Hi,
I'm taking the train from Glasgow to Mallaigg, as I hear that's the most scenic route. I'm debating on staying a night or two in Maillagg, ariisaig, or Morar. I'm traveling solo, and will be there the first few days in September. Do you think It's a great place to explore for a few days by foot and public transportation? If you do think it's a great plan what hotels have you been to and enjoyed?
Thanks kindly,
Eileen
Posted by
Lake District, England
7970 posts
There is only really one hotel at Mallaig- the West Highland Hotel- and a few guest houses.
I've stayed at the West Highland for a week in the past and was perfectly happy.
I was there for a series of day trips to the Small Isles on the ferry- Eigg, Canna, Muck and Rum- each very individual islands. But you can also do a non landing cruise, a very worthwhile and scenic trip.
Mallaig itself is a small place, a former very important fishing port. In its heyday many fish trains a day left Mallaig on the train line (the reason the line was built).-
Transit is limited to the handful of trains a day and the local bus services-
https://www.shielbuses.co.uk/route-500-new
https://www.shielbuses.co.uk/route-501-new
also the Small Isles ferry (above), the ferry to Armadale (Skye) for Armadale Castle and the wonderful Knoydart mail boat-.
It sails to Inverie which has no effective road access to the outside world (so is the main supply route to that small and interesting village) and to the very small even more settlement of Tarbet for remote walks.
Also the big ferry to Lochboisdale South Uist, Outer Hebrides.
EDIT- You should also be able to get by bus from Armadale to Portree for a day visit, even fit in a quick trip to Dunvegan (no time for the Castle) or a ride round the scenic North End of Skye (the circular 57A/57C routes). No time to get off anywhere, but a scenic run round- just checked the timetables.
I would bear in mind that if I missed the connection back to Armadale due to a road incident I could get the last Citylink bus back to Fort William, then the late train back to Mallaig.
Using the same Armadale to Portree bus you could even fit in a quick trip to the island of Raasay, as that bus stops at the ferry port of Sconser on Skye.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Wow, what a wealth of information you gave me, thank you!! I hat no idea that a ferry could be caught from Mallaigg to the outer Hebrides!!! I originally wanted to do this but thought it might be too far out? I also wanted to go to Portree but didn't know how to organize it into my plans. Both are excellent suggestions!
Thanks for replying. That points me in the right direction.
Posted by
Lake District, England
7970 posts
Update- under the new Summer bus times (to 20 September) 7 days a week you can now indeed go to Portree- Armadale depart 1035, Portree arrive 1150, depart 1545 Armadale arrive 1700.
That gives time enough time Monday to Saturday for a quick trip to Dunvegan, or, 7 days a week to take the 57a, even able to take a 1 hour stop somewhere on the way round- the stop is only possible Monday to Saturday-Sunday is just straight round.
The first time for many years this has been possible. A Skye Day Rider bus ticket costs £9.20.
Ferry to Armadale depart Mallaig at 0930. Depending on the day of the week arrive back at Mallaig between 1800 and 1900.