Plan the crossing from Lochranza to Claonaig, with departure-port details, CalMac Ferries and onward travel after arrival.
Search available crossings by date, passenger and vehicle. If this local route is absent from the search, use the official operator link above.
Check your ports, passengers, vehicle and dates before completing the reservation.
This Kintyre–north Arran crossing suits a west-coast touring circuit. It reaches the quiet northern end of Arran, well away from Brodick; the mainland departure changes to Tarbert on the winter pattern.
This journey starts at Lochranza (North Arran) and finishes at Claonaig (East coast of Kintyre). Use the route in this direction when checking departure times; the return guide has the opposite boarding point.
Claonaig to Lochranza ferry guide covers the opposite departure port, arrival arrangements and onward connections.
The village lies at the northern end of Arran, with the road continuing around the island towards Brodick. A north-Arran arrival can suit a circular island itinerary.
Before setting off for Lochranza, 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.
A small mainland slipway on the Kintyre peninsula; it is away from the rail network. The Lochranza service uses a seasonal mainland-port pattern.
Plan your onward journey from the landing point at Claonaig. 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 Lochranza to Claonaig: Vehicle ferry; seasonal mainland port. Check the operator’s current sailing information before making onward bookings.
For vehicle travel, give the full length and height, including trailers, roof loads and rear cycle racks. Ask whether the chosen service takes advance reservations or uses a queue at the slipway. Walk-on passengers should check the boarding point and onward transport separately.
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.
CalMac Ferries
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 Lochranza. Read the departure-port panel and follow the operator’s terminal or pier instructions; allow for local access, boarding and luggage.
Vehicle ferry; seasonal mainland port. Confirm the arrangements for your dated sailing, including bicycles, trailers and any restrictions.
The Claonaig to Lochranza guide covers the other direction. Check both timetables before planning a return trip.
