A Walk on the Isle of Bute, with Views of Arran

Starting in the magnificent Edwardian railway station and ferry terminal at Wemyss Bay, we catch a ferry to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. As we approach our destination, the misty mountainous peaks of the Isle of Arran come into view way in the distance, giving a clue as to the visual treats that lie in store during today's hiking adventure.
Our walk takes us up the High Street, by Rothesay Castle, and joins with the West Island Way close to Loch Fad. By the waters edge we are treated to stunning views of a mist and cloud-coated Arran, views that we will remember forever.
Remaining on this long-distance walking route on the island, we pass Loch Ascog, and head up onto a moorland track that offers even more views and reinforces the fact that we are indeed on an island.
Leaving the West Island Way behind, we then make for Mount Stuart, its Gothic Revival architecture being simply magnificent. If the exterior of this wondrous house is anything to go by, the interior will be jaw-droppingly beautiful.
After Kerrycroy Bay we pick up a minor road that takes us back to Rothesay, where the gentle breeze brings a ferry to take us back across the Firth of Clyde, and the first step back towards home.
Music by Eddy Burns.

[@user-yl2qx9hd4w]

I don't know if you're still viewing comments on this one but that was a nice wee film which brought back memories as I grew up there. You didn't seem to be too impressed with the pastie but I can vouch for their shortbread as a slice from the "Electric Bakery" was my daily "playpiece" when I attended Rothesay Primary in the 1960s! I live away from the island now but I suppose you can always call the place where your parents are buried "home".

[@longleat8B]

Nothing better than a ferry ride to an island, a sunny spring day, fresh air and a good long walk in the countryside....Excellent .. so glad I came along with you.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thank you. It was a beautiful day.

[@jeancampbell5752]

Love the music and the video ,made me homessick ll was born and brought up on the beautiful island

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks Jean. Arran's always worth a visit. Magical island.

[@annhinrichs5587]

In these uncertain times your videos give me moments of peace, beauty and hope for a better future. Thank you Ed! Best wishes from Ohio

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers Ann, and best wishes to Ohio.

[@robertwright4651]

Smashing video Ed cracking day for a wander amazing what we have a short journey away take care until next time cheers

[@EdExploresScotland]

Yes, it's really not far from Glasgow. A short voyage on a ferry and we're in a different world.

[@PaganAbroad]

Thanks!

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thank you.

[@Gieza-Brake-Pahl]

Just back from a days treck myself, I had lovely weather for the first time in weeks, the wife had a lovely curry ready when I got back and I have now retired to my bed with a malt but to crown a perfect day there is a video from Eddie, magic! Scenery is so good am going to watch it again on a big screen.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Always great when we have the weather. Let's have more sunny days. 👍

[@happyhiker.scotland]

Love this video Ed 😊

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks.

[@craigm6878]

Great video, always nice to see Bute on a sunny day in its full glory. If you’ve never visited St Blanes Chapel on the island it’s worth a visit.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers Craig. St Blane's Chapel site is certainly worth a visit - fascinating place. I did in fact visit it during one of my other walks and videos. If you check my West Island Way playlist, it's in there. Take care.

[@DerekHoughton]

Great walk Ed. Cannae beat it with that weather. Mount Stuart is definitely worth a visit, the inside is absolutely stunning. By the way McCaskie's Butcher shop/cafe across from Wemyss Bay station is also worth a visit next time you are down that way. 👍

[@EdExploresScotland]

I'll try to remember McCaskie's next time. Cheers.

[@brycehermon5939]

What a lovely day to be out and about. Bute certainly looks like a beautiful place to visit. Thanks for sharing.

[@badhat63]

I enjoyed last two videos Ed. 👍

[@thomasks3]

Thank you Ed for another fab video 👍

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks. 👍

[@BigRedJed]

A good walk on any fair day of the year is a blessing, but there is something about a walk in springtime that is magical. Keep well Eddy.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Absolutely. Take care.

[@alistairthow1384]

Well! Inside mount Stewart is even more impressive than the exterior Ed.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Yes, a visit to Mount Stewart itself is definitely on the cards, and I very much look forward to it. Many thanks.

[@janegrassmarket1414]

Wemyss Bay ferry terminal is on my bucket list

[@EdExploresScotland]

Wemyss Bay railway station and ferry terminal are architecturally magnificent, and very much worth a visit all on their own.

[@slydermartin6008]

Another nice walkabout and there's nothing better than being on the water. PS; Never underestimate the value of a good "thumb rest".

[@EdExploresScotland]

It's wheels on my rucksack and a leg-rest I'm after! 😜

[@colinblack7049]

Hi Ed, Rothsay is a great place, I've been there a couple of times. Mount Stuart is fantastic inside, the tours of the house are all accompanied by someone who knows the history. And as you say a wee hurl on a boat is a bonus.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Hi Colin. Yes, a visit to Mount Stuart itself is definitely on the cards.

[@lynnthomason6589]

Very nice views and a lovely day for your walk. Thanks so much. Lynn

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers Lynn. You just can't beat the Clyde Coast for scenery.

[@andym2869]

Brilliant once again Eddy, really enjoyed this one,already looking forward to your next wee adventure 😁

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks Andy. Views of Arran were stunning.

[@andym2869]

@@EdExploresScotland yeah the views across that loch with the boat and the people fishing on it were out of this world Eddy,my Mrs & I went to Arran a couple of year's ago it was amazing 🤩,how long is the ferry journey to Bute please Eddy? I live down the road unfortunately in Cumbria at the northern end of the Lake District but rest assured I always head north of the border any free time I have,we are heading on up next week for a few days in our old motorhome,I actually had a DNA test done a couple of year's ago & apparently I'm 58% Scottish so that's probably the reason I always want to head on back 'home' 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 😂

[@EdExploresScotland]

I get all of my info online. Here's the Calmac ferry timetable with journey times. Enjoy your visit. www.calmac.co.uk/article/7826/Bute-Wemyss-Bay---Rothesay

[@williamlong7188]

One thing I did enjoy post Covid was on the boat to Rothesay was looking over the side of the boat looking down at the water coming off the bow of the boat smelling the sea salty air on a fine summer day after being stuck in the house for nearly two years . Nothing beats a sail on a ferry to an island. I remember those adverts in tv for Caledonian McBrayne Ferries and saying have you had a Caledonian McBrayne wave yet? Hope maybe go to Arran this Saturday coming weather permitted. Never had my new 10 month Collie pup over there yet but he was with me on Bute last August. Take care Eddie .

[@EdExploresScotland]

Yes, there was definitely something special about post-Covid freedom. Enjoy your trip.

[@1964biggmark]

long many a year since i was last in Rothesay bout 40 years lol

[@EdExploresScotland]

Rothesay's always worth a visit. 👍

[@williamlong7188]

Great video beautiful island and you captured Loch Fad and made it look very stunning beautiful place . Love Ettrick Bay favourite on the Isle of Bute . Stunning beautiful island. I was there last August . Did you try the lentil soup on board the Cal - Mac ferry ? It’s great too. You were right definitely the government warnings on the smartphones is definitely a updated version of the 4 min warning

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers William. I'm definitely returning to visit Mount Stuart. I'll keep in my mind the ferry's lentil soup.

[@williamlong7188]

@@EdExploresScotland watch be careful the price of the empire biscuits at Mount Stuart was very steep when I was there nearly 20 years ago. Enjoy your trip .

[@peterho8007]

Keep walking !! All the best to u ........And by the way , is this a one day hike ?? Thanks.

[@EdExploresScotland]

The walk in the video was on just one day, but obviously the trail all around the Arran coast would take many days.

[@peterho8007]

@@EdExploresScotland Thanks a lot.

[@benh1172]

Excellent video, did you film this on a Friday morning? as I think I saw you in grand central station Glasgow, morning when I was going to my work! Was gonna say hello but was rushing for a train!

[@EdExploresScotland]

Hi. Thanks very much. Yes, it was the Friday, which seemed the best weather day as far as rain or wind speed was concerned.

[@dougieross1042]

Great video Ed, Why not do Arran?

[@EdExploresScotland]

Arran is certainly on the cards. Some day.

[@ArmandoLoni]

Is the bookshop still there in Wemyss Bay station? 👍🏻

[@EdExploresScotland]

I'm afraid I don't know. Sorry. Anyone else know?

[@ArmandoLoni]

@@EdExploresScotland It was a great wee second hand bookshop..... And what a station!! They don't build them like that anymore 👍🏻

[@jimmcintosh9045]

Yes still there.

[@4moreseh]

What kind of cake/pie was that?

[@EdExploresScotland]

A Cornish Pastie, if I recall. A mix of potato and maybe turnip with onion and maybe even a bit of meat. Miners used to take them down the pit for lunch as they were easy to carry around and still remained intact (or something like that.)

[@Flash_of_the_peat_hill]

I love your videos Ed but could you please reduce the eating noise whilst editing? It fills me (my issue I know) with rage.

[@EdExploresScotland]

I could maybe liquidize the pies so you just get a lot of slurping instead of chewing.

[@MrMaharg65]

Magic 🫡 Haven’t been to Rothesay for years & years. You’ve made me need to go back soon. My Gran was from Helensburgh & ended up as a teenager working at Mount Stuart. Legend is - she amazed the other workers as she seemed to know exactly where everything was - all the layout of the big house - as if she’d been there before - which she hadn’t.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Rothesay's always worth a trip, or even a holiday. Mount Stuart looked pretty amazing. I'll certainly return.

[@MrMaharg65]

Your camera work here is excellent. That shot of the loch with Arran behind is sensational 🫡