The
Kyles of Bute
A short and quite pretty drive takes you
across to the Kyles of Bute – spectacular
views down to the Island of Bute itself
and beyond. There is a view-finder on the
A8003 which was put up to honour John’s
grandfather and great uncle, inscribed to
“two men who loved these hills.”
Tighnabruich, which has a 9 hole golf course
and a great pub, and Kames are pretty villages.
Kilbride, just beyond Ticchnabruich, is
a lovely sandy beach. You can’t really
take a wrong turning in terms of scenery
in this neck of the woods, provided you’ve
got any visibility. From Colintraive (18
miles) you can take the most expensive ferry
in the world (per yard) across to Robbodoch
on the Island of Bute. A drive around the
Kyles, plus a visit to Bute itself adds
up to a full day out.
Island of Bute (18.01 miles)
Accesssed via the Colintraive-Robbodoch
ferry (18 miles from here), Bute is an undiscovered
jewel in Scotland’s crown of islands
- usually overlooked because it is so easy
to get to. Rothesay is a pretty town with
a Castle and Museum, loads of cafes and
bars and restaurants, outdoor entertainments
for kids and a putting green. There are
quite a few gardens open to the public on
the island, which is only 25kms long and
never wider than 7km. To the South of the
Island is Mount Stuart, home to former racing
driver Johnny Dumfries, who is now the Marquess
of Bute. It is a stunning house with great
gardens and a wonderful art collection,
and open to the public all year. All around
the island are pretty coves and beaches
that are great for swimming, paddling, Barbecues
etc. You can easily cycle the island in
a day.
Glasgow (72 miles)
You can get there quicker using the boat,
but we suggest you go the long way overland.
It’s just over an hour and a half’s
drive via Loch Eck, Loch Fyne, the “rest
and be thankful” with its great views,
Loch Lomond and the A82; a stunning route
to take to an amazing city to visit. Great
galleries, half a dozen major museums, European
City of Architecture and of Culture, five
full-time theatres, plus opera, classical
music and ballet, Comedy Clubs, great restaurants,
internationally recognised club scene, variety
of concert venues, two reasonably famous
football teams - and excellent retail therapy
opportunities. The centre of Glasgow, and
virtually all the main attractions, are
extremely easy to navigate on foot. Edinburgh’s
only another 55 minutes away by car or train.
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