We are the Cunninghame Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Helen B.
This walk forms part of Bute's West Island Way, crossing over the island with both seaside and inland walking.
The plan is to walk from Kilchattan Bay to Rothesay, however if we don't make our 09:47 bus connection from the ferry we will complete the walk in reverse and get the bus back to Rothesay from Kilchattan Bay at the end (where is a cafe and beach to spend any time waiting for the hourly bus).
We begin at Kilchattan Bay and cross over the island to Stravanan Bay which has a lovely sandy beach on the west coast, passing an airfield and Bute golf course. We will have our coffee break here by the shore.
Leaving the shore, we head inland and pass through a farm steading, a small road section of road walking before joining the path inland. This section offers great views of Arran.
We will pass Loch Ascog, before walking down through a field (beware of any livestock) to Loch Fad where will stop for lunch (there are toilets available here). We complete the walk by returning to Rothesay to catch the ferry.
The walk is mainly on well-waymarked paths with small sections of roads and through a field so care is needed. Parts of the field were pretty muddy on the recce, so we suggest waterproof boots.
Although there is some ascent, these are gentle with no steep slopes involved.
We meet in Morrison's car park at 07:50 ready for an 08:00 departure to Wemyss Bay station. For car sharing, this will be a 42-mile round trip. Parking at Wemyss Bay station is £3 per car. We will get the 09:05 sailing to Rothesay, return ticket is £8.40
Bus stop is outside the ferry terminal, where we will take the bus to Kilchattan Bay, aiming to start walking at 10:20
If there is time before catching the bus, there is a cafe and a beach.
