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From south of
Glasgow
On approaching Glasgow, you have two main
options:
- To go through Glasgow on the M8, leaving
on junction 30, and crossing the Erskine Bridge (toll).
Travel north on the A82, past Dumbarton and Loch Lomond. At
Tarbet, turn right, continuing on the A82 until Crianlarich.
Left turn to Tyndrum. You then have two more options:
(a) Fork left on
the A 85 to Oban (the most common choice to meet the largest
ferry), or
(b) fork right, staying on the A82, travelling north
through Glen Coe to catch the Corran Ferry to Ardgour. Turn
left off the ferry onto the A861 and proceed towards Strontian,
turning left at the end of Loch Sunart on the A884, signposted
Lochaline and Mull Ferry. Caution - don't turn left too
early on the B8043; this is a pretty route but takes much
longer. At Lochaline, take the ferry to Mull.
Route
(a) to Oban
is a shorter distance, and is about three quarter of an hours'
less driving than route (b). However, the ferry cost is far more than
Corran/Lochaline and the ferry crossing time is longer.
Also you should really book the Oban crossing a good while in
advance, particularly on Saturdays and holiday times. You should
arrive at the Oban ferry a minimum of 30 minutes before departure
times. Oban can get busy and the ferry is at the other side
of the town, so delays can occur.
- To leave the M74 at junction 4 and take
the M73 in the direction of Stirling. Then follow the A80
into the M80 and then M9 north. You leave the M9 North West
of Stirling and take the A84 through Callander to Crainlarich and
Tyndrum, where you can follow routes (a) or (b). The
advantage of route 2 is that although it is a few miles further,
it is less prone to "hold-ups" (not the Bandit variety) than route
1 and it is quicker. Route 2 is just as scenic but doesn't
pass the famous Loch Lomond.
On both routes there are plenty of good places to stop
for meals and snacks and there are good public toilets in Callander
and Crianlarich.
The Lochaline Ferry
From the North
Most people visiting from the North would
probably make their way from Inverness to Fort William. In
which case they would most certainly head South, out of Fort
William, on the A82 to Corran, and take the ferry to Ardgour.
Turn left off the ferry, and follow the rest of route
(b).
One more very scenic route is available to
those travelling from Mallaig. Leave Mallaig on the A830 to
Lochailort and turn right onto the A861. Proceed through
Glenuig (nice little pub there), Kinlochmoidart and Acharacle
to Salen. Turn right to Kilchoan going through
Glenborodale. Catch the ferry at Kilchoan to Tobermory.
The route is very slow and up and down, but very picturesque.
You don't need to book the ferry, but watch out at peak
times.
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