Ferry Ullapool to Stornaway, walk on

I don't know if there is a luggage limitation, but what you have should be fine.

With regards to the ferry, Calmak says that you must make a reservation even if you are a foot passenger. That doesn't mean that you couldn't walk up the day of your trip and get a ticket, but it certainly doesn't guarantee one. Also note that you must check in 30 minutes before departure. https://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/route-information/stornoway-ullapool/#/

Is there any reason you don't want to make a reservation? When are you traveling?

There is no baggage restriction on CalMac vessels. There is a baggage area on Deck 5 of the 'Loch Seaforth' to stow your larger bag while on board.

CalMac do NOT say that you must make a foot passenger reservation on that or any route (although there are short term requirements to do so on one or two other routes due to lack of vessels). What they say is that you CAN and they strongly suggest that you do so.

Unless there is a big event on (like Heb Celt), or there has been prior weather disruption there is plenty of passenger capacity on.

But with only a few sailings a day I'm not sure why you wouldn't, on a just in case basis. Doing so also means that you have done your passenger registration before arriving at port, rather than having to fill in an old style paper form at the port.

The side benefit of making a reservation is that CalMac will keep you informed of any changes to sailing times. When that happens Citylink also normally adjust the timings of the connecting bus from Inverness to suit.

Thanks Mardee and Stuart. My itinerary is basically set except leaving the islands for travel to Inverness on my way home is potentially not set. I have a two day window for A day tour to Saint Kilda and I may not need the second day if we go to St Kilda on the first day. however, since I do have a hotel for both days, I guess I will book the ferry going back. This trip is in July this year. Thank you also for the tip about registering and getting updates from CalMac.

What is probably more important is booking the Citylink bus to Inverness. The ferry takes 700 passengers but only 143 cars. But there is one 50 seat bus connects with the ferry.
I've never seen it but assume they will duplicate the bus if needed. I'm not sure of your dates in July but the Heb Celt Gaelic music festival is 17 to 19 July.
Probably the biggest event of the year on Lewis.
Sea and Air services will be under heavy pressure.

Okay. I’m registered with CalMac and booked my ferries for 7/28 and 8/1. I see the CityLink bus #961 travels the route I need (Inverness >Ullapool) so I will get those tickets as well. Stuart, I think it was you that recommended Harris Taxi and I will probably be calling them for rides from Tarbert to Leverburgh and back, although there is a local bus service. Accommodations have been reserved for Stornaway, Tarbert and Leverburgh.

Wow, this day trip to St Kilda wasn’t easy putting together (especially without a car rental). I like challenges but will take a taxi when necessary.

Thanks again for the help.

CalMac do NOT say that you must make a foot passenger reservation on that or any route (although there are short term requirements to do so on one or two other routes due to lack of vessels). What they say is that you CAN and they strongly suggest that you do so.

No, Stuart, what they actually say is quoted below from the website. You can infer what you want from that, but that doesn't make it true. Without a ticket, Linda could be easily turned away, which is also what I said above.

Tickets: Book your ticket online, in advance of travel, even if you’re a foot passenger. All vehicles and passengers must have a valid ticket prior to travel.

Linda, I'm glad you booked your ferries! You will really enjoy Storaway!