Wonderful, accessible experience
5
5
Date of visit: May 2024
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
The ferry journey over from Mull to Iona is very accessible and step free. The boat mostly takes foot passengers, but for residents of Iona or for disabled people who arrange permission in advance, they can take their car over. The journey takes about 10 minutes and it was magical and very special approaching Iona. The ferry sails daily subject to the weather. When we went in April, we were lucky as the day we planned to visit on our coach holiday was the first day of sailing after a few days of bad weather which had cancelled its operation.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
On both sides there is a slope leading down to the ferry. It is slightly steeper on the Fionnphort/ Mull side. Passengers on boarding and alighting via a ramp which gets wet with the lapping of the waves. If you're a bit timid, like me, about getting on, one of the crew will advise you when is best to board. On the boat at car deck level there is a step free indoor seating area with fixed bench seating with bank support but no arms. To enter there is a manual door at both ends of the lounge area. Accessible only by stairs with handrails is the outdoor upper viewing, which I wished I had been able to use, but I enjoyed the views from my seat.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
There is parking at the Fionnphort Ferry Terminal, see my other review for details, and a bus also operates on the Mull side. In Iona there are only two streets and very little traffic. There is one local taxi firm, which I used and I found very friendly and reliable.
Accessible Toilets
Poor
There is a toilet on board in the indoor seating area. There is step free access to it. It has a manual door. On the door it has a wheelchair user sign. I did not use it as the journey was only 10 minutes, but I went in to get a photo for my review. It is only looking at the photo now as I write the review that I realise that the toilet has no grab rails. There was also a manual wheelchair folded up in one corner, which may may it difficult for a wheelchair user to access.
Staff
Excellent
Staff were friendly and helpful. I had minimal interaction with them when I boarded and showed my ticket.
Additional Information
Really enjoyed my trip in both direction. It is a magical way to travel to Iona and watch the island get nearer and nearer. It made the trip extra special.
