Craignure Ferries

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

The primary route to Craignure is via ferry from Oban on the Scottish mainland, with sailings operated by CalMac Ferries taking approximately 45 minutes. Oban itself is accessible by train from Glasgow (about 3 hours) or by car via the A85. For those driving, the Oban ferry terminal offers both short and long-stay parking options, though spaces can be limited during peak season. Public buses connect Oban train station to the ferry terminal, with timetables typically coordinated with ferry departures. Consider booking your ferry crossing in advance, especially during summer months when services can fill quickly.

Nestled on the eastern shore of the Isle of Mull, Craignure serves as the main ferry port connecting this Hebridean gem to mainland Scotland. This charming village welcomes visitors with stunning views across the Sound of Mull and the dramatic mountains beyond. As your ferry approaches the pier, you'll immediately sense the relaxed pace and natural beauty that defines this Scottish island haven.

The Isle of Mull enjoys a temperate maritime climate, with May through September offering the most pleasant conditions for exploring. Summer months (June-August) bring longer daylight hours, perfect for maximizing your island adventures, though this coincides with the busiest tourist period. April-May and September-October offer an excellent balance of reasonable weather and fewer crowds, with spring bringing wildflowers and autumn delivering spectacular foliage. Ferry services operate year-round but run more frequently during summer, with winter schedules reduced and occasionally affected by weather conditions. Wildlife enthusiasts should note that April to October offers the best opportunities for spotting sea eagles, otters, and dolphins around the island.

Craignure serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring both Mull and neighboring islands. Tobermory, Mull's colorful main town, is just a 30-minute drive north, offering charming shops and restaurants along its picturesque harbor. The sacred Isle of Iona, with its historic abbey, lies off Mull's southwestern tip and can be reached via a 35-minute drive to Fionnphort followed by a short 10-minute ferry crossing. Staffa, home to the remarkable Fingal's Cave and summer puffin colonies, is accessible by tour boats departing from various points on Mull. The lesser-visited Ulva provides a tranquil escape with pristine beaches and walking trails, reached by a small ferry from Ulva Ferry on Mull's west coast.

While Craignure itself is small, it serves as the perfect base for island exploration. Visit nearby Duart Castle, the 13th-century fortress of the Clan Maclean, perched dramatically on a clifftop just 3 miles from the ferry terminal. Nature enthusiasts shouldn't miss the opportunity to join wildlife tours from Craignure to spot Mull's famous white-tailed sea eagles, otters, and red deer. Savor fresh seafood at the Craignure Inn or sample whisky at the Tobermory Distillery, a short drive away. The area around Craignure offers excellent walking opportunities, including trails through Scallastle Forest with magnificent views across the Sound of Mull. Don't overlook the Isle of Mull Cheese Farm, where you can taste artisanal cheeses and observe the production process.

Craignure's pier was originally built in 1964 to replace the older facility that couldn't accommodate the growing ferry traffic, fundamentally transforming access to the island. The village sits on the 'Mull Railway' route, which once operated the shortest scheduled passenger railway in Scotland at just 1.75 miles long, running from Craignure to Torosay Castle. Local maritime history tells of a Spanish galleon from the Armada that sank in Craignure Bay, with rumors of treasure still lurking beneath the waves. The name 'Craignure' derives from the Gaelic 'Creag an Iubhair,' meaning 'Rock of the Yew Tree,' referencing the ancient yew trees that once dominated the landscape.