Arnisdale - Barrisdale boat service

[Mountain Sloth]

Hi everyone

I'm pondering over my options for a long-planned trip to Knoydart at the end of April. The walk in to Barrisdale from Kinloch Hourn is probably still my favoured route but I was wondering if anyone had used the boat service from Arnisdale?

Apparently there was previously a service run by 'Billy the Boat' (I don't think he was actually a boat...) which is no longer in operation. However a cursory internet search has revealed a service run by a Murray Morrison (?) or a Peter Fletcher (?). Does anyone have experience with these guys or can shed some light on the thriving Arnisdale Ferry scene?

Very grateful for any insights

Sloth

[JohnMcP]

Hi Sloth,

I had a similar quandary in Sept. '15 and stumbled upon Peter Fletcher's ferry service. It turned out to be an excellent experience. Peter's a local man and provides a fascinating commentary on local history during the crossings to and from Arnisdale.

His fee then was £60 return which I thought very reasonable (that was for up to four persons). He was very accommodating regarding times for arrivals and departures and will land you as close as possible to Barrisdale as tides permit. His number is 01599 235007.

Hope that helps - enjoy your trip!

John

[Mountain Sloth]

Thanks John

The purist in me wants to walk in but my inner realist is anxious about how much I will enjoy two consecutive 9 hour walking days near the beginning (for me) of the walking season! I'll give Peter a call...

Sloth

[Avocetboy]

Thanks John

The purist in me wants to walk in but my inner realist is anxious about how much I will enjoy two consecutive 9 hour walking days near the beginning (for me) of the walking season! I'll give Peter a call...

Sloth

I'm with you Sloth. We walked in and out from Kinloch hourn with heavy packs last year, only to fail on Ladhar Beinn due to low cloud and a navigation issue. Thought of walking in again, despite its beauty, fills me with dread!

A phone call to Peter is on the cards!

[Caberfeidh]

Have you considered clinging to tidal debris? As a mode of transport it is inexpensive, but care must be taken to check the tides prior to launch.

[Sgurr]

If you can afford to be REALLY luxurious you could try the Stables on the Barisdale Estate. http://www.barisdale.com/the-stables/
We booked it mid week for the Grahams on condition that the owner would get us in and out on the estate boat (that was when the other boat service was in abeyance). I don't think it is a usual arrangement as Craig was a bit surprised to be asked to take in passengers. I t was early May and there had been a new dump of snow down to fairly low levels, and the whole place was so damp we were glad to have somewhere substantial to retreat to.

[OnARainyDay]

Hey Sloth,

Just wondering how you got on in tracking down watery transport? I've been thinking of starting a hike in Barrisdale but getting a transfer over from Mallaig - Western Isles and Mich adventures both go but the price is pretty steep ...

[Mountain Sloth]

I followed John's advice and called Peter Fletcher. He was very accommodating and there was no problem booking us in - the price was £60.

All that's left for me now is to pray to the Sun God!

[Am Bodach]

Roddy Mackenzie ( brother of Bill) in Arnisdale at 01599 522263

[Martraven]

I recommend Peter Fletcher from Arnisdale 01599 235007 used his service on the 22nd June 2017 to get from Arnisdale to Kinloch Hourn so I could walk part of the Old Drove Road back to Corran. Very helpful and a mine of local information, £60 and worth every penny.