Colintraive Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Colintraive is accessible via the A886 road, which connects to the wider Scottish road network through the A83 and A82 from Glasgow (approximately 2 hours by car). From Dunoon, the journey takes about 30 minutes along scenic coastal routes. Train connections are available to Gourock, where buses continue to Colintraive. For those arriving by car, limited free parking is available near the ferry terminal. Local bus services connect with ferry arrivals and departures, though schedules may be limited, so planning ahead is advisable.

Nestled on the eastern shore of the Cowal Peninsula, Colintraive offers a tranquil gateway to the stunning Isle of Bute. This charming coastal village, whose name derives from the Gaelic for 'swimming strait,' marks one of Scotland's narrowest sea crossings. With its scenic shoreline views, peaceful atmosphere, and rich maritime history, Colintraive provides visitors a genuine taste of rural Scottish coastal life while serving as a vital ferry connection point.

Colintraive experiences mild but changeable weather throughout the year, with summer (June to August) offering the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours for exploring. May and September provide pleasant conditions with fewer visitors, making them ideal for a more peaceful experience. Winter months bring a stark beauty to the coastline, though some local amenities may operate on reduced hours. The Colintraive Highland Gathering in August showcases traditional Scottish culture and is worth timing your visit around. Ferry services operate year-round but run more frequently during summer months.

The Isle of Bute lies just a short 5-minute ferry crossing from Colintraive, offering Victorian architecture, beautiful beaches, and the magnificent Mount Stuart House. From Bute, connections to Arran (the 'Scotland in Miniature') are possible, providing dramatic mountain landscapes and coastal villages about an hour away by ferry. The Isle of Cumbrae, with its cycle-friendly roads and charming town of Millport, can be reached via connecting ferries. For those seeking more extensive exploration, Colintraive serves as an excellent starting point for a broader Clyde islands hopping adventure, with each crossing offering spectacular views of Scotland's western seaboard.

The Colintraive Heritage Centre provides fascinating insights into the area's maritime history and the importance of the 'swimming strait' that gives the village its name. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundant wildlife watching opportunities, with seals, otters, and numerous bird species frequently spotted along the coastline. The Colintraive Hotel offers delicious locally-sourced seafood and traditional Scottish fare with stunning views across the Kyles of Bute. Walking trails along the shoreline and into the surrounding hills provide varying levels of challenge and reward hikers with breathtaking panoramic vistas of the narrow strait and neighboring islands.

Colintraive's name comes from the Gaelic 'Caol an t-Snàimh' meaning 'swimming strait,' as cattle were once swum across the narrow passage to Bute before ferry services began. The current ferry crossing is one of Scotland's shortest at just 367 meters (400 yards), taking only 5 minutes to complete. In the 18th century, this narrow channel was notorious for smugglers who took advantage of the quick crossing to evade customs officials. The area was once home to a thriving fishing industry, with herring being the primary catch that supported many local families.