Tayinloan Ferries

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

Tayinloan is accessible via the A83 road that runs down the Kintyre Peninsula from Tarbert, approximately 20 minutes south by car. From Glasgow, the journey takes around 3 hours, passing through stunning scenery including Loch Lomond and the Arrochar Alps. Regular bus services connect Tayinloan with Campbeltown and Tarbert, aligning with ferry departure times. If driving, ample parking is available near the ferry terminal with both short and long-stay options. For those traveling from further afield, Campbeltown Airport is about 30 minutes south, with limited scheduled services.

Nestled on the western coast of Scotland's Kintyre Peninsula, Tayinloan serves as a vital maritime connection point with charm to spare. This small coastal village offers visitors their first glimpse of the rugged beauty that defines this stretch of Argyll. With its picturesque harbor and sweeping views across to the Isle of Gigha, Tayinloan combines tranquil rural Scottish life with the excitement of being a key ferry crossing point.

The summer months of June through August offer the most reliable weather for ferry travel, with temperatures typically ranging from 15-20°C and extended daylight hours until late evening. May and September provide excellent alternatives with fewer tourists while maintaining relatively stable sailing conditions. Winter visits from November to March can be dramatically beautiful but come prepared for potential ferry disruptions due to Atlantic storms and shorter operating schedules. The Kintyre Peninsula comes alive during the Kintyre Way Ultra festival in May and the Tarbert Seafood Festival in July, both worth planning your ferry journey around.

The Isle of Gigha stands as Tayinloan's primary ferry connection, with the crossing taking just 20 minutes across the Sound of Gigha. This 'God's Island' offers pristine beaches, the renowned Achamore Gardens, and excellent seafood dining opportunities. More ambitious travelers can use Tayinloan as the starting point for multi-stage journeys to Islay (famous for its whisky distilleries) by connecting through Kennacraig, about 15 minutes north. The Isle of Arran is also accessible via a combination of ferry services, offering dramatic mountain scenery and prehistoric sites within a day trip. The Tayinloan ferry terminal serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the inner Hebridean islands.

While waiting for your ferry, explore the beautiful beaches that stretch north and south of the village, perfect for beachcombing and birdwatching with views across to Gigha and Jura. The Kintyre Way walking route passes directly through Tayinloan, offering excellent hiking sections in either direction along dramatic coastlines. For food lovers, the Ferry Farm tearoom serves delicious homemade treats featuring local produce, while fresh seafood can be purchased directly from local fishermen when boats return to harbor. Don't miss the chance to sample a dram at Beinn an Tuirc Distillery, just a short drive from the ferry terminal, where Kintyre Gin is crafted using local botanicals.

Tayinloan's name derives from the Gaelic 'Taigh an Lòin,' meaning 'house by the meadow,' reflecting its pastoral setting despite its maritime importance. The current ferry service to Gigha has operated since the 1750s, making it one of Scotland's oldest continuously running ferry routes. The waters between Tayinloan and Gigha are home to a thriving population of harbor porpoises, frequently spotted playing in the wake of the ferry. During World War II, Tayinloan served as an important coastal defense position, with remnants of lookout posts still visible along the shoreline.