Plan the crossing from Colintraive to Rhubodach, with departure-port details, CalMac Ferries and onward travel after arrival.
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The short Kyles of Bute crossing connects the Cowal peninsula with the north of Bute. It is a useful alternative to Wemyss Bay when the journey is already in Argyll.
This journey starts at Colintraive (Cowal peninsula) and finishes at Rhubodach (North Bute). Use the route in this direction when checking departure times; the return guide has the opposite boarding point.
Rhubodach to Colintraive ferry guide covers the opposite departure port, arrival arrangements and onward connections.
Colintraive is a rural Clyde-side departure point at the Kyles of Bute. The road approach is through Cowal rather than via the Wemyss Bay rail corridor.
Before setting off for Colintraive, check the operator’s departure pier and the day’s service notice. Leave enough time to reach the boarding area with your luggage or vehicle.
The slipway is at the northern end of Bute. Continue by road towards Rothesay; it is not a town-centre arrival.
Plan your onward journey from the landing point at Rhubodach. If someone is collecting you, agree the pier and allow time to disembark; book any onward transport before relying on a tight connection.
Caledonian MacBrayne — almost universally known as CalMac — is not a single long-distance ferry route but a dense network of mainland-to-island and island-to-island services. The operator describes itself as the largest ferry company in the United Kingdom, with 35 vessels serving more than 50 destinations across around 200 miles of Scotland’s west coast. For visitors, that means routes to famous islands such as Arran, Mull, Islay, Skye, Harris, Lewis, Barra and the Uists. For island communities, the same ferries carry commuters, schoolchildren, freight, food, tradespeople, medical travellers and the everyday traffic that keeps remote communities connected.
The network is best understood by region. The Firth of Clyde includes Arran, Bute, Cumbrae, Cowal and Kintyre. The Southern Hebrides add Islay, Gigha and Colonsay. Oban is the key hub for much of the Inner Hebrides, including Mull, Coll, Tiree, Lismore and Colonsay, while Mallaig links the mainland with Skye, South Uist and the Small Isles. Farther north and west, Ullapool and Uig provide major gateways into the Outer Hebrides.
Planning note: timetable patterns, vessel assignment and disruption can change. The sailing shown on your booking and CalMac’s live service-status information should always be treated as the final authority.
Domestic travel still has operator rules: names, any required identification, vehicle size and assistance arrangements must match the booking. If this sailing connects with a second ferry, check whether the tickets protect the connection. Allow a margin before an infrequent island bus or the last return boat.
Travel arrangements for Colintraive to Rhubodach: Cars and foot passengers. Check the operator’s current sailing information before making onward bookings.
Plan this crossing around travelling without your car. Check where to park at the departure harbour and how to reach your accommodation from the arrival pier. Ask the operator about bicycles, pushchairs, luggage and any mobility assistance before travelling.
Use the operator’s published fare table or dated booking quote to check single and return tickets, concessions and payment arrangements. Check the final return sailing before planning a day trip; seasonal or weather-related changes may affect the last departure.
Check CalMac Ferries for the current timetable, ticket arrangements and availability. The Direct Ferries form also lets you compare services offered through its booking search.
The departure point is Colintraive. Read the departure-port panel and follow the operator’s terminal or pier instructions; allow for local access, boarding and luggage.
Cars and foot passengers. Plan to leave your car on the departure side. Check bicycles, luggage and mobility assistance directly with the operator before travelling.
The Rhubodach to Colintraive guide covers the other direction. Check both timetables before planning a return trip.
