Relaxing Things To Do On The Isle of Bute

An Overview of the Isle of Bute

Accessible by ferry from Glasgow, the Isle of Bute is one of several popular tourist islands on Scotland’s West Coast.  The island’s main access point is a gently curving bay with low, colorful buildings decorating it’s protected cove.  It has many fine beaches with rocky, graveled and occasionally sandy shorelines.  There are many relaxing things to do on the Isle of Bute..

The Isle is easily access from the Scottish mainland.  It makes a very good day trip to see some island nature and scenery.  It’s also not as crowded as other famous Scottish islands (such as Arran and Skye).  The Isle is considered a peaceful getaway from Glasgow.  The wind on all of the Scottish Isles is considered fierce, so be sure to bring windbreakers, jackets and a scarf to protect your lips.

Transportation Advice

It is easiest to reach the Isle of Bute via ferry leaving Wemyss Bay.  Cars are allowed on the ferry, though many prefer to take a bus from Glasgow and onto the ferry to save on transport fees.  The ferry does not require bookings in advance and arrives in the small town of Rothesay.  Once on the island, the best way to get around is on foot around the city or through the admittedly infrequent buses in the countryside.  

Relaxing Things To Do On The Isle of Bute

Mount Stuart House

This distinct structure is a neo-gothic building amidst a bed of flowers. The Mount Stuart House is the most-visited location of the Isle.  The interior hosts the beautiful Marble Wall and Marble Chapel, both of which display a deep, abiding love for astronomy and architecture. 

Rothesay Castle

The most impressive building on the shoreline, the castle can easily be reached on foot. The castle is a remarkable fortification with a history extending back to the beginning of the 13th century. Much of the castle is in ruins but the walls still tower over a nearby body of water. The castle has a long history with the Stewarts during their time as high stewards and a royal dynasty. Visitors should take note of the castle’s unusual circular design.

Ettrick Bay

This bay is a wide tidal area with sandy coasts and short grasses. The bay is a popular walking area. It’s also a wonderful viewing point facing west, excellent for sunsets. Exploring the easily accessible bay is one of the most relaxing things to do on the Isle of Bute.

Loch Fad

Loch Fad is a freshwater loch on the Isle lying on the Highland Boundary Fault. The area around the loch works as a tourist park, this area is known for providing fishing tours for visitors.  The lake serves as one of the largest rainbow trout cage farms in the United Kingdom. Additionally, the area is a ranked Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI). 

Scalpsie Bay

Though this bay was once used for military purposes during WWII, the secluded scenery is now the definition of tranquility. The reddish-sand shore curves around a peaceful series of hills allowing visitors to access a wildlife viewing bay.  Aside from different types of waterbirds, the walk is notorious for spotting seals.  The Seal View seal colony can often be seen lounging on rocky perches.

Ardencraig Gardens

This is a beautiful walled garden in Rothesay maintained by the Argyll and But Council. The small area of brightly colored and extremely well-manicured flower gardens can be found after walking south from the town of Craigmore (East of the ferry access point).

Canada Hill and Serpentine Road

Canada Hill is a popular and scenic overlook providing views of Rothesay and the nearby bay. The road leading up to the hill is known as Serpentine Road, a route with 14 hairpin turns snaking upwards.

Victorian Toilets

The Victorian Toilets of Bute are humorous and historically vital features of the era. Located in Rothesay, these facilities were replaced and restored in the 1990’s now serving as a tourist attraction. Theses Victorian Toilets are placed within a harbor bathroom with some of the most well-preserved Victorian-era waste management technologies in the UK.

The West Island Way

The natural beauty and scenery of the Isle of Bute is hard to overstate. The West Island Way is a marked footpath providing a stunning and evocative hiking trail over the island.

Ascog Hall Victorian Fernery

For a strange experience, visitors may enjoy seeking out the recovered ruins of the Ascog Hall Victorian Fernery. This completely lost-then-discovered botanical house, is home to various, jungle-choked statues and a species of fern believed to be over 1,000 years old. 

Victorian Gardens

While this isn’t a specific location, the Isle of Bute is home to some of the most well-decorated and intact Victorian gardens in the world. These can be found throughout the island or through small tours.

Just Seaweed

This is a shop, spa and restaurant combination which totes the medical and edible advantages of Bute seaweed.  The store serves unique meals and other seaweed-based products for consumption.

Alpaca Treks

While the Isle of Bute is gorgeous, the terrain is undoubtedly rugged and tricky. There are several companies which offer tracks, using sure-footed alpacas to help traverse the land. Apparently, one of the ways to explore the island is via Alpaca Treks. 

Additionally Notes:

The island is very small, so once leaving the ferry point, a person can wander virtually any direction on foot or by bus and explore the island thoroughly.  I would recommend heading south first before heading out to the bays for sunset or the interior for hiking. 

Read more about relaxing things to do on the Isle of Bute and seeing the world by visiting Leftfade Trails Travel Blog

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