Fabulous and very accessible
5
5
Date of visit: April 2024
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
The Craignure to Oban ferry is the main ferry route to the Isle of Mull. The large car ferry has step free access and accessible toilets. The journey itself is beautiful, we travelled from Mull to Oban and it was a real treat, lots to see. The journey time is about 45 minutes.
Disabled Access In and Around
0ARRIVING ON THE SHIP Our minibus drove on and off the ferry. CAR DECK When we travelled someone parked blocking the entrance to the access lift and the staff had to make an announcement and I had to wait until the vehicle was moved. Therefore if you are travelling let the ferry company know in advance which time you are travelling and they will ensure that a space is left. (It would be helpful if they always left a gap). LIFT From the car deck there is a lift to the upper floor, which can only be operated by staff. At the car ferry level this is easy as there is plenty of staff around. When you are on the upper deck, you need to find a member of staff, and I would suggest going to the shop/ cafe area as there is someone there. The lift is not especially wide, it has a tip up stool and an emergency phone. UPPER FLOOR The upper floor is virtually step free, part from the lip on the doors leading outside. Inside there is fixed seating, some are rows of chairs and others in group of six around a table. The seating area is spacious. The accessible toilet is also on this level. OUTER DECK ON UPPER FLOOR There are outer decks on the front and back of the ship. On the way out people are tending to go to the back and then as the ship arrives make to the front of the ship. The Sound of Mull is compared to many ferry crossings quite narrow, so there isn't much time when you can't see the land. Going from Craignure we had a lovely view of Duart Castle on Mull. LEAVING THE SHIP The ships horn will sound when it is time to return to your vehicle. This is the time to find a member of staff if you require the lift.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
Oban is on the mainland and has a railway station, sorry didn't use it so can't comment on access.
Accessible Toilets
Average
The accessible toilet is on the upper deck. It does not require a RADAR key. It is a manual door. Inside there are grab rails on both side of the toilet, with a right hand transfer. However, there are no other grab rails, which is quite unusual, and would have been particularly appreciated to steady myself given that the ship moves about. There is a press for help switch just above the toilet roll holder, see photo, which will be useless if someone has fallen on the floor and requires help. While it functions well as an accessible toilet, more thought needs to be given to disabled people's safely.
Staff
Excellent
Staff were amazing. When I explained I needed the lift, they called over the tannoy for the vehicle blocking access to come and move their vehicle. When the driver arrived it was delt with by the staff and they organised my lift up and down. Staff were helpful, friendly and very well organised. When I needed lift assistance I received it quickly.
Additional Information
I loved the journey. Would happily do it again. While it was very accessible there are a couple of small improvements that could be made. Suggestions to improve access: 1) Keep the gap on the car deck by the lift clear on all journeys. 2) More grab rails in the accessible toilet please, suggest vertical grab rails either side of mirror and at the back of the door a horizontal one. 3) The emergency cord in accessible toilet needs to reach down to the floor, please urgently review your current arrangements as they are not keeping disabled people safe. Thank you. Overall, highly recommend this.
