An enchanting and ever-changing island hike — West Island Way
An enchanting and ever-changing island hike — West Island Way
Randonnée - Collection par Dan Hobson
2
jours
6-7 h
/ jour
48,9 km
750 m
760 m
The West Island Way winds through the ever-changing, utterly-enchanting and wildlife-rich landscapes of the Isle of Bute. Wonderfully varied throughout, the mid-distance hike traverses rocky coastline, golden beaches, wild moorland, rolling farmland, large forests, lochsides and traditional seaside settlements.
As the Way explores the length and breadth of this rugged little island, wildlife-spotting opportunities are abundant. You can observe basking sharks and seal colonies along the coastline. Roe deer, rabbit and hare skip merrily inland. No less than 200 bird species have been recorded on the Isle, including osprey, little and snowy egret, black-throated thrush, common cuckoo and swallow.
The 30-mile (40 km) route begins with a loop of southern Bute from Kilchattan Bay, which is hailed as one of the best starts to any long-distance hike, and then heads west to Stravanan Bay. The trail continues northeast to Rothesay and onto Port Bannatyne. The final section loops the wild northern end of Bute, characterised by rugged moors and far-reaching views.
Highlights along the Way include: Rubh' an Eun Lighthouse, a small lighthouse on Bute’s rocky southeastern corner with great views; St Blane's Chapel, an atmospheric 13th-century ruin nestled in a picturesque valley; Stravanan Bay, a golden beach with glorious views of Arran; Rothesay Castle, a magnificent ruined fortress; Balnakeilly WW2 Bunker, an interesting historical site with jaw-dropping views; and Kames Hill, a wild and remote moorland summit with views of Inchmarnock and Arran.
In this Collection, I have split the route into two stages, 13.8 miles (22.2 km) and 16.6 miles (26.7 km) respectively. This is a fairly ambitious itinerary. Of course, you can divide the Collection into as many days as you feel comfortable with or walk single stages. Both hikes finish near accommodation and places to eat and drink.
The walking on this trail is as diverse as the landscapes it explores. For the most part, the route is moderate and suitable for all abilities. There are some steep climbs (although, none that are too sustained), as well as occasional rocky and technical sections, and parts that can become boggy underfoot. However, those with some hill walking experience should have little trouble.
Navigation is fairly easy throughout. The final high moorland section to the finish at Port Bannatyne can be tricky, especially in poor visibility. As such, navigational aids and experience using them are required. Sturdy footwear, waterproofs, sunscreen, a first aid kit, and enough food and water for each stage are recommended, too. Whilst the trail does not stray too far from civilisation, there are some remote sections with little in the way of shelter or opportunity to resupply.
The West Island Way can be completed in all seasons. However, be aware that the wetter winter months will bring more bog potential and will leave you more exposed on the high and wilder sections.
The best way to get to the Isle of Bute is the car and passenger ferry from Wemyss Bay (connected via rail to Glasgow) to Rothesay. The crossing takes 35 minutes and the boat sails every hour. Once on Bute, the near-hourly 490 bus links Kilchattan, at the start, and Port Bannatyne, at the finish, with Rothesay.
Prêt à vous lancer ? Créez et personnalisez votre propre version de cette aventure en utilisant le Tour complet ci-dessous comme modèle.
Dernière mise à jour : 18 avril 2024
Planifiez votre propre version de cette aventure dans le planificateur multi-jours en vous basant sur les étapes proposées dans cette Collection.
Vous pouvez vous attendre à une marche merveilleusement variée sur l'étape 1, qui explore la côte rocheuse, les plages de sable, les landes accidentées, les terres agricoles vallonnées, les bois, les lochsides et se termine dans une ville balnéaire victorienne pittoresque.
La randonnée commence par une…
par Dan Hobson
La dernière étape s'élève à travers des forêts atmosphériques et dans des landes sauvages avec une vue magnifique sur les Kyles of Bute et l'île d'Arran.
Vous commencez le long du front de mer de Rothesay, célèbre pour ses toilettes victoriennes et sa vue sur le Firth of Clyde, avant une ascension courte…
par Dan Hobson
Sortie à vélo - Collection par Angela Pulliero
Randonnée - Collection par Niko
VTT - Collection par Scotty C
Sortie à vélo - Collection par Tobias