Isle of Bute
Scotland's Adventure CoastBute is perhaps the most accessible of Argyll’s islands. Thanks to this, and a balmy climate, it has been a popular holiday spot for well over a century. Rothesay, Bute’s chief town, is a seaside resort brimming with character, cafés and good old-fashioned shops. Follow the coastal road south and you’ll find Mount Stuart, a spectacular palace set amid acres of woodland.
Bute is a lovely place to explore on foot or by bike. Most of Bute’s inhabitants live around the two wide bays on the island’s eastern side, so if you’re looking for peace, solitude and the best beaches, head west. Ettrick Bay is a fantastic stretch of sand, while Scalpsie Bay is home to a seal colony. The West Island Way is a 25-mile walk that takes you the length of the island.
Bonnie Bute
Explore Bute
What are you looking for?
Isle of Bute Distillery
This quaint Scottish island is the driving force behind our small batch distillery. Our products are crafted with care in the heart of Rothesay using a tradi...
65 High Street
PA209AU
Visit Bute
Scotland's Most Accessible IslandJust a short 40 minute ferry crossing across the Firth of Clyde from Wemyss Bay and an even shorter 3 minute crossing at the top of the island from Colintraive on the Cowal Pennisula, Bute is Scotland's most accessible island.
Thanks to its balmy climate with lots of palm trees, it has been a popular holiday spot to come ‘doon the watter’ for a week of fresh air and sunshine.
Rothesay, is Bute’s main town, a seaside resort brimming with character, great places for refreshments and traditional, welcoming shops. It is a striking town stretching along the shores of Rothesay Bay with Rothesay Castle at its heart surrounded by a moat.
Mount Stuart is Bute’s jewel in its crown. One of the world’s most impressive neo gothic mansions, it is home to the Stuarts of Bute, descendants of the Royal House of Stuart. The flamboyant house and its 300 acres of gardens reflect the artistic interests showcased in its architecture, furnishings and outstanding art collection.
Bute is a lovely place to explore on foot or by bike, or even on the popular open-top bus tour! It is an island of wildlife, adventure, beautiful scenery and great beaches. Ettrick Bay is a fantastic stretch of sand with a great café, while Scalpsie Bay is home to a seal colony.
The West Island Way is 25-mile walk that takes you the length of the island. Most of the island’s towns and villages are on the east with wonderful villas and mansions lining the coast whereas the west is much quieter with sandy beaches and amazing views.
Bute Community Forest which has a number of fascinating trails and ample opportunities to spot wildlife is perfect for those who love the great outdoors and getting up close and personal with nature.
Loch Fad, the ‘long loch’ cuts the island in half along the Highland Boundary Fault and is renowned for its scenic beauty, fishing, boat hire and huge diversity of bird life.
For beach lovers, the west coast of the island presents three sandy beaches with short walks with way marked features of interest including a bird hide at the south of Ettrick Bay, St Ninian’s Chapel near the Straad.
Bute: where two wheels are definitely better than four!
Bute is the perfect place for a cycling adventure. Stick to road cycling, discover the mountain bike trails or take on the Serpentine – a grueling hill climb.
The beautiful beaches of the Isle of Bute
One of the best things about the Isle of Bute is its beaches. Here are five beaches on Bute, the popular Scottish holiday spot, that will take your breath away
Bute on YouTube
Immerse yourself in all things Bute by watching our dedicated YouTube playlist for food and drink, activities and so much more!
Planning your journey
Start your adventure with a ferry crossing from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay, either as a foot passenger or with your car. The ferry connects with a regular train and bus service to and from Glasgow and there are service buses and bike hire on the island, so why not leave the car behind?
An alternative route is a short ferry link between Rhubodach, north of Bute, and Colintraive at the Cowal peninsula. This can link with the ferry between Hunters Quay and McInroe’s Point near Gourock on the mainland, or you can drive north on the A82 along Loch Lomond joining the A83 then south on the A815 and A886.
