This way to paradise (Tayinloan-Gigha)

Member Name: weetoon

Product:	Tayinloan-Gigha
Date:	03/02/06 (732 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A pleasant, short trip to a beautiful island

Disadvantages: It could get rough!

The island of Gigha (pronounce gee - a) really is a beautiful place. I will post a review on it just as soon as dooyoo accept my proposal. My family and I often go there for the day and the only way to travel, unless you have your own boat, is to take the Caledonian MacBrayne (or CalMac as they are known around here) ferry.

This is a very informal affair, and all you do is turn up roughly 10 minutes before the next sailing and wait (see times below). If you want to take the car, you just line up in the numbered spaces, if not, there is ample room to take the car. Admire the beauty that surrounds you while you wait, and remember to use the loo as I am not sure this is an option on the boat. The terminal is a little out of the way of Tayinloan itself, but it is within walking distance and you can easily get to the shop if you need to.

My advice is to leave the car in the car park, unless you have very young children or some difficulty walking. Gigha is only 7 miles long and you can walk everywhere or hire bikes. It's all part of the beauty of this island that there aren't many cars.

When the ferry arrives, you just drive your car straight onto it, or walk on. You can also take bikes across. Your next destination is the ticket office. A passenger day return is £4.90 and it will cost you £17.10 to take your car across, providing it is less than 5 metres. If you are visiting several islands during your stay in Scotland, you can purchase a HopScotch ticket which should mean savings in the long run.

Once you have paid, if the weather allows, go and sit on deck. The views are fabulous and you can enjoy the approach to the island. This stretch of water has a reputation for being frequented by dolphins, although I have not seen any yet.

Even my husband, who is not the world's greatest sailor, has come to enjoy the Tayinloan-Gigha crossing. We feel it is part of the magic of a visit to Gigha. But even for rougher crossings, you only have to be on the boat for half an hour.

Very soon, you are at the terminal and the front of the boat opens up (it is a roll-on roll-of ferry). Cars and any truck get off, and then its the turn of foot passengers. Now you are free to explore and have a wonderful time.

the ferry runs every hour on the hour between 9:00 and 17:00 with no ferry at 13:00 from Tayinloan, and on the half hour from Gigha. There are more ferries in the summer. For more information, go to the Caledonian MacBrayne website.

And of course, this ferry is a vital link for the islanders, taking kids of secondary school age to school, bringing the milk lorry over to collect milk from the farms, etc.

Summary: A short trip kicks off your stay on the island beautifully