The Isle of Bute is 15 miles long and 5 miles wide, but it’s jam-packed with history, culture and wild beauty.
Enjoy a peaceful stroll at Langalbuinoch Beach (2.5 miles), which sits directly opposite the Isle of Arran. Spot the different layers of volcanic rock that make up this part of the island, and further around the bay you’ll find the vitrified fort at Dunagoil.
Get active and take a sailing lesson or hire a paddle board in Rothesay (7.5 miles), stop to smell the flowers at the beautiful Ardencraig Gardens (7.5 miles), tee-off at Bute Golf Club (1.5 miles), or visit the Victorian mansion of Mount Stuart House (4 miles) - the home of the Earls and Marquesses of Bute.
Foodies love this island. Keep your eye open for the ‘ButeKitchen’ symbol in local restaurants, tearooms and bars – it’s the local mark of excellence. Head into Rothesay (7.5 miles) and treat yourself to some traditional Scottish afternoon tea at the Electric Bakery, taste the smoked salmon and cheese at Ritchie’s of Rothesay (this traditional smokehouse’s products have graced the Balmoral breakfast table), sample the island’s small batch hand-crafted gin at the ‘Gin Garden’ at Isle of Bute Gin, or check out the ‘Heidrun’ whisky liqueur at The Spirit of Bute micro-distillery.