About the Isle of Bute
The Isle of Bute (15 miles long and 5 miles wide) is arguably one of Scotland's most accessible islands, and is located in the Firth of Clyde, a short (40 min) ferry ride from the terminal at Wemyss Bay Station (which is itself well connected to the centre of Glasgow via the train). There is ample free parking on the street directly outside the tenement building. A car is not essential at Bellevue Bute as the apartment can be reached easily on foot from the main ferry terminal, is within walking distance of all local amenities in the town, and should you wish to explore further afield, a bus service is available around the island. Bike hire is also possible.
Bute has been a popular holiday destination since Victorian times and truly has something for everyone. Families enjoy the unspoilt sandy beaches and accessible animal habitats where otters, seals, porpoises, sea birds, birds of prey and red squirrels can all be seen. Walkers and cyclists enjoy well marked trails taking you all around the island, and off the beaten track if you wish! Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy various water based pursuits including sailing (www.buteboattours.co.uk), kayaking and stand up paddle boarding (www.butepaddleboards.co.uk). The more adventurous could explore the West Island Way, covering a distance of more than 28 miles in total passing through the mysterious St Blane's Chapel at the South to abandoned townships in Glen More at the North (www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/west-island-way.shtml).
Please do visit our Air bnb Guidebook, located here: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/s/guidebooks?refinement_paths[]=/guidebooks/3967573
The main town of Rothesay is the main populated area on the island, and is where the ferry from Wemyss Bay arrives. Bellevue Bute is a short 5 - 10 min walk from the ferry terminal and in fact can be viewed from the ferry as you arrive into Rothesay Bay.
Rothesay may be small, but is perfectly formed. There is a surprisingly high number of lovely, independent shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, and a gin garden. There is the 12th Century moated Rothesay Castle, together with the Bute Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artefacts in a building provided by the Marquess of Bute in 1927 (www.butemuseum.org.uk).
Mount Stewart House, located just outside of Rothesay is a magnificent country house estate, built in the Gothic Revival style and is the ancestral home of the Marquesses of Bute.
