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The Isle of Bute is only 15 miles long by 3 miles wide, yet boasts a wide diversity of different environments and landscapes; volcanic rock formations, lowland pasture and woods in the south, rising to highland hills in the north complete with wild goats and deer. There are freshwater lochs alive with trout and pike, sandy beaches only occupied by seals, and lost coves where the mackerel jump and the curlews peck. Birds of Prey patrol overhead, tiny wrens flitter in the hedgerow.  Although often ignored by visitors to Scotland, Bute offers unrivalled opportunities for a peaceful outdoor holiday

                   Kames Bay

                                                                     Hiking the West Island Way along the spine of the island is an absolute tonic for the mind and body. The going is fairly easy, and the views are truly stunning . There is horse-riding over the lonely seashore,  boat hire for angling and marine fishing, bike hire to tour the quiet coast road under your own steam, or charter yacht sailing to and from the marinas at Inverkip, Largs and Troon.  The paddle-steamer Waverley goes on trips around the island and over to the isles of Arran and Cumbrae. There are three golf links on Bute, one to the rear of The Port Royal Hotel with equipment for  hire to visitors, at a very economical rate.                                           

                      Ettrick Bay                                                                                  

An open top bus   leaves the ferry terminal three times a day, (11p.m., 1p.m., and 3p.m.,)or can be caught directly outside The Port Royal Hotel. Slowly it takes a circular route past Kames Castle, several prehistoric Standing-Stones, through working ancient farms, and to the spectacular Ettrick Bay, then to St. Ninian's Strand and on to Scalpsie Bay. You can stop off in the south of the Isle to admire the magnificent gothic Mount Stuart House, and wander around its 300 acre grounds planted with a wide variety of exotic species. On the coast road back towards Rothesay you'll find The Ascog Hall Fernery and Gardens where an antique glasshouse protects a walk-in tropical jungle. The town of Rothesay itself is built around a fine castle. There is an interesting island museum, and the much  visited Victorian Public Lavatories, as ornately constructed as they are useful! Rothesay has a cinema, and The Pavilion concert hall which stages a full calendar of events ranging from Mystical Seances to ABBA tribute bands. There are annual music festivals and The Highland Games held in late August