UK’s ‘most beautiful ferry crossing’ costs £5.25 and sails by islands | Travel News | Travel

Away from the mammoth cruise ships that cross the Atlantic Ocean, there are ferries that transport travellers to some of the most scenic destinations in just a few hours, including those in the UK. One of the most beautiful ferry routes offers an island-hopping escape with prices starting from just £5.25.

Scotland boasts hundreds of islands, each featuring dramatic landscapes that include rugged cliffs, stunning sandy beaches, volcanic peaks, and a thriving array of wildlife. One of its most famous is the Isle of Skye, home to spectacular, mythical landscapes such as the Old Man of Storr, the Cuillin Mountains, the Quiraing and Fairy Pools.

Its breathtaking scenes attract hundreds of tourists every year, but just south of the Isle of Skye are scenic ferry routes that allow visitors to marvel at four majestic islands. The routes have been labelled as the “most scenic ferry journey in Scotland” as passengers pass by dramatic mountains, rolling hills, and tranquil beaches across the calm, blue waters.

These ferry routes serve the four main islands that comprise the Small Isles: Canna, Rum, Muck, and Eigg, a small archipelago located in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. The route takes anything from 30 minutes to five hours, depending on which island travellers visit, and whether they opt to spend a day trip gliding past all four islands.

It departs from the town of Mallaig on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands, before arriving at one of the Scottish Isles, with the option to take a leisurely trip around all four islands. Passengers can marvel at the breathtaking views and gaze upon each island’s magnificent features, which are just as scenic as those of its neighbouring Isle of Skye.

One Scottish travel blogger, who took the scenic route from Mallaig to Muck, shared a video on Facebook describing it as “the most spectacular ferry journey in the whole of Scotland”. Going by as The Chaotic Scot, the traveller said it’s “very budget-friendly too” as she made full use of the observation lounge on the top deck and outdoor seating on board the ferry.

During the trip from Mallaig to Muck, she first admired the views of the majestic Cuillin Mountains on the horizon in the Isle of Skye before the “lush landscapes and remote beaches of the mountainous Isle of Rum”. She then passed the “peaceful shores and cliffs of Canna”, before marvelling at the “striking outline of the Isle of Eigg and the iconic ridge of An Sgùrr”, an incredible mountain on the island.

The traveller added that she booked the early morning ferry to the Isle of Muck, which took a whopping five hours, but during this time, she was awarded some of the most spectacular views across the country. The routes, outlined as Mallaig – Canna – Rum – Muck – Eigg (Small Isles), are available with Caledonian MacBrayne ferries, also known as CalMac for short.

There are various routes available to take, with prices varying depending on which route passengers take, but prices start from just £5.25. The fares, as outlined by CalMac, are as follows:

Adult: £7.10 for single or £14.20 return

Child: £3.55 single or £7.10 return

Adult: £5.25 single or £10.50 return

Child: £2.65 single or £5.30 return

Adult: £6.05 single or £12.10 return

Child: £3.05 single or £6.10

Adult: £5.70 single or £11.40 return

Child: £2.85 single or £5.70 return

These are the winter fares for CalMac, which are valid until March 26, 2026. After this date, they may be subject to change when the summer timetable takes effect, running from March 27 until October 18, 2026.

For more information, timetables, and fares, visit the CalMac website.

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