Isle of Bute and The Cowal Peninsula
The Isle of Bute lies at the heart of the Firth of Clyde and has been the island retreat of both Scottish kings and generations of Glaswegian holidaymakers. The neighbouring Cowal Peninsula makes an enticing introduction to the West Highlands.
For such a compact island, Bute has some extraordinarily varied landscapes. From the lush, fertile and rolling hills of the island's heart to the craggy, heather-covered moorlands of the north and the delightful sandy beaches around the coastline, the island is a haven for walking, cycling, fishing and wildlife.
The Royal Burgh of Rothesay, Bute's main town, has a splendid Victorian frontage cradling a picturesque bay, a reminder of its heyday as a popular holiday destination for Glaswegians. However, it's still a favourite destination of the famous 'Waverley', the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world which plies its trade 'doon the watter' during the summer months from central Glasgow.
To the north, the beautiful Kyles of Bute separate the island from the Cowal Peninsula. This is the domain of feral mountain goats, buzzards and roe deer, whilst mackerel and sea trout provide sport for the angler. This most hilly part of Bute gives way to the gentler slopes of farmland pastures to the south, before rising in rocky crags once more at the most southerly tip. The waters off the Kyles are also a perennially popular sailing haunt for the local yachting fraternity.
The ferry trip across the Firth of Clyde is a fine introduction to the Cowal Peninsula. To the north the mountains surrounding the sea lochs of Long and Goil provide a stunning backdrop as the ferry arrives at the busy town of Dunoon. Dunoon, Cowal's principal community, boasts a range of hotels, shops and eating places, with something for every taste and every pocket. Built around two sheltered bays, it's the home of the worlds premier Highland games, the Cowal Gathering, and is also the seaboard gateway to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
Cowal is a land of rich Highland diversity, home to charming hamlets and villages like Tighnabruaich, and Lochgoilhead, mighty mountain peaks and deep glacial lochs. 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.
