The Kingarth Hotel stands at the crossroads in the south of the Isle of Bute, a few minutes from Kilchattan Bay and the hill path up to St Blane's Chapel. It is a proper island local — rooms and self-contained accommodation upstairs, the Smiddy Bar and a dining room downstairs, and farmland and coast in every direction.
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Kingarth is in the south of Bute, about fifteen minutes' drive from Rothesay. Kilchattan Bay, one of the island's best beaches, is just down the road, and the ruins of St Blane's Chapel sit on the hillside above the village.
There is parking at the door and a bus stop at the crossroads. Come here for the quiet end of the island rather than the town.
Accommodation is simple and comfortable, with pale walls, teal woodwork and tartan furnishings that suit the setting. Windows look out over the fields and forestry that surround the crossroads.
Some of the accommodation is self-contained, with its own sitting room — useful for families or longer stays at this end of the island.
The Smiddy Bar is the heart of the place: a long timber counter, stone walls, a wood-lined ceiling and a good range of beers, whiskies and gins. There is a pool table, sport on the screens and live music on some nights.
It is one of the few bars in the south of the island, so it fills with a mix of locals and visitors — an easy place to end a day's walking.
The kitchen serves pub food through the week and a full Sunday roast — beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, pigs in blankets and seasonal vegetables. Booking is wise at weekends and in high summer.
A separate function room with a balcony and views over the fields towards the water is used for weddings, birthdays and island gatherings, with round tables, chair covers and space for a band.
Kilchattan Bay beach, St Blane's Chapel and the West Island Way are all within walking distance or a short drive. Mount Stuart, Ettrick Bay and Rothesay are north along the coast road. See our walks guide for routes starting near Kingarth.
