Walk this way

The West Island Way is a great way to explore the island of Bute on foot. Aileen Torrance reports

To most Scots, the island of Bute is synonymous with going ‘doon the watter' to Rothesay. Building castles on the golden sands of Ettrick or Scalpsea bays; a game of putting at the Winter Gardens; ice cream, fish and chips, and a photo opportunity at the fountain; are all pleasures still on offer today. But the island has so much more to offer. During the last few years, Bute has been slowly re-inventing itself, and the West Island Way, the first long distance path to be opened on a Scottish island, has played a significant role in the island's rejuvenation.

Bute nestles in the nook formed by the Cowal peninsula, the Ayrshire coast, the Cumbraes, and Arran. In just under 30 miles (42 kilometres) of relatively easy, all-season walking, the West Island Way offers the visitor views which are as diverse as they are spectacular, following a loop which encompasses the island from south to north across the divide of the Highland Fault which splits the island neatly into two quite distinct landscapes.

The terrain is relatively easy, through woods and across moorland, sometimes hugging the rocky shoreline interspersed with sandy bays, occasionally requiring a slightly more energetic climb. The walk, marked with a distinctive yellow boot on a green post, breaks down into four or five easily manageable sections with the town of Rothesay conveniently at the centre.

The first section, starting at Kilchattan Bay, is approximately five miles. The village takes its name from Saint Catan...

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• By : Aileen Torrance
• In : Walking Scotland
• Issue : 38
• Page : 42
• Words : 1,157