Ferries to Lewis

There are two main sea routes to Lewis: from Uig on Skye to Tarbert on Harris, and from Ullapool on the mainland direct to Stornoway. Business travellers generally choose the Ullapool ferry, as though it is a longer crossing, the road south via Inverness is fast. Glasgow and Edinburgh can be reached in about four hours hard drive down the A9 trunk road.

But taking the ferry from Skye is the shortest and most direct route to Harris and Lewis. It's also the most romantic! And you can buy an island hopping ferry ticket online and make it a round trip - its a great way to see more of Scotland's finest scenery.

Most tourists travelling by train, car or bus follow the "Road to The Isles" - from Glasgow past Loch Lomond, through the magnificent scenery of Rannoch Moor, Glencoe and along Loch Linnhe to Fort William.

From here there is a choice: right leads to the new Skye Bridge, left leads past the Jacobite monument at Glenfinnan to Mallaig and the Mallaig-Armadale ferry to Skye. Rail travellers must go via Mallaig; one of the finest railway journeys in the world with the spectacular Glenfinnan viaduct beloved of Harry Potter fans. Most buses now cross the new bridge.

Ferries are operated by CalMac, and on these major routes they are large and well-equipped sea-going roll-on roll-off car ferries capable of taking large trucks and coaches. Stabilisers are fitted as standard, which is a relief, as crossings can be very rough in bad weather!

All the ferries have wheelchair accessible toilets and internal lifts for passengers with disabilities, though foot passengers using wheelchairs have to use the car deck to embark.

Staff are well trained and generally very supportive of passengers with disabilities, some have sign language training and seem to be very aware of the needs of passengers with disabilities.