isle of bute
    the tartan challenge part 2

Also situated in the Firth of Clyde

is Scotland's 13th largest island.

The route follows much of

the West Island Way,

Scotland's first official

island long distance footpath,

crossing a varied landscape,

with stretches of coastline,

beaches, rich farmland, moors, forests

and fine views of Arran

and the Cowal peninsula.

Leaving Rothesay, passing Loch Ascog, the route soon enters Mount Stuart Estate and follows the coast to meet the West Island Way. The Kilchattan circular, offering beautiful coastal scenery with superb views, and the ruined chapel of St Blane as highlights, passes close to Garroch Head at the southern end of the isle. Heading north from Kilchattan Bay, the route passes picturesque Stravanan Bay with views to Arran and then climbs over farmland and open moor with varied views. It leads past Loch Fad, a popular fishery and bird watching loch, before bypassing Rothesay to Kames Bay.

After a brief road walk, a short ascent across moorland to Windy Hill at just 278 metres above the sea is rewarded with fine views. Descending north east through forest to Rhubodach ferry terminal, the route enters a National Scenic Reserve, hugging the shore around the Kyles of Bute, a narrow sea channel separating the northern end of the isle with the Cowal peninsula. From Buttock Point, this 35 mile midget is completed upon reaching the western point of the island at Rubha Dubh.