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CalMac Adventures

Five Ferries Island Hopping Adventure

Family on board MV Bute

Five Ferries Island Hopping Adventure

Create your own unforgettable Five Ferries Island Hopping Adventure with CalMac.  It's the perfect way to enjoy the endless splendours of Arran and Bute - the beautiful islands in the Firth of Clyde as well as the wild, remote and unspoiled parts of the mainland at Cowal and Kintyre, via five distinct ferry routes.  It's the ideal itinerary for a multi-destination mini-break or the ultimate cycling challenge! 

The Five Ferries suggested itinerary island hopping adventure offers a memorable introduction to the Clyde Coast and the Cowal and Kintyre Peninsulas. 

Begin your adventure when you take the ferry to Arran, the island that's known as 'Scotland in miniature'. All the most famous aspects of Scotland's scenery are displayed on this small island. 

The next destination is Claonaig, from where you can explore the wild and beautiful Kintyre peninsula. After Kintyre, take the ferry from Tarbert to Portavadie to see the rich and contrasting landscape of the Cowal Peninsula, before taking the ferry to the beautiful and peaceful island of Bute. 

We suggest you can travel in either direction, between: 

Ardrossan - Brodick (Arran)

Lochranza (Arran) - *Claonaig (Kintyre) or Tarbert (Kintyre) between 23 October 2023 and 28 March 2024 

*Tarbert (Kintyre) - Portavadie (Cowal) 

*Colintraive (Cowal) - Rhubodach (Bute) 

*Rothesay (Bute) - Wemyss Bay

Advance booking is recommended for vehicles on the Ardrossan to Brodick route all year around and on Lochranza to Tarbert during the winter season. 

*Some of the routes within the suggested itineraries operate on a turn up and go basis, and don't require any advance booking. Tickets can be purchased at the Port office of departure. Plan ahead as your first choice of sailing may not always be available and wait times may be extended. 

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How to buy tickets 

If you are planning an island-hopping trip and you would like to purchase multiple routes on one transaction - please speak with one of our team at our Customer Engagement Centre or with our Port Staff. Only Ardrossan - Brodick is currently available to book online. 

Dates and times

Summer - 31 March 2023 - 22 October 2023

Winter - 23 October 2023 - 28 March 2024

Price

Five Ferries Pricing 31 March - 22 October 2023

Adult: £15.15

Car: £56.05

Motorcycle: £28.10 (excludes driver/passengers)

Five Ferries Pricing 23 October 2023 - 28 March 2024

Adult: £TBC

Car: £TBC

Motorcycle: £TBC (excludes driver/passengers)

Please note: Prices are calculated by simply adding the cost of a single journey on each leg of the itinerary.  Customers who choose to book/purchase this ticket via one transaction, or more than one transaction will pay the same price. 

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