Walking the West Island Way
A 30-mile waymarked route from Kilchattan Bay to Port Bannatyne, threading through woodland, moor and a coastline of constantly changing weather.
Things to do
Walk further. Drive less. Stay longer.
The friendly, helpful locals will go out of their way to make your stay a happy one. Below, a few of the things you might do — in Rothesay and around the rest of the island.
Golf — three courses
Rothesay Golf Club circles Canada Hill with views across seven counties (green fees from £10). Bute Golf Course is the oldest, by Stravanan Bay. Port Bannatyne's unusual 13-hole course rarely closes thanks to the Gulf Stream.
rothesaygolfclub.co.uk →
Sailing the Firth of Clyde
Charter companies at Port Bannatyne Marina offer day sails and group packages — and the Kyles of Bute are some of the most beautiful sailing waters in Britain.
portbannatynemarina.co.uk →
The Waverley paddle steamer
The last seagoing paddle steamer in the world still calls at Rothesay through the summer, sailing the Firth of Clyde from Dunoon. A genuinely beautiful way to spend an afternoon.
waverleyexcursions.co.uk →
Wildlife on land & sea
Sea eagles, ospreys, otters, and grey seals are regular companions. Bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises pass through the Kyles in the warmer months.
Swimming & paddling
Scalpsie and Ettrick Bay are the favourites — wide, gently shelving and (Scottish weather permitting) genuinely warm by August.
Go deeper
Beaches
Ettrick, Scalpsie, Kilchattan and the wild southern bays — parking, swimming and tides.
Wildlife & seals
The Scalpsie seal colony, otters at dawn, porpoise in the Kyles and red squirrels.
Walks
The 30-mile West Island Way plus short circuits with distances and times.
Cycling
The 30-mile island loop, flat family rides, hire and taking bikes on the ferry.
Food & drink
Island cheese, Clyde shellfish, village pubs, tea rooms and Bute gin.
Rothesay Castle
Scotland's only circular castle, still ringed by its moat, minutes from the pier.