Travelling to the Knoydart Peninsula

You can walk here (see bottom of page), you can jump on a boat, or some people even turn up by helicopter! But you can't drive here, which helps make Knoydart a very special place - it would be impossible to take a conventional vehicle over the hills, and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code does not allow for motorbikes or quads to have access to footpaths without landowner permission.

Knoydart can be reached by public transport, with the "Knoydart Steps" on Mallaig Pier only being a two-minute walk from the bus stop or train station. This is where the Knoydart ferry, MV Western Isles, and numerous small boats depart for Inverie. See below for details.

Transport Direct have a useful facility for those planning on visiting us: enter your postcode in the blue box to the right, and they'll work out milage, fuel costs and your carbon footprint - as well as giving you directions to Mallaig! Only car journeys come up automatically: you may need to enter a date / time to get bus / train times. For more information on carbon-neutral travelling to / in Knoydart, see the Powerdown page.

Foot passengers only!

The Highland Council (The Small Isles & Knoydart Prohibition of Vehicles) Order 2003 applies restrictions which only allow residents and genuine contractors permission to take vehicles over to Knoydart. This helps reduce wear and tear on a vulnerable stretch of road. In order to bring a vehicle over, you first need to apply for a special permit from Highland Council.

Ferry Service

Bruce Watt's boat, the 'Western Isles', is our passenger ferry service, with 2 sailings a day leaving at 10.15 in the morning and 2.15 in the afternoon. During winter, the ferry runs 3 days a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) - 5 days a week during summer (Monday through to Friday). Please contact Bruce Watt direct on 01687 462320 to confirm times, costs and summer timetable. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes although check return times as the ferry often returns via Tarbet, which means a longer journey.

Private Boat Hire

Alternatively, if you cannot work in with ferry times, boat hire may be an option. The following boat operators, listed in alphabetical order, offer boat hire. Generally, a trip from Mallaig to Inverie will cost in the order of £60 although price can depend on numbers and luggage. Many of the boats will also offer charters further afield. You may wish to check that operators and their vessels are licensed and coded (we believe they are at present (June 2010)).

 "Calanna", Iain Wilson -  Tel 01687 462844 calannaboat(at)knoydart.org

"Knoydart", Bob Wright - Tel 01687 460129 moraganderson@hotmail.co.uk

"Meri 3", John Sellars - Tel 01687 462916, mob 07766 379264 jon(at)sandaig.com

Bringing your own boat to Knoydart

Each year we get many people visiting by boat. We have had some problems with incorrect information being put in the pilot guide for the area so we hope this information helps people to plan their journey. There are no public moorings in Inverie Bay but the local pub does have a number of moorings for use. Contact the Old Forge for more information. No overnight berthing is allowed on the pier. When using the pier, please leave the steps as soon as possible. The pier is in regular usage and keeping the steps free makes it work much more effectively so thanks for your co-operation on this. There is no public water, diesel or gas supply. We would appreciate it if rubbish is taken to Mallaig as disposal facilities are strictly limited here. Harbour dues have been introduced in line with other Highland Council piers.

We have a shop in Inverie which sells a range of tinned goods, sweets and souvenirs. For fresh food you will need to pick up supplies from Mallaig. The Old Forge does lunches and evening meals - booking advisable. The Knoydart Pottery and Tearoom does breakfasts and lunches - no booking necessary.

Walking In

Some people choose the difficult option! If you are interested in walking in to Inverie from Kinlochhourn, Glenfinnan, or anywhere else, we recommend you contact our Ranger Service, who are able to provide help and advice on what can be an arduous trek.