Isle of Bute & the Cowal Peninsula in Scotland - Official Scottish Area Tourist Board Website

The lovely Isle of Bute, though easily reached, offers that special dimension of island life in tranquil natural surroundings whereas the Cowal Peninsula makes a mouth-watering introduction to the West Highlands.

Once the island retreat of Scottish kings, the captivating Isle of Bute lies at the heart of the Firth of Clyde, and is the favourite destination of the famous PS Waverley, the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world.

Highlights of Scotland - Touring Itineraries

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Highland Games
Held in Dunoon on the last Friday and Saturday in the month of August, the Cowal Gathering is the world’s premier Highland Games. Or visit one of the other games on offer in the area.

Wildlife
Scalpsie Bay and the viewing point above Ettrick Bay are among the best places in Britain to look out for playful seals.

Fishing
Coarse, salmon and particularly fine brown trout fishing await both on Bute and Cowal.

Walking
For relaxation try wooded paths in the Argyll Forest Park. The more energetic - and experienced - will be drawn by the mountains in north Cowal. You can take part in a long distance walking routes in both areas. The island of Bute has a 26 mile/42km route called the West Island Way and runs the length of the lovely rolling countryside of the Isle of Bute. The Cowal Way is much longer at 47 miles/75kms and runs the length of the Cowal Peninsula starting at Portavadie in the south-west and finishes at Ardgartan in the north-east.

Sailing
The Kyles of Bute are ever popular with yachtsmen, adding further to the general colour and serenity of this sheltered inlet or enjoy the picturesque sailing waters around the Isle of Bute.

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and the Trossachs

Isle of Bute Dunoon and East Cowal North and West Cowal Towns and Villages

Bute makes for a relaxed and tranquil destination, a place of sheltered coves and sandy bays.

If leisurely hiking or an easy-going cycle ride round quiet island backroads are appealing, then look no further. Or take in the grandeur of Rothesay Castle and the Gothic splendour of Mount Stuart – the House and Gardens of the Marquess of Bute.

Across the Kyles of Bute, lies the Cowal Peninsula, a land of rich Highland diversity, home to charming hamlets and villages like Tighnabruaich, and Lochgoilhead, mighty mountain peaks and deep glacial lochs.

Mount Stuart,
Isle of Bute

Dunoon, - the Western gateway to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park – is the peninsula’s main town.

Dunoon offers a fascinating selection of craft shops, cafes and museums, as well as the opportunity to take a pleasure cruise amidst the breathtaking coastal scenery of the Firth of Clyde.

For the adventurous walker there are the mountains around Loch Long, while the trails running through the Argyll Forest Park offer gentler hiking.

Those interested in less strenuous pursuits can stroll the avenue of Giant Redwoods at the Benmore Botanic Garden or sample some of the world famous oysters on the shores of Loch Fyne.