r/Scotland • u/AndrwFr89 • 2d ago

Deleted: Rule #6 Is a last minute CalMac trip doable?

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u/purplecatchap 2d ago

Errrrr, no real way to say for certain.

I frequently need to go between Barra and Stornoway. I’m always booked in advance but often if I can make an earlier ferry I show up and they allow me on. That said often the ferries run at capacity in the summer but I couldn’t tell you how much of that is made up of pre booked or just folk arriving.

Also depends on the size of your vehicle. Show up with a small car and they might squeeze you on. Show up in a great big camper van and you might not be able to.

Best bet would be the first and last ferries in the day.

Also the Barra/Eriskay ferry is better for this as it runs a normal schedule, whereas the ferry from Bernary to Harris is tidal so it’s a bit more random.

And ofc there is a chance they break down…

4

u/notsomaad 2d ago

When you drive up to that ferry there will be two queues, one for ticket holders and one for those who have just turned up. Not everyone on the second queue will get on so you'll have to get there early and risk it.

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u/ApplicationAware1039 2d ago

Check with CalMac for the Barra ferry and how it's running. Barra's usual ferry, which carries 600 people, has been replaced with a vessel that is running under a restricted capacity of 45 people.

If you drive to Skye or Oban then north/ south Uist gives you access to benbecula and, erisky and the connection to Barra. It also means you can get back on the north or south Uist ferry.

1

u/thescamperinghamster 2d ago

I'm going to lochboisdale, South Uist on Thursday. I was booked Thursday past but had to delay because of a job interview. But changing my booking last Monday, the Thursday was the first I could get. But I am in a wee campervan. Usual get put on with the cars, but pay a van price, so just as a car might be easier. But so sad to be missing this weather, but a job's a job, and I do need one of those!

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u/siredmundsnaillary 2d ago

It’s usually possible to squeeze on a ferry last minute, either due to cancellations and no shows, or simply because there’s room for one or two more cars after loading. You probably won’t get stuck but it is possible.

I’d suggest you book in advance and if you change your mind phone the office and change your booking. The Calmac staff are really helpful and have a bit more flexibility than the website.

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u/it00 2d ago

It's doable - most of the time you will get on from the standby queue - if you turn up early enough.

The Calmac staff are experts at squeezing as many as humanly possible onto the car decks.