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Arnisdale - Barrisdale boat service
Arnisdale - Barrisdale boat service
by Mountain Sloth » Tue Feb 14, 2017 9:43 pm
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
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
Re: Arnisdale - Barrisdale boat service
by JohnMcP » Wed Feb 15, 2017 12:55 am
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
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
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Re: Arnisdale - Barrisdale boat service
by Mountain Sloth » Thu Feb 16, 2017 10:17 am
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
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
Re: Arnisdale - Barrisdale boat service
by Avocetboy » Thu Feb 16, 2017 4:56 pm
Mountain Sloth wrote: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!
Re: Arnisdale - Barrisdale boat service
by Caberfeidh » Thu Feb 16, 2017 7:41 pm
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.
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Re: Arnisdale - Barrisdale boat service
by Sgurr » Fri Feb 17, 2017 6:57 pm
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.
![Image]()
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.

Re: Arnisdale - Barrisdale boat service
by OnARainyDay » Fri Feb 24, 2017 2:12 pm
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 ...
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 ...
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Re: Arnisdale - Barrisdale boat service
by Mountain Sloth » Tue Mar 07, 2017 10:02 pm
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!
All that's left for me now is to pray to the Sun God!
Re: Arnisdale - Barrisdale boat service
by Am Bodach » Mon May 15, 2017 4:52 pm
Roddy Mackenzie ( brother of Bill) in Arnisdale at 01599 522263
Re: Arnisdale - Barrisdale boat service
by Martraven » Wed Jun 28, 2017 12:13 pm
Re: Arnisdale - Barrisdale boat service
by Bintley » Thu Apr 25, 2019 5:24 pm
HI Everyone,
Is there still a boat service on Loch Hourn from Arnisdale?
I cannot raise Peter Fletcher the boatmen mentioned in the postings here,on the phone. Does anyone have his e address?
thanks
Is there still a boat service on Loch Hourn from Arnisdale?
I cannot raise Peter Fletcher the boatmen mentioned in the postings here,on the phone. Does anyone have his e address?
thanks
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Re: Arnisdale - Barrisdale boat service
by Sgurr » Fri Apr 26, 2019 11:10 am
Have you tried the Roddy McKenzie number above? Billy was excellent a few years back when we went.
Re: Arnisdale - Barrisdale boat service
by DizzyVizion » Fri Apr 26, 2019 11:48 am
Caberfeidh wrote: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.

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Re: Arnisdale - Barrisdale boat service
by Backpacker » Fri Apr 26, 2019 12:11 pm
Following this as looking at alternative ways to tackle Ladhar Bheinn
Re: Arnisdale - Barrisdale boat service
by duchally » Mon May 20, 2019 10:31 am
I used Peter Fletcher last week to do Sgurr a' Choire Bheithe. Excellent service. Tel. 01599 235007
21 posts
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