Mallaig Guide Western Highlands

Mallaig Gateway to the Isles

Mallaig, West Highlands, Scotland

Jake Davies

Mallaig guide - looking across to Skye from Mallaig. — Looking across to Skye from Mallaig

Mallaig is a small port on the west coast of the highlands of Scotland that as well as being a fishing port is known as the gateway to the Isle of Skye and the Western Isles.

The harbour at the picturesque small port of Mallaig. — The harbour at the picturesque small port of Mallaig

West Highland Line

Mallaig is the terminal of the West Highland Line, completed in 1901, and connecting to Glenfinnan, Fort William and points south.

In the summer months the heritage steam train, The Jacobite, makes two trips a day to and from Mallaig and Fort William and is renowned as one of the most scenic rail journeys in the UK if not the world.

The train is now commonly referred to as the Hogwarts Express as it was used in the Harry Potter films, as were some locations in the area near Mallaig.

The "Road to the Isles", the A830 also runs from Fort William to Mallaig and has been much improved in the last 50 years and is a lovely, scenic road.

The Cuillin, Isle of Skye viewed from Mallaig. — The Cuillin, the distinctive range of mountains on the Isle of Skye viewed from Mallaig

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

Striking mural near Mallaig harbour. — Striking mural near Mallaig harbour

Ferries To Skye

Car ferries operate out of Mallaig connecting to the smaller islands of South Uist, Canna, Rum, Eigg, and Muck as well as a small ferry to the very remote village of Inverie on the Knoydart Peninsula on the mainland.

Ferries

calmac.co.uk - Ferries from Mallaig to Armadale, Canna, Eigg, Muck and Rum.

knoydartferry.com - Ferries from Mallaig to Inverie in Knoydart.

arisaig.co.uk - Ferries from Arisaig to Eigg, Muck and Rum in the summer.

The most frequent car ferry however is across to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. There are four crossings each way on most days and the journey takes between 30 to 40 minutes depending on tide and weather conditions.

As well as being a busy ferry port Mallaig is also a bustling fishing port. Tourism also now play a greater part in the local economy and Mallaig is a suitable location for those who want a base to explore the quieter, scenic areas of the West Highlands.

Mallaig has several hotels as well as numerous guesthouses, Bed & Breakfasts, and a lot of self-catering accommodations.

Some recommended places to stay include The Marine with shared lounge, free Wifi and a bar, the Steam Inn with bar, garden and restaurant and the more upmarket, three-star West Highland Hotel.

See a listing of accommodation options in and around Mallaig.

There are plenty of pubs, restaurants, cafes and bakeries, with fresh, locally caught seafood widely available.

Close to the station is the Mallaig Heritage Centre which serves as a local visitor information spot and museum.

For golfers, Traigh Golf Course is six miles south of Mallaig, between Morar and Arisaig.

The Jacobite Steam Train from Mallaig Station for Fort William. — The Jacobite Steam Train about to depart Mallaig Station for Fort William

Mallaig Heritage Centre with displays on local attractions and history. — Mallaig Heritage Centre with displays on the area's attractions and history

Access - Getting There

Mallaig is 42 miles west of Fort William and 135 miles north of Glasgow. It is about an hour's drive on the A380 via Glenfinnan, along the northern shore of Loch Eilt and then through Lochailort, Arisaig and Morar.

Trains from Fort William take around 1 hour and 20 minutes leaving from Platform 2 in Fort William.

There are also coaches from Glasgow to Fort William with onward connections to Mallaig.