Ferry connections, railway history and walking routes give Mallaig several distinct starting points for planning a trip. The village is a departure port for ferries to Armadale on the Isle of Skye, to Lochboisdale on South Uist, and to the Small Isles of Eigg, Muck, Rum and Canna. If you are planning a crossing, check the relevant timetable before your trip: departure details may change.

Ferry connections and trips from the harbour

Western Isles Cruises operates a passenger ferry to the Knoydart peninsula. It departs from a passenger access pontoon near the centre of Mallaig village. Departure arrangements and timetables may change here too, so factor this information into your plans. Western Isles Cruises also offers wildlife trips from the harbour. In addition to ferry connections to the island destinations listed above, options include a passenger service to Knoydart and wildlife-focused trips.

Railways and local history

The Mallaig Heritage Centre is next to the railway station. It presents stories, films, collections and exhibitions about West Lochaber, its people and its landscape. This offers several ways to learn about the region and its character. One specific date in railway history is 1 April 1901: the railway extension to Mallaig opened on that day.

Another rail journey is the Jacobite: an 84-mile round trip between Fort William and Mallaig, hauled by a working steam locomotive. The opening of the railway extension and this journey are different points of reference: the date marks the opening of the line to Mallaig, while the Jacobite describes a specific round trip. Its operating seasons and timetables vary. Check the times if you would like to include this trip in your plans.

Walks, views and nature

The Mallaig Circular Walk is a short walking route from Mallaig to Mallaig Bheag. Along the way, there are views of Mallaig Harbour and the Small Isles. Another route option is Loch an Nostarie and Mallaig: in good weather, it is a circular walk over the hills to Mallaig. The views include Loch an Nostarie, with its pine-covered islands, as well as the surrounding hills and rocks.

On the Loch an Nostarie and Mallaig route, you can also look out for great crested grebes, ducks, buzzards and golden eagles; possible sightings are another factor to consider when choosing this route. When assessing the terrain, pay attention to the section: the first part follows a good path suitable for all ability levels. Later sections have different terrain. The description of the first section therefore does not automatically apply to the entire route.

The two walking options differ in the features specifically described: the Mallaig Circular Walk is characterised as a short walk with views of the harbour and the Small Isles; for the Loch an Nostarie and Mallaig route, the circular walk over the hills, the good-weather condition and the changing terrain are important points of reference. This lets you choose a route based on the landscapes and conditions relevant to your plans.

Discover more destinations

Shieldaig, Dornoch, Breakish, Roybridge, Inverness, Cannich, Ardgay, Glenfinnan

For the main travel overview: Highland.