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.
Here's a few suggestions for things to see and do in the Isle of Bute & Cowal Peninsula:
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.
Isle of Bute & the
Cowal Penninsula CAIRNDOW (pop. 150)
Small village set amidst marvellous woodland boasting a unique octagonal
church. KILCHATTAN BAY AND KINGARTH, BUTE(pop. 60)
Small village sheltering at the foot of Suidhe Hill the twin communities
nestled on a beach of particular beauty.
COLINTRAIVE (pop. 100)
Surrounded by breathtaking scenery this tiny ferry port offers
the opportunity to "hop" over to the Isle of Bute.
DUNOON (pop. 8,000)
Popular holiday town on the edge of Argyll Forest Park, encompassing
Kirn and Hunters Quay, offering a beautiful promenade for seafront
strolls and many attractions whatever the weather. Perhaps best
known for the world famous Cowal Highland Gathering, boasting
over 150 pipe bands in competition annually.
Rothesay
Ardentinny, Loch Long
INNELLAN (pop. 1,000)
Picturesque town, spread along a two-mile stretch of coastline.
Nearby sandy beach is ideal for spotting seals.
KILFINNAN AND OTTER FERRY (pop. 50)
Small hamlets resting on the shores of Loch Fyne, near Cowal's
West coast.
KILMUN, BLAIRMORE, STRONE (pop. 900)
Tiny villages on the shores of the Holy Loch which acts as
gateway to a series of way-marked walks.
LOCHGOILHEAD (pop. 300)
Set in a hollow below the lofty Cowal Hills on the lochside, this
Victorian township offers plentiful opportunities for walking in
the surrounding spectacular scenery of the Argyll Forest Park.
ROTHESAY, BUTE (pop. 5,000)
Picturesque royal burgh and gateway to the Isle of Bute, this charming
town with splendid architecture has many points of interest including
its castle, and is a perennial favourite with holiday makers.
PORT
BANNATYNE, BUTE (pop. 600)
Nestling on the Southern shores of Kames Bay, the village is
a popular anchorage for yachts.
ST. CATHERINE'S (pop. 50)
Tiny community set on the East shore of Loch Fyne facing Inveraray
it is a popular yacht anchorage.
STRACHUR (pop. 450)
Attractive village on the shores of Loch Fyne, clustered around
its pretty bay.
Strachur, Loch Fyne
Tighnabruiach
TIGHNABRUAICH AND KAMES (pop. 300)
Resting on the West shore of the Kyles of Bute, pleasure cruises
still stop
ACCOMMODATION ON THE ISLE OF BUTE AND
THE COWAL PENINSULA
Whether you want to relax and enjoy excellent service in a
friendly hotel, guest house or bed and breakfast establishment,
or enjoy your break in a well appointed self-catering property,
you’re sure to find the perfect location on the Isle
of Bute or the Cowal peninsula. Every property is inspected
and graded under VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance Scheme
(click here for further details).
