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Winter (21 October 2007 - 20 March 2008)

The Winter Service to Islay has been considerably enhanced with 3 or 4 sailings a day from Kennacraig on most days except Sunday. Please check the timetable for sailing times, and ferry availability.

Continuing re-development problems at Port Askaig mean that all sailings are to Port Ellen except the 1300 from Kennacraig, but this may change at any time and during the winter the weather may cause variations. It is essential to check with CalMac.

 Here is a direct link to the winter timetable: Calmac Winter 2007/8, or you can download an Acrobat PDF version if you wish.

The Kennacraig to Islay route is not particularly renowned as a rough sea crossing and more often than not the crossing is smooth and enjoyable. But, particularly in winter, bad weather can disrupt the service and delays do occur. When planning your journey make some contingency plans in case things go awry. You can check up-to-the-minute changes to CalMac routes here.

Whenever you travel it is essential both to check with Calmac that the ferries are running and to make a reservation if travelling by car. At busy times, which are not always predictable, the ferries are full so early reservation is highly recommended. (Tip: If the ferry is full you may be offered a place on the "reserve list", which means that if there is space when all the booked vehicles are loaded they'll put you on. Anything up to 7th Reserve and the chances are you'll get on the ferry. There's no guarantee however so don't depend on it.)

Full details including on-line booking are available at  www.calmac.co.uk, telephone 08705 650000 (in UK) or +44 (0)1475 650100 (outside UK). The Ferry Terminal telephone numbers are: Kennacraig +44(0)1880 730253, Port Ellen +44 (0)1496 302209, Port Askaig +44 (0)1496 840620.

Motorists: Make sure you fill up with petrol/diesel on the mainland (at Tarbet or Lochgilphead). Fuel prices are very high on the island, £1.10 a litre or more! 

Loading at Kennacraig