Loads to see & do
Experience the variety of Bute’s attractions from breathtaking scenery, unique adventures to a multitude of historical sites.
The island is just 15 miles long and 5 miles wide and is bursting with a coastline of beaches, standing stone history, culture, wildlife, arts and music with so much for everyone to enjoy!
Adventure in our waters with sailing, paddleboarding, wild swimming, kayaking or just a wee paddle.
Don’t forget to visit our Bute Community Forest at the top of the island revealing forest walks, an original WWII bunker and even a wild swing for that perfect photo opportunity.
Bute really does have it all.
These gardens in Craigmore were recently described as having the “best display of summer bedding anywhere in Scotland”. These beautiful walled gardens and glasshouses are at their finest in July & August. There are a number of aviaries housing a range of exotic bird species that have been built to provide further interest – these are very popular with visiting children!
The West Island Way was officially opened in 2000 by Janet Street-Porter, the journalist and former president of the Ramblers Association. The route runs the length of the island for about 25 miles (40km) and can be accessed from various points if you want to split the journey. The views of the island and the seascapes are fantastic and make a walk along the route more than worthwhile.
This course is situated on an elevated site encompassing Canada Hill. It boasts one of Scotland’s most scenic courses. Designed by James Braid and Ben Sayers, the course has unparalleled panoramic views of the Kyles of Bute, the Clyde coast, Arran and the Cowal Peninsula.
Rothesay golf course will present any player a challenge whether it be the rolling par 4s or the testing par 3s. Ryder Cup stalwart Eric Brown thought the 4th hole one of the most difficult par 3s in Europe.
Bute has some wonderful birding sites where a wide range of birds can be found all year round. With a little effort well over 50 species can be ticked off on any day of the year if you plan your visit well. Bird hides are located at The Kirk Dam, Ettrick Bay, Loch Ascog and Loch Quien.
Visit the bird watching website which is ran and created by Bute Museum – www.butemuseum.org.uk/butebirdgroup
Scalpsie Bay
Further south is secluded Scalpsie Bay, a beautiful stretch of reddish sand.
It’s just a five-minute walk from the road along a sign-posted path. This tranquil beach is a great place to relax, soak up the scenery of Bute and admire the views to Kintyre and Arran.
It’s also the place on Bute to spot seals. Head to Seal View viewpoint where you can watch the large colony of seals, both Common and Grey, on their rocky perches.
The state of the tide will determine the number that you see, but if you hit the right time you might see up to 100 seals.
There’s another viewpoint which gives you stunning views of Arran and the Holy Isle.
Photo by Eden Thomson age 12
