Home / The West Island Way / The West Island Way
The West Island Way
Can’t spare the time to tackle the West Highland Way then come to Bute and try our 26 mile route. This is the first waymarked long distance path on a Scottish island is a fairly easy walk including seashore, moorland, farmland and forest. Consisting of two almost circular linked routes at the north and south end of Bute, a fit walker could make 2 day walks from the route with a base in Rothesay. Alternatively the route can be split into a number of easily managable sections. The route embraces a variety of landscapes including seashore, moorland, farmland and forest. It passes St Blane’s Chapel, the abandoned townships in Glen More and the outskirts of Rothesay. There is minimal road-walking.
The route begins at Kilchattan Bay in the south of the island, and finishes at Port Bannatyne in the north, with Rothesay, the main town on Bute, as a central point.
The West Island Way guide map
The official guide map from Footprint Maps ISBN (978-1-871149-51-7) is available from the Isle of Bute Discovery Centre and some other outlets.
Picture Bute is right on the harbourfront
PICTURE BUTE
Picture Bute is a large shop and workshop situated by the harbour on the beautiful Isle of Bute, Scotland. It is owned and run by local wildlife photographer Philip Kirkham and his wife Anne.
The shop stocks an impressive range of place mats, coasters, mugs, T shirts, and various other gifts with images of local scenery, views and wildlife; or to have a truly personalised gift, your own images can be used.
Locally made crafts and fine arts, featuring original watercolours by Brian Large, Liz Wren, Jeff Worrall, and other local artists are on display. Some of the island made wooden crafts have to be seen to be believed! There is also a range of gifts with paintings of Highland Cattle by Ruth Slater.
Photograph repair and enhancement is a speciality of Philip’s, as is slide copying, and these combine well with the in house printing which uses a variety of top spec printers and media. The top of the range canvas prints make stunning additions to any wall.
New to the shop is a facility for copying VHS videos to CD or DVD.
Boat signs, shop signs, banners, and T shirt vinyl are designed and cut to order in the workshop.
Bespoke picture frames are hand made by our partner Tom Niven in Glasgow, who visits the island at least once a week to pick up and deliver new orders. Tom has 40 years experience in picture framing and his quality of workmanship is outstanding. Picture mounts are measured and cut in our workshop.
The shop has in house facilities for engraving, which enhances our extensive range of pewter and metallic personalised gifts and trophies, ideal for weddings and special occasions.
Set aside a wee while to browse around our shop when you next visit our island.
PICTURE BUTE
7-8 ALBERT PLACE
ROTHESAY
PA20 9AG
01700 500030
www.picturebute.com
www.birdphotographs.co.uk
Rothesay Castle
Rothesay Castle
A unique design in Scotland, the ruined castle, floodlit at night, stands majestically in the heart of Rothesay. The castle has been partially restored over the last 100 years and in 1998 was the focus of the Bute 500 celebrations to commemorate 500 years since the granting of the keepership of the castle to the Stuarts. The current keeper is the Marquess of Bute, Johnny Bute. HRH The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles also visited the castle in September 1998 in his capacity as the Duke of Rothesay.
There is an audio-visual presentation detailing the Viking involvement in Rothesay’s history. The castle is kept in great condition by Historic Scotland and the banqueting halls are even available to hire for weddings, parties and other functions.
Open : All year.
1 March 2008 - 30 September 2008 Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
1 October 2008 - 31 October 2008 Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
1 November 2008 - 31 March 2009 Mon Tue Wed Sat Sun 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
All our properties close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Please telephone to check for New Year opening.
Admission Prices
All year Adult £4.11, Child £2.06, Concession £3.13
Last ticket sold 30 min before closing time.
Some of the smaller monuments may close for a short period over lunch. Please telephone to check.
Tel +44 (0)1700 502691
Get a grand view of Bute from the Open-Top bus
Isle of Bute Open Top Bus Tour
Starting in Rothesay at Guildford Sq at 11:00, 13:00 & 15:00, the bus passes the former Winter Garden, now known as the Isle of Bute Discovery Centre, then travels past Ardbeg Point, Port Bannantyne, Kames Castle and the “One Man Burial Ground” before continuing to Ettrick Bay. Following the coast road south, the tour passes Scalpsie Bay to savour its peace and tranquility before moving on to Kingarth, Kilchattan Bay and Ascog Bay. The tour ends at Rothesay pier allowing plenty of time to catch the ferry back to Wemyss Bay.
Prices
Adults £7, children £5, senior citizens £5. Family tickets are available = 2 adults and up to 3 children, £18.
Tickets can be purchased from your driver.
Your open top ticket is valid as a day ticket for use on all West Coast Motors local bus services for 48 hours.
The view from Canada Hill
Bute is a beautiful, pastoral island on Scotlands west coast. Only 30 miles from Glasgow, our island offers all the benefits of Scottish island without the tiresome travel arrangements of destinations further afield.
Come and experience the wonderful splendour of Mount Stuart House and Gardens.
The classic Victorian seafront facade, promenade and pier in Rothesay were in fact built on land reclaimed from the sea. The original shoreline is about 200 metres inland in front of Rothesay Castle which once stood guard over the bay.
Bute has been occupied by man for over 5500 years. An exploration of the island will reveal standing stones, cists and a vitrified fort in the south at Dunagoil Bay. Many archaeological finds are on display at the Bute Museum in Stuart St. Early Christian sites dedicated to St Ninian & St Blane speak of the missionary faith of the first inhabitants of Bute.
The view to Arran at the southern end of Bute
Bute is the ancestral home of the Stuart Kings of Scotland. The 800 year old ruin of Rothesay castle was built by a hereditary High Steward of Scotland from which the surname Stewart, and later Stuart was derived. The circular design of the castle is unique in Scotland and withstood many onslaughts including an invasion by the Vikings. It was captured by the English during the wars of independence but in 1311 was retaken by Robert the Bruce. Partially destroyed by Oliver Cromwell’s troops in 1659 and finally burned and sacked by the Duke of Argyll in 1685 the castle has been substantially restored over the last 120 years.
Henshelwoods Fine Foods
www.henshelwoodsfinefoods.co.uk
Henshelwoods Fine Foods, based in Rothesay, started as a new company in January 2006. They are dedicated to providing fine foods for independent retailers using the best available seasonal ingredients and with the minimum possible food miles.
All the products are hand-made in small batches and are free from artificial colourings and preservatives.The pickles, chutneys and jams are preserved using natural ingredients; spiced and flavoured to our own unique recipes.
Their Old Bute Chutney, Raspberry and Lavender Jam, Star Anise Mustard and other unusual recipes are available in shops around Rothesay and in the Discovery Centre.
See www.henshelwoodsfinefoods.co.uk for further information.
Bute Museum
Bute Museum
Opening Hours
April - September
Mon -Sat 10.30am - 4.30pm
Sun - 2.30pm - 4.30pm
October - March
Tues-Sat 2.30pm - 4.30pm
Admission
Adults £2.00
Senior Citizens £1.50
Children £1.00
Bute Museum is an independently run museum where visitors can explore the Natural and Historical Heritage of the Isle of Bute.
The History & Archaeology Gallery has displays covering aspects of Bute’s History from Mesolithic and Neolitic times through to the closing years of the 20th century.
The Natural History Gallery allows visitors to explore the geology, plants, animals and birds of the island.
Experience the archaeology, history and natural historyof the island in the Bute museum.
Exhibits from every period of Bute’s history - early stone age to Clyde steamer’s. Special displays for children include a touch table, toddlers case and small aquarium.
The museum shop stocks an interesting range of souvenirs gifts and books.
The Castle Gallery was established by Caroline Gardner in 1997, as a vehicle for local art and crafts. In the Spring of 2000, a substantial gallery extension was carried out effectively doubling the available space and allowing solo and group exhibitions to be displayed. The inaugural exhibition was by John Lowrie Morrison with his personal interpretation of the Island of Bute. The success of this exhibition set the pattern for many other shows by individuals and groups over the last eight years.
If you explore the island away from Rothesay you will find that a few small settlements exist dotted about the island.
Kerrycroy
Kerrycroy Village
Maria North, the English wife of the second Marquess of Bute, who was inspired by the model of an English village, designed Kerrycroy — this peaceful village, with fine sandy bay and stone pier.
St Blane's Chapel
Kingarth
Not so much a village as a country hotel/pub (the Kingarth, funnily enough) and a collection of cottages and farms just south of Kilchattan Bay. A short drive to south on the Dunagoil Road is a mysterious standing stone circle from the Bronze Age, the Dunagoil vitrified fort from the Iron Age and early Christian monastic remains dedicated to St Blane who was born on the island.
Kilchattan Bay
Kilchattan Bay
The village of Kilchattan Bay lies in a sheltered bay at the southern end of Bute. You could spend a day here on the pink sands or explore the start of the West Island Way and walk around the south end of the island. St Blanes Hotel sits on the shore if you fancy a pub lunch.
Port Bannatyne
Port Bannatyne
The village has a colourful history. At the turn of the 19th century it was a busy port of call for Clyde puffers and passenger ships. During the Second World War midget submarines exercised in the bay and nearby Loch Striven before setting off to engage in battle with the German warship, Tirpitz. Today the port is a haven for visiting yachtsman, golfers and water sports enthusiasts. There’s a vibrant cafe/post office, a fish restaurant and a couple of pubs.
Ardencraig Gardens
Ardencraig Lane,
High Craigmore, Rothesay
PA20 9EZ
Tel: 01700 504644
Contact Name: Alan MacDonald
The existing gardens originally formed part of a larger layout designed by Percy Cane for the owners of Ardencraig House. This beautiful walled garden has now been acquired by Argyll and Bute council and developed to create a propagation, education and show garden.
New plant cultivars are introduced annually and the extensive fuchsia and bedding displays contain many of the best cultivars available. The plants cultivated at Ardencraig are used throughout the Argyll and Bute region.
There are a number of aviaries housing a range of foreign bird species that have been built to provide further interest - these are very popular with visiting children!
Garden staff are available to provide further information as required.
To get there - travel east from Rothesay to Mount Stuart Road, uphill from there to Albany Road. The gardens are signposted.
We look forward to seeing you!
Rothesays Victorian Loos
Only a few steps from the embarkation gangway on Rothesay Pier, Isle of Bute, lies the most impressive surviving late Victorian public convenience in Scotland, if not Britain.
The Victorian Loos are well worth a visit (and they work!)
Commissioned by Rothesay Harbour Trust in 1899 during Rothesay’s hey-day as a holiday resort, the gents lavatory, a most unusual survivor of the Victorian era, was always intended to impress.
The interior is magnificient with walls entirely clad in decorative ceramic tiles, ornately patterned in rows. The floors are designed with ceramic mosaic, with the crest of the Royal Burgh of Rothesay at the entrance.
Visit the gothic splendour of Mount Stuart House
The Drawing Room at Mount Stuart
This is Britain’s most astounding Victorian gothic mansion. Home to the Stuarts of Bute, descendants of the Royal House of Stuart, this magnificent house sits proudly on the Isle of Bute - ancient stronghold of Scottish kings.
Although it feels as if you have escaped to a wild and wonderful kingdom, this award-winning historical attraction lies just an hour away from Glasgow.
The flamboyant house and its 300 acres of gardens reflect the artistic, religious and astrological interests of the 3rd Marquess of Bute. Although still a family home, they provide a spectacular private venue for luxury weddings, exclusive parties and corporate events.
Mount Stuart is a shining example of the grand domestic architecture that came out of Britain’s 19th Century Gothic Revival. It stands, cathedral-like, as a monument to an obsession with the medieval past.
The Marble Hall
The house arose from the ashes of the previous Mount Stuart, a building dating from the reign of Queen Anne, which was destroyed by fire in 1877. Under the direction of the 3rd Marquess of Bute and his architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson, this extravagant new house was born, fusing powerful architecture with noble themes and lavish designs.
Like its creator, the 3rd Marquess of Bute, this sandstone palace is profoundly inspired by history, astrology, art and mythology. As the greatest architectural patron of his day, Bute poured his passion and imagination into the imposing marble hall, breathtaking chapel, pioneering swimming pool and ornate reception rooms you see today.
Yet the enormous house was never finished, much only being completed in an ambitious restoration programme begun by the late 6th Marquess in the 1980s. The careful development, refurbishment and investment into the fabric of Mount Stuart continues to this day.
Visit the Mount Stuart Website
Ascog Hall Gardens and Victorian Fernery
A three acre garden in a fairy-tale setting with an awe-inspiring Victorian fern house, a fascinating gravel garden favoured by butterflies and visitors alike, and a rose garden abundantly planted with ramblers and old shrub roses. Elsewhere, meandering paths lead through exotic plantings with a mixture of trees, shrubs, bulbs and choice perennials providing interest and colour from Easter to autumn.
Plants and hardy ferns for sale.
Find out more about the fernery by visiting the website.
The Winter Garden - now the Discovery Centre
Rothesay’s famous Grade A-listed Winter Garden now houses one of Scotland’s most innovative and exciting visitor centres, following an extensive and sympathetic restoration programme undertaken by Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling & Trossachs Tourist Board. Your exploration of the beautiful Isle of Bute begins here. We’re open every day including Saturdays and Sundays. We look forward to welcoming you.
Located on the Esplanade in Rothesay, overlooking Rothesay Bay, the Isle of Bute Discovery Centre provides tourist information for the island, together with interactive exhibits illustrating local attractions and historical insights into life on Bute. The award-winning centre includes a restaurant, Genealogy Centre and the 90-seater Discovery Theatre, which serves as Rothesay’s cinema.
The building was erected in 1924 under the direction of Alexander Stephen, Rothesay’s Burgh Engineer. A circular cast iron and glass structure which was prefabricated at the noted Saracen Foundry in Glasgow, the building features a shallow dome 25m (82 feet) in diameter, two square corner towers with pagoda-shaped roofs and Art Nouveau decorations on the iron-work.
After years of decline, it closed in 1976 and was threatened with demolition. Following a complete restoration, the building reopened in 2001.
