Three ferries to Mull
Dec 21st, 2014, 06:47 AM
#1
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Three ferries to Mull
Hopefully in June 2015 we would be planning (as part of our itinerary) to drive from Torridon to Mull. 17 years ago we drove along Loch Linnhe to Oban and saw the ferries leaving from there.
I would like to spend 2 nights in Tobermary and would probably not go to Fionnaport. (sp)
Apparently the Oban to Mull ferry is the lengthiest.
So..... Driving from Torridon I was considering: would I want the Lochline ferry or the one further north which goes straight to Tobermary?
I turn 70 next summer. DH has driven on single track roads on the left many years ago. However, it is a back of the mind concern.
I would like to spend 2 nights in Tobermary and would probably not go to Fionnaport. (sp)
Apparently the Oban to Mull ferry is the lengthiest.
So..... Driving from Torridon I was considering: would I want the Lochline ferry or the one further north which goes straight to Tobermary?
I turn 70 next summer. DH has driven on single track roads on the left many years ago. However, it is a back of the mind concern.
Dec 21st, 2014, 09:00 AM
#2
The single tracks aren't really a problem. They are pretty easy actually. But that is a <B>VERY</B> long drive. From the Inn where you are staying to Lochaline to Tobermory is at least 6 hours. And via Oban even longer - close to 7 hours.
I'd break the journey somewhere for a night.
(Question, why not visiting Fionnphort? Just Curious.)
I'd break the journey somewhere for a night.
(Question, why not visiting Fionnphort? Just Curious.)
Dec 21st, 2014, 11:11 AM
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There's three routes.
Your OP refers to three ferries, you may not be aware that there is now a bridge over from Kyle of Lochalsh to Skye. This leaves you three options from Torridon to Tobermory.
1. The easy one : is straight down the wide, fast A87 and A82 through Fort William and down to Oban. Ferry to Cragnure and then the fairly easy road up to Tobermory.
2. The two ferry option and shortest route : Over the bridge to Skye, ferry from Armadale to Mallaig then drive to Tobermory from Kilchoan. This may be the route that you thought was a three ferry.
3. Drive down to Fort William and drive the 25 odd miles through Ardnamurchan to Lochaline, ferry to Fishnish then a drive to Tobermory.
Of the options on average : the Hopscotch ticket for 1. Is around £90 for a car and 2 people, Option 2 is similar and Option 3 around £50.
Had you been driving around Mull then I would discount Option 3 as it is a 25 mile battle on stunning but small roads. Since you aren't touring then you will not have to endure this route then hours of more single track.
Personally I prefer Option 2 but as ever it is all personal!
Your OP refers to three ferries, you may not be aware that there is now a bridge over from Kyle of Lochalsh to Skye. This leaves you three options from Torridon to Tobermory.
1. The easy one : is straight down the wide, fast A87 and A82 through Fort William and down to Oban. Ferry to Cragnure and then the fairly easy road up to Tobermory.
2. The two ferry option and shortest route : Over the bridge to Skye, ferry from Armadale to Mallaig then drive to Tobermory from Kilchoan. This may be the route that you thought was a three ferry.
3. Drive down to Fort William and drive the 25 odd miles through Ardnamurchan to Lochaline, ferry to Fishnish then a drive to Tobermory.
Of the options on average : the Hopscotch ticket for 1. Is around £90 for a car and 2 people, Option 2 is similar and Option 3 around £50.
Had you been driving around Mull then I would discount Option 3 as it is a 25 mile battle on stunning but small roads. Since you aren't touring then you will not have to endure this route then hours of more single track.
Personally I prefer Option 2 but as ever it is all personal!
Dec 21st, 2014, 11:11 AM
#4
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We went to Mull as foot passengers last summer, and took a bus to Fionnphort. When we saw the roads, the speeds at which people drove on them, and the need to back up to the nearest turnoff every so often, we were glad we hadn't taken Janisj's advice to drive the rental car there. However, we were there only for the day and wouldn't have had time to do much exploring anyway. We mostly wanted to visit Iona. If I were spending more than a day there, I might want a car.
)
Dec 21st, 2014, 12:03 PM
#10
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No worries about driving on Mull. DH has driven in the Highlands. I'm the planner/navigator.
Would Dickie's version #2 be doable all in one day (assuming we reserve ferries early enough)?
I was worried about too much backtracking, but sometimes familiarity in a trip makes it a bit more comfortable.
Would Dickie's version #2 be doable all in one day (assuming we reserve ferries early enough)?
I was worried about too much backtracking, but sometimes familiarity in a trip makes it a bit more comfortable.
Dec 21st, 2014, 12:07 PM
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Janis
Those roads are some of the the worst in Scotland.
The Outer Hebrides roads are flat, Mull's roads are single track, packed with tour buses in summer, open grazing sheep, streams crossing at many points and covered in mud as a result of the usual inconsiderate farmers.
Death traps.
Those roads are some of the the worst in Scotland.
The Outer Hebrides roads are flat, Mull's roads are single track, packed with tour buses in summer, open grazing sheep, streams crossing at many points and covered in mud as a result of the usual inconsiderate farmers.
Death traps.
Dec 21st, 2014, 12:12 PM
#12
I know -- I have stayed on Mull (w/ a car) three times. As long as you miss the mid-morning and late afternoon 'rush hour' when all the coaches make the dash to/from Fionnphort, the roads are just fine.
Dec 21st, 2014, 12:50 PM
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Hopingtotravel
I can't answer that question.
We were late for the ferry at Craignure. I made it from Fionphort in 41 minutes. It remains a family legend and my MIL has only just recovered. I am no example.
In all honesty, it's down to what makes you feel comfortable but an early start and a long lunch in Malliag should make it very doable. It's about 70 miles then 50 miles of driving so around 2 and a half then 2 hours, taken slowly.
The ferry times haven't been released but the hopscotch ticket includes both crossings. I seem to remember Mallaig is a booked crossing whereas Kilchoan is smply a roll up affair.
I can't answer that question.
We were late for the ferry at Craignure. I made it from Fionphort in 41 minutes. It remains a family legend and my MIL has only just recovered. I am no example.
In all honesty, it's down to what makes you feel comfortable but an early start and a long lunch in Malliag should make it very doable. It's about 70 miles then 50 miles of driving so around 2 and a half then 2 hours, taken slowly.
The ferry times haven't been released but the hopscotch ticket includes both crossings. I seem to remember Mallaig is a booked crossing whereas Kilchoan is smply a roll up affair.
Dec 21st, 2014, 01:24 PM
#14
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Janis, I just didn't have Fionphort (sp) as an overnight on my list, but if DH wants to drive around on 2nd day, that's a possible.
I assume a 'hopscotch' ticket is one booking to go on more than one ferry ride same day?
I assume a 'hopscotch' ticket is one booking to go on more than one ferry ride same day?
Dec 21st, 2014, 01:24 PM
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Your calling us wimps (for about the fourth time) is getting a little tired, and saying that it's meant in a nice way just proves that you know it's not nice. I think you're just showing off when you say that the roads in Mull are fine and dandy, no problem at all.
I thought of not responding to this, but I think people have a right to a realistic explanation of what they'll be facing if they choose to drive in Mull. Then they can make their own decisions.
I could contemplate driving on Mull if I were driving my own car and if I weren't on holiday. I've driven on worse roads in Italy and in the US. Having an accident with a rental car on an island isn't something I would want to risk, and the roads in Mull are certainly conducive to road accidents.
I thought of not responding to this, but I think people have a right to a realistic explanation of what they'll be facing if they choose to drive in Mull. Then they can make their own decisions.
I could contemplate driving on Mull if I were driving my own car and if I weren't on holiday. I've driven on worse roads in Italy and in the US. Having an accident with a rental car on an island isn't something I would want to risk, and the roads in Mull are certainly conducive to road accidents.
Dec 21st, 2014, 01:33 PM
#16
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Janis, did your response on driving from Torridon mean I should plan an overnight somewhere on the way to Tobermary?
If that's the case, I might 're-look' and either try to drive to Oban OR should I plan to stay somewhere along Loch Linne and get a later in the day ferry to Craignure?
Oops, just re-read Dickie's response. I assume he's actually saying about 5 hours. Of course, then when we got to Mull we'd be IN Tobermary.
If that's the case, I might 're-look' and either try to drive to Oban OR should I plan to stay somewhere along Loch Linne and get a later in the day ferry to Craignure?
Oops, just re-read Dickie's response. I assume he's actually saying about 5 hours. Of course, then when we got to Mull we'd be IN Tobermary.
Dec 21st, 2014, 01:43 PM
#17
I do not choose to drive in Hell. I drive in Scotland for fun and the beauty. If one enjoys driving, the roads in Scotland are sublime. If on the other hand, driving is merely a chore, you might hate them.
Hopingtotravel: the drive from Torridon to Mull no matter which route you take is very long. Absolute minimum of 6 hours but more likely an hour or two longer. Oban is practically 'there' so you'd probably have to stop well before that.
If it was me . . . I'd rearrange things and do Mull to Skye to Torridon . . . OR vice versa. That would eliminate the.very long day between Torridon and Tobermory.
Hopingtotravel: the drive from Torridon to Mull no matter which route you take is very long. Absolute minimum of 6 hours but more likely an hour or two longer. Oban is practically 'there' so you'd probably have to stop well before that.
If it was me . . . I'd rearrange things and do Mull to Skye to Torridon . . . OR vice versa. That would eliminate the.very long day between Torridon and Tobermory.
Dec 21st, 2014, 01:46 PM
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hopingtotravel, have you looked at the CalMac website? It explains their various ticket options such as Hopscotch which I believe includes several ferry trips but not necessarily in one day, all their routes and pricing. With your experience, I don't think you'll have much trouble on Mull, but as Dickie explained, it can be expensive to take a car across from Oban. Perhaps one of the other crossings might be cheaper.
I do know that there are frequent ferries from Armadale to Mallaig and the crossing is only about 30 minutes.
www.calmac.co.uk
I do know that there are frequent ferries from Armadale to Mallaig and the crossing is only about 30 minutes.
www.calmac.co.uk
Dec 21st, 2014, 01:52 PM
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Yes, probably around five hours in all from Torridon to Tobermlry via the two ferries and the hopscotch is one ticket (usually a little discounted) for two ferry crossings.
There are two ways to Fionphort from Tobermory.
The "easy" way : past Craignure, down the south coast and along the Ross of Mull.
The scenic way : down Loch Na Keal, over the pass by Ben More then to Fionphort which passes at least three Sea Eagle nesting sites. This is my favourite drive in Europe but I was exhausted after this return day trip, it is really hard work. It is a brutal drive in good weather, winding single track with limited views round the corner. It is not one to rush.
There are two ways to Fionphort from Tobermory.
The "easy" way : past Craignure, down the south coast and along the Ross of Mull.
The scenic way : down Loch Na Keal, over the pass by Ben More then to Fionphort which passes at least three Sea Eagle nesting sites. This is my favourite drive in Europe but I was exhausted after this return day trip, it is really hard work. It is a brutal drive in good weather, winding single track with limited views round the corner. It is not one to rush.
Dec 21st, 2014, 01:58 PM
#20
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Historytraveler, somewhere in my bookshelves I have a 2-year-old CalMac schedule--will plan to get an update.
One reason I was planning not to go to Fionphort, was thought I could just use the 2nd full day in Tobermary as a recoup R&R day for DH. Assume there are some things to be seen from just walking around there. ??
Janis, I'll look at the map with DH and discuss driving lengths. If need be, could plan an overnight somewhere outside Ft.William.
One reason I was planning not to go to Fionphort, was thought I could just use the 2nd full day in Tobermary as a recoup R&R day for DH. Assume there are some things to be seen from just walking around there. ??
Janis, I'll look at the map with DH and discuss driving lengths. If need be, could plan an overnight somewhere outside Ft.William.
