Silica Mine with its underground tours revealing the source of some of the world's purest silica sand. History buffs will appreciate Ardtornish Estate with its Victorian gardens and castle ruins overlooking the sound. Outdoor enthusiasts can trek the coastal paths that offer stunning views across to Mull and abundant opportunities for wildlife spotting, including otters and golden eagles. Seafood lovers shouldn't miss the chance to sample fresh local catches at the Lochaline Hotel, where langoustines and mussels are often brought in by local fishermen that same day. The village's small but charming center offers craft shops featuring local artisans' work, perfect for unique souvenirs.

Lochaline's silica sand mine produces some of the highest quality silica in the world, once essential for precision optical equipment and now used in fiber optics and specialty glass. During World War II, the Sound of Mull became an important training ground for midget submarines, with Lochaline serving as a base for these operations. The nearby Rahoy Hills Nature Reserve contains Scotland's most biodiverse oak woodland and is home to some of the country's rarest butterfly species. Local legend claims that on certain still days, you can hear the bells of a church submerged during ancient flooding, though scientists attribute these sounds to particular acoustic conditions across the water.