Ferries to the Outer Hebrides (1 Viewer)

The Cricketers

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Oct 9, 2013
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We are touring the West Coast of Scotland next month and intending to visit Skye and the Outer Hebrides
I don't want to book onward ferries until we get to Skye in case we prefer to spend more time on Skye, ( or the weather is foul)
The question is - can we leave booking the ferry to Harris until 3 days before we travel, with reasonable certainty of getting on?
Thanks
 

TerryL

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They're Calmac and (mostly) turn up and travel, only a couple of odd ones where you need to book. The web site has all the details.

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Might be worth considering a "hopscotch" ticket....

www.calmac.co.uk/hopscotch

These can be used anytime within 31 days of your first leg

"Tickets are valid for 31 days from the date of your first journey and can be used in either direction on your chosen route. The purchase of such tickets does not automatically ensure a place on any particular sailing - we strongly recommend advance booking on certain routes. See timetables for details. Please note that caravans and Motorhomes are not permitted on Colonsay."
 

mustaphapint

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We toured the Outer Hebrides last April/May/June. We didn't book any ferries. Just turned up when we wanted to travel. No problems. The ferry prices to the islands were greatly reduced due to an initiative and subsidies by the Scottish government. Excellent value if that is still in place.
 
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We only booked our first ferry, Oban - Castlebay, all the rest were booked by phone a day or two before we traveled. Beware tidal restrictions/weather cancellations/technical problems., i.e. be flexible. We had a great time, spent three weeks out there.

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irnbru

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We never booked any ferries last June and just had to wait a few hrs once. I wouldn't bother with the hopscotch ticket as the fares have came down in price so not much to save.

Take your camera, the place us stunning.:)
 

mikebeaches

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Agree, no need to book in advance and no need to buy a Hopscotch ticket. Just buy singles as you go, whenever required. Gives you absolute flexibility to do just whatever you like whenever you like. Can also be cheaper than a Hopscotch, because I believe they all include the ferry crossing from the mainland to Skye, which isn't necessary if you go via the bridge!

If you are concerned about availability on the outward crossing, you'll find CalMac reservations staff very helpful - you can ring them up a few days before hand and ask about likely availability on your preferred crossing. They'll give you an indication whether there is plenty of space - which is likely - and hence no need to make an advance booking, just turn up.

Once you buy the ticket for your first crossing - at the office by the quayside on Skye - your details will be on their system. From then on you'll be 'recognised' by your name and/or registration number and you can just pay for inter-island ferries on board, as you go.

On the Outer Hebrides, we'd generally arrive at a ferry ramp where there was no office, but an electronic indicator board showing the next ferry. We'd usually give the office a call from the van and check if there was space for us and whether the ferry was on schedule - and at that point say we'd like to book on.

Have a great trip! (y)
 

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