Home / Cycling / Cycling

Bute is great for cycling, for lots of reasons: it’s big enough to offer a wide range of cycling options, but not too big that the main town of Rothesay is ever that far away; the short ferry journey means that its ideal for a day out with the bikes; it has some truly splendid views and scenery; it’s relatively flat; there is an excellent bike rental service; and there’s very little traffic. And of course there are a number of cafes and restaurants strategically situated around the island, perfect for replenishment. So it’s no surprise that many people are to be seen biking it on Bute.

The public roads around Bute offer a number of cycling options. There is a 23 mile loop which takes in most of the perimeter of the island, and also roads which bisect it and thereby provide shorter routes.
One excellent choice is the Rothesay-Ettrick Bay loop, which is approximately 10 miles: coming off the ferry turn right out through the town, to and through the village of Port Bannatyne; taking the next left and you are already into the countryside. About ½ mile out this road (A844) take a left turn for Ballianlay. Coming up over the gentle brow of this road is likely to be your first view of the magnificent backdrop that is the Isle of Arran. Following this main road around will take you back into Rothesay, which is well sign-posted. However a few detours are highly recommended: Ettrick Bay Tearoom is a very popular destination, while the village of Straad and St Ninian’s Bay are without doubt one of the island’s most magical spots.
If you fancy something longer do not follow the road back into Rothesay, instead turn right at Greenan Mill and follow the coast road (still the A844) to Seal Point and Scalpsie Bay. Both of these are excellent places to take repose and admire the views. Turning left at the t-junction onto the B881 will again bring you back into Rothesay, while turning right brings you out by Bute Golf Course, Kingarth Hotel and on up the hill to the Mount Stuart estate. After that it’s a few miles downhill and along the island’s east coast back into, yes you’ve guessed it, Rothesay.
There is no shortage of options for off-road mountain bike too. Starting at the Mount Stuart War Memorial monument and heading up over the Moor Road is great fun with some exhilarating views. Also there are some mountain bike trails in the forest along by Loch Fad, and forestry tracks through the woods at the very north of the island.

Bute is great for cycling, for lots of reasons: it’s big enough to offer a wide range of cycling options, but not too big that the main town of Rothesay is ever that far away; the short ferry journey means that its ideal for a day out with the bikes; it has some truly splendid views and scenery; it’s relatively flat; there is an excellent bike rental service; and there’s very little traffic. And of course there are a number of cafes and restaurants strategically situated around the island, perfect for replenishment. So it’s no surprise that many people are to be seen biking it on Bute.
The public roads around Bute offer a number of cycling options. There is a 23 mile loop which takes in most of the perimeter of the island, and also roads which bisect it and thereby provide shorter routes.
One excellent choice is the Rothesay-Ettrick Bay loop, which is approximately 10 miles: coming off the ferry turn right out through the town, to and through the village of Port Bannatyne; taking the next left and you are already into the countryside. About ½ mile out this road (A844) take a left turn for Ballianlay. Coming up over the gentle brow of this road is likely to be your first view of the magnificent backdrop that is the Isle of Arran. Following this main road around will take you back into Rothesay, which is well sign-posted. However a few detours are highly recommended: Ettrick Bay Tearoom is a very popular destination, while the village of Straad and St Ninian’s Bay are without doubt one of the island’s most magical spots.
If you fancy something longer do not follow the road back into Rothesay, instead turn right at Greenan Mill and follow the coast road (still the A844) to Seal Point and Scalpsie Bay. Both of these are excellent places to take repose and admire the views. Turning left at the t-junction onto the B881 will again bring you back into Rothesay, while turning right brings you out by Bute Golf Course, Kingarth Hotel and on up the hill to the Mount Stuart estate. After that it’s a few miles downhill and along the island’s east coast back into, yes you’ve guessed it, Rothesay.
There is no shortage of options for off-road mountain bike too. Starting at the Mount Stuart War Memorial monument and heading up over the Moor Road is great fun with some exhilarating views. Also there are some mountain bike trails in the forest along by Loch Fad, and forestry tracks through the woods at the very north of the island.


Hire a bike from The Bike Shed to explore our wonderful island . Call 01700 505515 to discuss your needs with a fully trained member of staff or visit www.thebikeshed.org.uk.