The fishing port of Mallaig is situated at the end of the appropriately named "Road to the Isles" and is a beautiful village in a stunning location. In the middle of the 19th Century, the local landowner Lord Lovat divided the land here into a number of plots, in order to entice his tenants to settle here and take up fishing as an living. Being a fisherman in Malliag was a dangerous occupation, with storms easily destroying boats in the small harbour. Mallaig was transformed by the railway line being extended here in 1901, a steamer pier being built, and the harbour significantly expanded to coincide with the arrival of the railway, made Mallaig the ideal place for travellers from Edinburgh and Glasgow to board ferries bound for Skye and the Hebrides. The improved transport connections also meant that local fishermen could transport their catch to the rest of the UK and even Europe. Today, over-fishing and the addition of alternative ferry ports have meant a decline in local industry, but a major increase in tourism. Due to its great location, Mallaig is a perfect starting point from which to explore the local area, including the Isle of Skye. Regular ferry services connect Mallaig with Skye are operated by CalMac Ferries throughout the year. The Jacobite Steam Train, world-famous as the Hogwarts Express, follows the Road to the Isles, operating during the summer from Fort William to Mallaig, calling at Glenfinnan Station where visitors can visit the museum, have a meal and even stay in one of the restored train carriages. Mallaig offers plenty of places to stay, from backpackers to B&Bs to upmarket Hotels. There are also plenty of options for food or drink, including the Mallaig Visitor Centre on the pier, which serves coffee and snacks whilst also providing local Tourist Information, as well as fish and chip shops, tearooms and pubs.

Travelling to Mallaig Ferry Terminal

Mallaig: Port Facilities

This information is provided for guidance only.