Crossing the Clyde

Caledonian Isles coming into Brodick

As the Isle of Arran is a true island, the only way to reach Dougarie is by boat or helicopter, unlike some other Scottish islands which have airports or bridges.

Late afternoon sailing with Arran in the distance

 It has to be said that there is something special about getting on the ferry, whether it’s to return home or for a holiday, cares melt away once that gangplank is crossed.

Looking back towards Ardrossan on a clear calm day

The main ferry service runs from Ardrossan with 5 return crossings from Monday to Saturday and 4 on a Sunday.  In the summer an additional ferry runs on Friday evenings. 

The late ferry berthed at Brodick in winter

Foot passengers do not  have to book, but vehicles should book in advance, especially in the summer when the peak time journeys get booked up.  We always remind people who are coming to stay at Dougarie to make sure they remember to book.

A cold winters day keeps the passengers inside

The Adrossan to Brodick ferry is the Caledonian Isles, a large ferry with a café, coffee shop and, in the summer, a staffed information desk.  The journey takes about 55 minutes, so plenty of time to have a walk around the decks.

Disembarking from the smaller ferry at Lochranza

There is a smaller ferry which runs to the north of the island, also run by Calmac, between Claonaig and Lochranza.  There is only one crossing a day in the winter but there are 9 in the summer (8 on a Sunday).  This crossing only takes about 30 minutes and usually there is no requirement to book.

The snow capped mountains of Arran in the distance

Full information on the ferries and services available can be found here.

The bells gets it's daily polish