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The CalMac terminal on Oban's waterfront.
Argyll and Bute

Oban to Lismore Ferry

The hour's CalMac crossing from Oban up Loch Linnhe to Lismore, past Dunollie Castle.

Welcome

The CalMac ferry from Oban to Lismore is one of the most scenic short sailings on the west coast, and a fine way to start a day on the long, green island in Loch Linnhe.

It leaves from the main ferry terminal in Oban, slips out of the bay past the cliff-top ruin of Dunollie Castle, and heads north up Loch Linnhe to land at Achnacroish, about halfway along the island.

The crossing takes about fifty-five minutes and runs all year. It carries cars, though you may find you do not need one; walkers and cyclists can explore at their own pace, and Castle Coeffin, the Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre and the island's broch are all within reach of the pier. Booking a vehicle is strongly advised; check in ten minutes before sailing.

Round the cornerOban Seafood HutThe green shack on Oban's CalMac pier, set up in 1990 by fisherman John Ogden, selling fresh local shellfish to eat at the tables outside.1 min by roadSee itWhole lobsters on ice beside a chalkboard sign reading "lobster
Before you go

The crossing takes about 55 minutes and runs all year.

Book vehicles in advance; check in 10 minutes before departure. Foot passengers turn up at the Oban ferry terminal.

Crossing
About 55 minutes.
Where
Oban ferry terminal, PA34 4DB.
Where it is

Oban ferry terminal.

Close byIn Oban.
  1. Mussels and prawn cocktail with white wine on a restaurant tableThe Waterfront Fishouse, ObanA seafood restaurant on Oban's Railway Pier, cooking locally caught fish and shellfish as plates to share, with windows over the bay.Under a mile 1 min by road
  2. George Street Fish Restaurant & Chip Shop, Argyll and ButeGeorge Street Fish, ObanUnder a mile 1 min by road
  3. Alba the Artshop, ObanAlba the Artshop, ObanUnder a mile 1 min by road
  4. A shelter in the woodland garden.Dunollie Museum, Castle and GroundsThe MacDougalls' castle ruin on its cliff above Oban Bay.1 mile 4 min by road
  5. Crumbling walls of the castle above Loch Linnhe.Castle CoeffinThe ivy-clad ruin of a 13th-century MacDougall castle on the west coast of Lismore.12 miles 24 min by road
Directions
Whole lobsters on ice beside a chalkboard sign reading "lobsterRestaurantsOban Seafood HutA step away
Harbourfront buildings and a red-roofed pavilion along the bay.AttractionsOban Harbour0.3 miles
The Oban Inn, Argyll and ButeRestaurantsThe Oban Inn0.3 miles
The Rockfield Centre's café, red chairs at wooden tables under tall school windows.AttractionsThe Rockfield Centre0.3 miles
Piazza, Argyll and ButeRestaurantsPiazza, Oban0.4 miles
The Modern Croft, ObanShoppingThe Modern Croft, Oban0.4 miles
The dark stone front of the Oban Distillery and its sign, Estd 1794.AttractionsOban Distillery0.4 miles
Oban Whisky and Fine Wines, Argyll and ButeShoppingOban Whisky and Fine Wines0.4 miles
A large abstract painting and framed works in the white gallery.AttractionsPassing Place Gallery0.4 miles
The Daily for 17 October, from Scotland with love. A wide waterfall churns over rock ledges, autumn trees lining the gorge.

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Stay nearby

Places to stay near the ferry, and when each is next free.

The Drury from the lawn below: a grey granite Victorian villa with sandstone bay windows, dormers in the slate roof and tall chimneys.The Drury
  • Sleeps 22
  • In Oban
  • Under a mile from the Lismore ferry
Free 18–20 OctGlencruitten House, Argyll and ButeGlencruitten House
  • To stay
  • In Oban
  • 2 miles from the Lismore ferry
Check datesTimber cabin with copper roof beside a loch, shaded by oak treesUisge Bothy
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Oban
  • 4 miles from the Lismore ferry
Check datesBlack timber-clad cabin with corrugated roof and stove flue, set among trees and long grassBeatha
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Oban
  • 4 miles from the Lismore ferry
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in Argyll and ButeAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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