Some of Bute's best-kept secrets are its bays. There are five main beaches around the island, each with its own character — some looking out to mainland Scotland, others across to the Isle of Arran. Even if lazing on the sand isn't your thing, take a hire car or a bicycle and follow them clockwise — it makes for one of the loveliest days on the island.
Locally known as the wee bay (which it isn't, particularly). Reached by passing behind the Kingarth Hotel, just north of Kilchattan village. The sand is rust-coloured — a nod to the red sandstone in the area — and the feel is calm and contemplative.
Watching the sun set over Arran from Stravanan, it's hard to believe Glasgow is less than two hours away. Reached only on foot — by following the West Island Way or the road to St Blane's. The exposed volcanic rock layers give a real sense of the island's geology.
A red-tinged west-coast bay with two scenic viewpoints. The lower one — Seal View — is exactly that: seals are often hauled out on the rocks to the north of the bay. The higher viewpoint above the road gives panoramic views across to Arran.
The bay itself was used during the Second World War for a variety of military manoeuvres; the sunken wooden posts on the beach were part of its air defences against a possible Nazi landing.
Another west-coast beach with fantastic views. From here you can see Inchmarnock — Bute's small, mostly uninhabited sister island, only two miles long. The point of St Ninian's stretches into the sea and is often cut off from the island by the daily tides.
The chapel of St Ninian's stands at the point — an early Christian site. A lovely white-sand beach, perfect for picking shells.
The largest of Bute's bays — a long, gently shelving sweep of golden sand on the west coast. The most popular of the five, busy in summer with swimmers and paddlers, but never truly crowded.
The tearoom serves excellent cakes, and the bird hide at the south end is a fine spot to spend an hour.
