Rubh an Eun lighthouse, Bute March 2018

... and a small area of mainland to the north comprise the old county of Bute (now joined with Argyll). We reached it via the Wemyss Bay ferry and stayed first in Rothesay and then at Colintraive. We recommend the Colintraive Hotel which is next to the alternative, shorter, ferry crossing.

Our walk comprises the first six miles of the West Island Way, a circular walk from Kilchattan Bay. It started quite breezy, accelerated into very windy, added a fair amount of rain and overall was bracign but well worth the effort.

Along the way there are rocky shores, muddy patches, a steel lighthouse from 1911 (Rubh an Eun), great views, an interesting old chapel (St Blane's) and a return to the attractive bay at Kilchattan.

St Blane's Chapel is on a religious site dating back to the year 500, possibly predating St Columba's on Iona. There are Viking "hogsback" grave markers. Parts of the existing chapel date from the 1200s.

It is extremely well signposted throughout, and the walk continues around the island of Bute for 45km and so can be done in a weekend if you wish.

And while you are in Rothesay do drop in to the original Victorian toilet block next to the ferry. For 40 pence you get to see (and use!) the finest of high Victorian architecture.