Bute and the Cowal Peninsula

Beginning with a nice flat stretch on the Isle of Bute, this route crosses over to the Cowal Peninsula. Here the route is longer a bit more challenging but varied and interesting. It can be completed in one day or split over a couple of days to enjoy some further exploration of interesting attractions along the way.

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Buddleja and rosebay willowherb flowers along Loch Fyne with moored small fishing boat

Route Summary

Distance

51 miles / 82 km
Time

03:31
Ascent

2,132 feet / 650 m
Difficulty Level

Strenuous
Terrain

Road
Start Point

Rothesay
End Point

Dunoon
How to Get There

The start of this route in Rothesay is accessible via ferry from Wemyss Bay Railway Station

The route crosses over to the Cowal Peninsula via the Colintraive - Rhubodach Ferry

The end point in Dunoon connects via ferry to Gourock and Gourock Railway Station
Downloads

Download GPX

Route Map

Gallery

A seal's head and tail sticking out of the water — Sea monster

Rothesay waysign with two folding bikes parked beneath — Rothesay

Rhubodach - Colintraive Ferry

Road to Rhubodach, Isle of Bute — Road to Rhubodach

Cottage in Glendaruel, Cowal Peninsula — Cottage in Glendaruel

Wildflowers on the shore of Loch Fyne — Loch Fyne

Small boat on the quiet shore of Loch Eck — Loch Eck

Chainsaw Craft on the shore of Loch Eck — Chainsaw Craft

Boats on Holy Loch — Holy Loch

Ruins of a pier in Rothesay — Rothesay

Houses along the shore road in Rothesay — Shore Road, Rothesay

Loch Ruel

Kilmodan Stones, Cowal Peninsula — Kilmodan Stones

Kilmodan Kirkyard

Wildflowers along the A886 on the Cowal Peninsula — A886

Wildflowers along Loch Fyne — Loch Fyne

Road winding along Loch Eck — Loch Eck

Waverley Seamship arrives in Dunoon — Waverley Arrival in Dunoon

Waverley Seamship departs Dunoon — Waverley Departure from Dunoon

Route Reviews

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