📌 Kilchattan Bay, Isle of Bute
★★★
Kilchattan Bay is the southernmost settlement on Bute, beyond which the landscape takes on a much ruggeder feel – quite unlike the rest of the island. You can only proceed on foot, making use of the southern (circular) leg of the West Island Way long distance route. The excellent coast path to Glencallum Bay is flanked by blackberry bushes that provide a delicious meal in September, while the inland return passes 12th century St Blane’s Chapel. A low hill near the end gives great views over the rest of the island and the Firth of Clyde.
📷 Chronological photo guide
🌍 Location
📌 Start / finish on the B881 near the jetty, Kilchattan Bay village centre, Isle of Bute
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NS 103550
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.750839,-5.024232
🚌 Bus to Kilchattan Bay
🚗 Car park / street parking
📝 Key info
▶ 9 km / 6 mi | ▲ 220 m | ⌛ 3-3.5 hr
Features: 🏖️ Kilchattan Bay ★★; 🏖️ Glencallum Bay; ⛪ St Blane’s Church ★★; △ Suidhe Chatain (157 m)
⬤ Moderate | Mostly clear but rough footpaths with very short sections of road and track. A little mud on the inland return, which is also quite hilly.
Download file for GPS➡️ Clockwise circuit: start & Kilchattan Bay – Glencallum Bay via coast path – Loch na Leighe – St Blane’s Church – Suidhe Chatain – start. Route follows West Island Way throughout, except for slight detour to / from Suidhe Chatain summit
🥾 On our last visit
Wildlife: Blackberry bonanza; also cows, seabirds, frogs and lots of sheep.
Weather: Generous sunny spells, temperature in mid teens, light wind.
September 2014
