Travel Guide

To help you plan your journey, we’ve written a guide to transport options, focusing on practicality, sustainability, and respecting our beautiful rural community.

Our postcode, PA34 4TB, covers the whole of Easdale Island.

Easdle Ferry

Understanding Our Roads & Driving Safely

The drive to Ellenabeich involves navigating single-track roads, common in this part of Argyll. While incredibly scenic, they require careful and considerate driving.

  • Patience is Key: Expect slower journey times than you might be used to on major roads. Allow plenty of extra time for your travel.
  • Use Passing Places Correctly: These are for allowing oncoming traffic to pass and following traffic to overtake. If a passing place is on your left, pull in. If it’s on your right, wait opposite it. Always signal your intentions.
  • Yielding: Uphill traffic generally has priority. Be prepared to reverse to the nearest passing place if necessary to allow other vehicles to pass, especially larger vehicles like buses or delivery vans.
  • Watch for Wildlife: Deer, sheep, squirrels and other animals can be on the roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Drive cautiously.
  • Respect Speed Limits: The posted speed limits are maximums, not targets. Drive at a speed appropriate for the road conditions and your visibility.

Parking on the Mainland (Ellenabeich)

Car sharing is highly encouraged due to limited parking in Ellenabeich. Please use designated car parks only.

Parking Funds: Any funds raised from parking go directly to local community projects on the Isle of Seil, helping to support our rural community.

Public Transport

Oban is the main transport hub for the area, and public transport from elsewhere is unfortunately very limited

  • 418 Bus Service: Your most environmentally friendly and often most convenient option, especially from Oban.
    • Route: The 418 bus connects Oban (from Station Road, serving supermarkets and other key stops like Soroba, Millpark) directly to Ellenabeich on the Isle of Seil.
    • Drop-off Point for Easdale: The timetable lists the drop-off point for Easdale as ‘Turning area’.
    • Where to find timetables: For details of the 418 Bus Service, please refer to the West Coast Motors website.
    • Environmental Impact: Choosing the bus significantly reduces your carbon footprint, minimises road congestion, and avoids parking stress.
  • Taxis from Oban:
    • A one-way trip from Oban to Ellenabeich/the competition will cost around £50.
    • It is highly recommended to pre-book taxis, especially during busy periods like the championships.
    • Taxi Companies:
      • A2B Taxis: 07493120917
      • Tower Taxis: 01631 569999
      • Lorn Taxis: 01631564744
      • Oban Taxis: 01631 564148
      • Etive Taxis: 01631 566880
    • Environmental Impact: While convenient, taxis contribute more to individual emissions compared to public transport. Consider sharing a taxi with others to reduce the per-person environmental impact and cost.

The Easdale Ferry: Your Ride to the Island

The ferry to Easdale Island departs from Ellenabeich, after you have driven or taken the bus to the mainland car parks.

  • Vessel: The Easdale ferry is a small, passenger-only speedboat-type vessel.
    Departure Point: Ellenabeich.
  • Cost: £2.70 per person for a return ticket. You can pre-purchase tickets on the Argyll & Bute Council website.
  • Capacity: The ferry takes only 10 people at a time, so please factor this into your travel time, especially during peak championship hours.
  • Accessibility: Boarding the ferry requires managing two steep steps. Please be mindful of this if you have mobility considerations.
  • Ferry Schedule for Championship Day:
    • 07:45: First Ferry of the Day
    • 21:00, 22:30 & 23:00: Last Ferries of the Day
  • Regular Timetable: For general ferry schedule details, please refer to the Argyll & Bute Council website.

Private Boats: Mooring at Easdale Island

For those with access to private boats, mooring on Easdale Island is an option; our eighteenth century harbour providing a unique arrival experience.

  • Mooring: Easdale Island has mooring facilities. Please ensure you contact the Harbour Master beforehand to confirm availability and any fees.
  • Access to Ellenabeich: From Easdale Island, the small passenger ferry provides regular, short crossings to Ellenabeach.

Respecting Our Rural Community

Our small, quiet, rural community, while welcoming visitors, needs your cooperation to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

  • Minimise Noise: Please be mindful of noise, especially in the early mornings and late evenings.
  • Litter: Take all your litter home with you or use designated bins. Do not leave any waste behind.
  • Private Property: Respect private property and do not trespass. Stick to public paths and areas.
  • Support Local: Consider supporting local businesses in Ellenabeich, on Seil, and Easdale Island – shops, cafes, and pubs – to contribute to our local economy.
  • Patience and Courtesy: The championships will bring a significant increase in visitors. Please be patient with local residents, volunteers, and service providers. A friendly approach goes a long way!

By acting respectfully, you will help us ensure a safe, enjoyable, and sustainable championship for all.

Easdale Island

Near Oban, Scotland, PA34 4TB

5th September, 2026

11am – 11pm

@worldstoneskimmingchampionship

National Lottery Community Fund
EventScotland