You may make an initial boat journey from your start point to reach another point on the coast, or cross, but not travel along, large bodies of water such as Loch Ness and Loch Linnhe. Popular crossings (which may need to be pre-booked, are listed below. Other crossings (commercial ferries or private hire) are possible but please check the route is acceptable with the coordinators before making firm bookings.
1. Mallaig to Inverie – Western Isle Cruises (01687 462 233) offer regular sailings. Please note the earliest crossing you can use on your designated start day is 10:15 am. To receive a discount quote TGOC2022 when you book.
2. Dalelia to Polloch – Crossings of Loch Shiel can be arranged with Izzy Buchan and John Macaulay. Email dalilea@outlook.com or 01967 431 253.
3. Camasnagaul to Fort William – Lochaber Transport (07826695160) This ferry does not run on Sundays.
4. Corran Ferry – Sailings every 20–30 mins across Loch Linnhe from 6:30 am (8:30 Sun) to 9:20pm – no need to book.
5. Oban to Lismore – Calmac (0800 066 5000). Challengers using this route are given dispensation to sign out early on their designated start day in order to catch the 9am ferry. You will also need the Argyll and Bute Council (01546 605 522) service from the north end of Lismore to Appin.
6. Tarbert (Loch Fyne) to Portavadie – Calmac (0800 066 5000). Runs hourly from 8am to 6pm. This can be used to access Portavadie prior to the Challenge.
7. Tarbet (Loch Lomond) and Inveruglas to Inversnaid and Rowardenan – Cruise Loch Lomond (01301 702356) offer waterbus services across Loch Lomond.
8. Drumnadrochit to Inverfarigaig – The ferry usually runs from Temple Pier (NH 528 300) on the north side of Urquhart Bay to Inverfarigaig (NH 518 237) around 8am and 5pm. Gordon Menzies plans to pass the Challenge ferry to another skipper. If planning to use the ferry, please note on your route sheet in the box provided and we will update you when we have more information.
