Trying to do a day trip tomorrow from Oban and finding out there is very limited bus service- only to Tobermory but no service back to ferry. I’m assuming there are taxis that could take us back to ferry but wondering on cost and if we need to book in advance. Appreciate any advise- thanks in advance.
Posted by
London
1250 posts
Give a taxi firm in Tobermory a ring tonight and book a taxi would be my thoughts. Here's a link to a page that collates the numbers for the taxi firms in Tobermory -
Posted by
Lake District, England
7827 posts
There are buses back from Tobermory tomorrow-
https://passenger-line-assets.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/westcoastmotors/WCMO/95-timetable-20241021-94b40eeb.pdf
The 1550 back connects with the 1700 ferry
and also a return bus to Fionnphort for Iona- https://passenger-line-assets.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/westcoastmotors/WCMO/96-timetable-20241021-a3020bf2.pdf
(gives you almost 2 hours on the island with a 1210 arrival and a 1450 return bus)
The 1215 boat to Iona connects with the bus, even if it has to wait. Likewise the 1450 bus connects with the 1430 boat from the island even if it has to wait.
Realistically I think I would do Tobermory rather than Iona - but Iona should be devoid of tourists so there is that.
Had you written this 15 minutes earlier you could even have done a nearly round the island bus trip- the Tobermory bus as far as Salen, then the back of the island bus via Ulva Ferry to Calgary, bus Calgary to Tobermory, 1 1/2 hours in Tobermory then back to Craignure.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks so much for the current bus information. What is the difference between the two schedules? So it looks like we could take tthe 9:30am ferry and come back on the 3:00pm ferry with bus schedules back and forth to Tobermory. Any suggestions for lunch in Tobermory, seafood or great soups?
Posted by
Lake District, England
7827 posts
There is no 3pm ferry back from Craignure- that sailing is at 3.35 and has NO bus connection, because that is operated with the small ship the Loch Frisa as an extra sailing.
The bus connection from Tobermory is into the 1700 (5pm) sailing- the big ship- the Lord of the Isles.
The 1545 bus from Tobermory High School to Lochbuie is a schooldays bus (1550 from central Tobermory)- tomorrow is a school day.
The 1550 is a relief bus.
But what the dickins is happening? These TT are from the WCM website, the school bus has to run, and there are always buses connecting with the big ship sailings.
But the WCM journey planner only gives one bus back from Tobermory tomorrow at 0930.
And the registered timetable shows a totally different last bus back from Tobermory at 1420, arrive Craignure at 1503 for the Loch Frisa sailing.
Traveline Scotland shows nothing at all.
That is utter chaos.
I know there were doubts as to whether there would be one or two ferries running tomorrow as the 2nd ship was having to serve Islay instead. But that can't explain what is going on.
I doubt anyone will be in the office now but try contacting WCM on 01586 552319 or [email protected] or message them on facebook as we have 4 totally different and irreconcilable stories.
The registration also shows all journeys running as route 95 (unsubsidised, higher fares), the printed timetable shows them as route 495 (subsidised, much lower fares)