Top Five Winter Activities on the Isle of Bute

The Isle of Bute is one of Scotland’s most accessible islands. During the summer months it is a popular destination for holiday makers from across the country, but what does this island have to offer visitors in winter?

1. Cycling

The Isle of Bute is a fantastic option for cyclists at any time of the year, but why not take advantage of the quiet off-season roads? Being just a short ferry ride from the mainland means a daytrip to the island is easily done from Glasgow or Edinburgh. On the island there are a whole host of road and off road cycle routes taking in Bute’s incredible scenery.

The Isle of Bute is a low lying island, its highest elevation is a mere 278 meters, but surprisingly it is home to one of Scotland’s most technical hill climbs. The Serpentine. Located just behind the town centre of Rothesay, this category two climb is a serious objective involving 14 consecutive hairpin bends! The current record is just under two minutes to the top, could you beat that?

2. Walking

The Isle of Bute has a lot to offer walkers during the winter months. Quiet and accessible walking routes, beautiful scenery and cosy pubs to warm up in after a day’s walk. The Isle of Bute is home to Scotland’s first official island long distance footpath, the West Island way. Spanning 40 kilometres and the whole length of the island, this varied waymarked route travels through forest, moorland and coast. This route can be split up into stages and completed over a few days or during separate visits to the island.

3. Wildlife

The Isle of Bute has a wealth of wildlife to see during the winter months. On land, the island is home to roe deer, brown hares, rabbits and moles. By the coast, you are very likely to see members of Bute’s two seal colonies. The best viewpoint for seal spotting is at Scalpsie Bay on the west of the island, here on a good day, you have the chance to see a 200 strong seal colony on the rocks at the north of the bay. In the air, the Isle of Bute has a lot to offer. Throughout the year Bute is host to a large variety of birds, during a single day even in winter, it is possible to see over 50 different species! You can find specific bird hides at Loch Ascog, Loch Quie, The Kirk Dam and Ettrick Bay.

4. History

The Isle of Bute is steeped in history from the first pre-historic settles to Viking invasions and warring Scottish kings. Rothesay castle is a must visit for anyone to the island. The castle is unique for its early build date and iconic circular layout; it is thought to have been built in the early 1200s as defence against Norwegian invasion.

Bute museum is another great destination for anyone interested in the natural and historical heritage of the island. The museum is independently run with in depth, history, archaeology and natural history galleries. Then a little bit of Bute history is located adjacent to the ferry port in Rothesay harbour, Rothesay’s restored Victorian toilets. Supposedly the most impressive public toilets in Scotland, if not Britain!

5. Eat and Drink

The Isle of Bute has a huge variety of restaurants on offer, cosy pubs to warm up in, beach front cafés and brilliant restaurants serving fresh local produce. The Kingarth Hotel boasts of being the Isle of Bute’s only country pub; with a roaring log fire, cosy décor and hearty food this is just what you need after a long day outside.

The Chandlers Hotel and restaurant is beautiful property just south of Rothesay with spectacular views across the Clyde, serving local produce through a regularly changing menu, the restaurant is full most weekends so do book in advance. For a lighter lunch option why not visit the Ettrick Bay tearooms, overlooking the mile long, sandy Ettrick bay this tearoom also serves a great selection of cakes!