MALLAIG SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Across Loch Nevis: Inverie’s Short Ferry to the Mainland
A scenic, 30–45 minute ferry link from Inverie to Tarbet and Mallaig that connects Britain’s remotest village to mainland services and makes a tidy day trip or an overnight escape.
Across Loch Nevis: Inverie’s Short Ferry to the Mainland.
A brief, sea-steeped crossing through Loch Nevis, the Inverie–Mallaig ferry is a short, scenic service that links the isolated village of Inverie—home to about 120 residents and Britain’s remotest pub—with the wider transport network at Tarbet and Mallaig. The ride is ideal for day-trippers or those staying longer on the Knoydart peninsula, and vessels provide basic comforts on board.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A short crossing through Loch Nevis
The ferry traverses Loch Nevis in a compact 30–45 minute crossing, offering uninterrupted coastal and headland views that make the short trip feel much larger than its timetable suggests.
Inverie: an isolated settlement with character
Inverie sits six miles up Loch Nevis with no road access and about 120 residents; its claim to fame is The Old Forge, cited as Britain’s remotest pub, and the ferry is the village’s primary link to mainland services.
Small-boat comforts for a coastal commute
All boats on the route carry basic amenities—onboard toilets and drinks—and accommodate bikes and luggage for modest fees, making the service practical as well as scenic.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
The crossing is compact and maritime—an intimate ferry ride with the harbor rituals of loading and unloading, a short stretch of sea-scrubbed coastline, and the quiet arrival at a remote settlement. Timetabled sailings run seasonally and the service acts as a practical connector as much as a mini-cruise.
THE ROUTE
A short crossing through Loch Nevis
The ferry traverses Loch Nevis in a compact 30–45 minute crossing, offering uninterrupted coastal and headland views that make the short trip feel much larger than its timetable suggests.
THE VILLAGE
Inverie: an isolated settlement with character
Inverie sits six miles up Loch Nevis with no road access and about 120 residents; its claim to fame is The Old Forge, cited as Britain’s remotest pub, and the ferry is the village’s primary link to mainland services.
ON BOARD
Small-boat comforts for a coastal commute
All boats on the route carry basic amenities—onboard toilets and drinks—and accommodate bikes and luggage for modest fees, making the service practical as well as scenic.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this short ferry suits—and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Typical crossings take 30–45 minutes; a seasonal afternoon schedule operates (for example, leaving Inverie at 15:00 Monday–Friday from April through October with subsequent returns in the late afternoon).
Passengers should be on the pier ready to board 15 minutes prior to sailing; customers arriving by car should allow time to unload and park as late arrivals may be denied boarding if they would delay the sailing.
All boats have toilets and drinks available on board; operators may apply small charges for unusually large amounts of luggage or freight.
Standard single and multiple-person fares are listed at £4.35, with separate charges for push bikes and e-bikes and an unaccompanied luggage fee; locals’ discounts require proof of residence on the Knoydart Electoral Roll.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the ferry crossing?
Crossings typically take 30–45 minutes.
When and where should I arrive to board?
Passengers should be on the pier ready to board 15 minutes prior to sailing; arriving passengers by car should allow extra time to unload and park.
Are there toilets or refreshments on the boat?
Yes—boats on this service have toilets and drinks available on board.
What are the fares and are there discounts?
Single tickets are £4.35 (multiple tickets for groups of at least two are listed at the same rate); Knoydart locals on the Electoral Roll qualify for a Local Residents Discount but must show ID.
Can I bring a bicycle or a dog?
Push bikes are charged (£6 per bike) and electric bikes have a separate charge (£8); dogs of all sizes travel free.
What happens if the sailing is cancelled or full?
All sailings are weather dependent; a full refund is made if your sailing is cancelled. If a sailing is full, call the office—if a group of five or more wants to travel, the operator will open an additional sailing where possible.
Is there a charge for unaccompanied luggage?
Yes—unaccompanied luggage is charged at £10.