I would contact the Misty Isle Ferry people, we chatted to one of the guys who owns the ferry, really nice guy. Got the feeling they might be more flexible if times, if you left early and got a later boat back. Don’t rush the trip it would be a shame. There is the climbers hut there too which you can pay to stay in, Misty Isle can tell you all about that too. They are local people who know the loch incredibly well. You can walk back but take some advise on the route/timing etc. A bit jealous, have a fantastic time, it is so beautiful. mistyisleboattrips tel:01471866288 Regards Sarah x

There are areas to explore around the loch and a scrappy bit of a trail, however there are also slippery, boggy and sharp areas everywhere. I would be concerned about these 2 things - 1. The stair up from the boat to the trail (the only option if you want off the boat) is open and metal with barely a rail and although an elderly person could make it slow and steady, I would be nervous about letting most toddlers up it. And, 2. Wrangling amongst the rocks and bogs around the loch. If you don't have the most well-behaved, body able, and careful children it may be difficult to keep them safe and dry. My niece and nephew are 3 years apart and very agile and clever and I think I could have taken them at the 3&6 age, but it would have been with fairly constant attention and I'd expect a mess returning. Even as an adult visiting without a child, I found myself constantly watching my step to make sure I didn't step on a slippery rock, wobbly rock, or in water. And, if you have quick and unruly runners in the group I would strongly suggest against going. The area where you disembark is near a small cliff over the sea. And, if they squirm away anywhere in the area it would be hard to keep up due to the uneven and slippery ground. I hate to discourage you because the area is beautiful and it was a big highlight of my trip. I also do think children would enjoy it. It would just be difficult and a bit stressful in my opinion.