Portavadie Ferry to Tarbert
The short CalMac crossing of Loch Fyne between Cowal and Kintyre, turn up and go, about 25 minutes.
The little ferry between Portavadie and Tarbert crosses the mouth of Loch Fyne, the long sea loch that divides Cowal from Kintyre.
It is a short and lovely crossing of about twenty-five minutes, with the hills of Cowal behind you and the harbour of Tarbert opening ahead.
The route is turn up and go, so there is no need to book a particular sailing: arrive, queue, and drive or walk aboard, remembering that check-in closes ten minutes before departure. There are up to twelve crossings a day, roughly hourly from the morning into the early evening, and tickets can be bought in advance if you like. Tides can change the timing now and then, so it is worth a look at the timetable before you set out. Portavadie, with its marina, is at the Cowal end.
Up to 12 crossings a day, about 25 minutes, turn up and go.
Check-in closes 10 minutes before departure.
- Crossing
- About 25 minutes.
- Booking
- Turn up and go; tickets can be bought ahead.
- Sailings
- Up to 12 a day.
Portavadie, Cowal, to Tarbert, Kintyre.
Kames villageA quiet shore village by the Kyles of Bute, south of Tighnabruaich, once home to a gunpowder trade.4 miles10 min by road
The OystercatcherA bar and seafood restaurant on the shore of Loch Fyne at Otter Ferry, with a beach and moorings below.5 miles11 min by road
Kilbride Bay BeachA crescent of sand on Argyll's Secret Coast, reached through the dunes, with Arran filling the view.5 miles17 min by road
Kilfinan Church and StonesA Cowal village by Loch Fyne whose 17th-century church keeps a vault of carved stones, from early Christian slabs to medieval grave slabs.9 miles17 min by road
Places to stay near the ferry, and when each is next free.
Scotland, in print.
Every photograph commissioned, every word written by somebody who went. Printed twice a year, made in Scotland.
For further reading, before you go.