Island & Seascapes Explore Scotland’s first island and the maritime gateway to
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
Kilchattan Bay, Isle of Bute
  Kilchattan Bay, Isle of Bute		 Benmore Botanic Garden
 Benmore Botanic Garden

 Rothesay Castle
 Rothesay Castle
Focus ISLE OF BUTE & THE ARGYLL FOREST
Map
Click map to enlarge		 Bluebells in the Argyll Forest
Bluebells in the Argyll Forest

ROUTE DESCRIPTION
1 Follow the M8/A8 West from Glasgow, through Greenock and on to Gourock for a choice of ferries across the silvery Firth of Clyde to Dunoon.
2 The popular seaside town of Dunoon is the maritime gateway to the Argyll Forest, in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Attractions include Castle House Museum and Dunoon Ceramics.
3 The A815 hugs the Holy Loch en route to the famous Benmore Botanic Garden. Towering trees and colourful shrubs offer horticultural delight, especially in spring and early summer.
4 Continue on the A815, following beautiful Loch Eck, looking out for forest walks and viewpoints en route.
5 Strachur, on the sea waters of Loch Fyne, was the home of the late Sir Fitzroy MacLean – the remarkable, second world war veteran who inspired James Bond.
6 Turn South on the A886, through Glendaruel, to the spectacular Kyles of Bute - frequently highlighted with the sails of colourful yachts.
7 At Colintraive take the short ferry-hop over to the Isle of Bute, which straddles the Highland Line. The island capital of Rothesay enjoys a fine seafront setting, with floral displays and even palm trees warmed by the North Atlantic Drift. Bute Museum, 13th century Rothesay Castle and the Isle of Bute Discovery Centre - housed in the restored Winter Garden - are well worth visiting.
8 South from Rothesay the A844 leads to Ascog Fernery and on to the breathtaking opulence of Mount Stuart, home of the Marquess of Bute and one of Britain’s most stunning stately homes.
9 Stay with the A844 for a circular tour around the Southern half of the island. There’s a vitrified iron-age fort at Dunagoil or you can relax at Ettrick, Kilchattan or Scalpsie Bays, where patience may well be rewarded by a glimpse of thriving local seal colonies.

Return to the mainland via the Rothesay - Wemyss Bay ferry.
Dunoon on the Firth of Clyde
Dunoon on the Firth of Clyde		 Loch Eck
Loch Eck		 Mount Stuart
Mount Stuart
 
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LOOK OUT FOR

ARGYLL FOREST
Bishop’s Glen, by Dunoon
Pleasant walks amidst plentiful local wildlife including birds, red squirrels, roe deer and rare orchids. Popular picnic areas.

Castle House Museum, Dunoon
Enthralling introduction to local history of the area and its seafaring connections.

Benmore Botanic Garden, by Dunoon
A botanical paradise, with world-famous collections of flowering shrubs, the towering ‘Avenue of Giant Redwoods’ and over 250 species of rhododendron.

Puck’s Glen, Benmore, by Dunoon
Delightful forest walk along twisting riverside path, marked by a series of waterfalls.

Strachur Smiddy Museum
Tastefully restored smiddy displaying original implements from the blacksmith and farrier trades.

Kilmodan Sculptured Stones, Glendaruel
Ancient collection of carved grave slabs, situated in Kilmodan churchyard.

Colintraive Community Garden
Recently created garden featuring fine collections of plants in borders and ponds.

ISLE OF BUTE
Ettrick Bay, near Port Bannatyne
Popular sandy bay with gently sloping beach ideal for paddling or soaking up the views to Kintyre, Cowal and Arran.

Rothesay Castle, Rothesay
A favourite island retreat of the Stuart monarchs, the current remains date from the 13th to 16th centuries.

Isle of Bute Discovery Centre, Rothesay
Beautifully restored 1920s Winter Garden, now housing a unique interactive exhibition on the island, including a fascinating film of bygone Bute.

Victorian Fern House & Gardens, Ascog
Delightful garden featuring awardwinning collection of sub-tropical ferns.

Mount Stuart
Majestic Victorian gothic mansion with breathtakingly ornate marble interior, plus 300 acres of landscaped gardens. Ancestral home of the Marquesses of Bute.

Dunagoil Vitrified Fort, Kingarth
Iron-age fortification set in commanding position at the South end of the Isle of Bute.

Scalpsie Bay
Remote bay on the island’s west coast, ideal for picnics and famed for its colony of seals.

 

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