Travelling to the Scottish Highlands

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While we may be nestled in one of the most northerly parts of the UK, the rich wildlife of Scotland is never too far away. In fact, getting to the Scottish Highlands for a Hebridean Adventures' cruise has never been easier. 

As the safest way to maintain a ‘social bubble’, travelling by car will be a popular choice for many of you in 2021. But train and bus routes are available in plenty. Use our easy-to-follow guide below to help you plan your journey to our three primary cruise start points: Mallaig, Stornoway and Ullapool.

Travelling by car

Mallaig: From Fort William, take the A830 -- otherwise known as the ‘road to the isles’ for the quickest route; the scenes along this road are spectacular, but remember to keep your eyes on the road!

Ullapool: From Inverness, take the A835 road to Ullapool. This 64 mile journey should take you approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. Plus, utilise the long-term free parking available in the town centre next to Tesco (IV26 2XB).

Stornoway: Hop aboard the Ullapool  ferry to access the Isle of Lewis (total journey time of approximately 2 and a half hours). Travelling from the Isle of Skye? No problem. From Uig in Skye you can also take the ferry to Harris and drive north.

Travelling by train

Mallaig: From Glasgow, the train service to Mallaig takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. Alternatively, the train from Fort William to Mallaig takes just 1 hour and 23 minutes. 

Stornoway: From Inverness, a 2 hour and 40 minute train service operates to Kyle of Lochalsh. From there, a direct bus is available from Harbour Slipway to Uig Pier, taking you to the Uig-Tarbert Ferry Terminal. From Tarbert on Harris it's a bus or taxi rode to Stornoway on Lewis.

Ullapool: While Ullapool has no train station, the closest station is located in Garve (approx 26 miles away). A direct bus operates between Garve and Ullapool or you could just catch one direct from next to Inverness train station also (see below).

Travelling by bus

Mallaig: Citylink runs daily bus services between Fort William and Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. From there, hop on a Shiel bus running from Fort William to Mallaig. 

Stornoway: Catch the bus from Inverness to Ullapool (or from Glasgow to Ullapool, via Inverness), before catching the ferry from Ullapool Ferry Terminal.

Ullapool: Stagecoach Highlands operates a bus from Inverness, Bus Station to Ullapool, Ferry Terminal three times a day. Tickets cost between £10 and £14 and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes. 

We look forward to welcoming you to the Scottish Highlands very soon! If you have any questions, reach out to our Customer Care team here.