Mallaig: Ferries, Railways and Walking Routes

Mallaig offers several options to consider when planning your trip: a ferry port, railway history, a heritage centre and opportunities for walking. The harbour links connect to named island destinations, the railway topics range from a historic date to a journey with a seasonal timetable, and the walking routes differ in their course and conditions. This can help you decide whether Mallaig offers the experiences you are looking for on your trip.

Ferry connections from Mallaig

Mallaig is the departure port for ferries to Armadale on the Isle of Skye, Lochboisdale on South Uist, and the Small Isles of Eigg, Muck, Rum and Canna. If one of these connections is important for your trip, check the latest sailing details, as they may change.

Western Isles Cruises also 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. The company also offers wildlife trips from the harbour. The ferry connections go to specific destinations, while wildlife trips focus on animal watching. These are different reasons to include Mallaig’s harbour in your travel plans.

Railway history and train journeys

The Mallaig Heritage Centre is next to the railway station and features stories, films, collections and exhibitions about West Lochaber, its people and its landscape. The railway extension to Mallaig opened on 1 April 1901. This date provides a specific historical reference point for the railway in Mallaig.

Another train journey is the Jacobite: an 84-mile round trip between Fort William and Mallaig aboard an operational steam locomotive. The 84 miles covers the round trip. Seasons and timetables vary, so check the timetable for your travel dates. While the date of the railway extension puts its history in context, the right travel period is key for the Jacobite.

Walking routes and scenery

The Mallaig Circular Walk is a short walk from Mallaig to Mallaig Bheag, with views of Mallaig Harbour and the Small Isles. Another option is the Loch an Nostarie and Mallaig route: in good weather, it follows a circular route over the hills to Mallaig. From the route, you can see Loch an Nostarie with its pine-covered islands, as well as the surrounding hills and rocks. Also look out for great crested grebes, ducks, buzzards and golden eagles.

The first section of the Loch an Nostarie and Mallaig route follows a good path and is suitable for all ability levels; later sections have different terrain. The route options therefore include a short walk and a circular route over the hills in good weather. The suitability for all ability levels applies only to the first section of the second route.

Discover more destinations: Gairloch, Fortrose, Munlochy, Aviemore, Teangue, Auchlunachan, Rosemarkie, Tain.

For the broader travel overview: Highland.