Latest news with #WildAboutArgyll
Daily Record
20-06-2025
- Daily Record
The Scottish island home to beaches and pub with 'sun trap beer garden'
The isle has everything for a family summer getaway. After a wet start to June, it finally feels like summer is beginning in Scotland. With high temperatures forecast across the country over the coming days, many Scots will be wondering how to make the most of it. When it comes to choosing a day-trip or staycation spot, everybody will have their own preferences. While some prefer easy access to scenic hikes and unique beauty spots, all others want is a friendly pub with a beer garden to soak up some sun. One destination that offers both, and more, is the Isle of Bute. Situated in the Firth of Clyde, the island can be easily reached from Glasgow. Likely your first destination when arriving on Bute will be Rothesay. The main settlement on the island, it has a population of around 4,300 people. The Victorian seaside resort is home to amazing attractions such as Rothesay Castle and the Bute Museum. The former dates back to the 13th century and is famed for its association with the Stewart kings of Scotland, while the Bute Museum is the place to learn more about the incredible natural history of the island. For those looking to get a drink in the sun, one of the top pubs in Rothesay is The Galatea Bar. The venue serves up a wide selection of beers, wines, spirits, ciders, and soft drinks. According to The Galatea Bar Facebook page, the pub features a "sun trap beer garden". There are numerous benches where patrons can enjoy an outdoor drink, while there are also parasols if an unexpected rain shower hits. At the moment, the pub has an average rating of 4.6 out of five on Google based on 217 reviews. Past customers have described it as "stylish and friendly" and "lovely". Rothesay is also home to a number of cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a tasty sit-down meal. Zavaroni's Cafe is a good spot for a light bite or lunch, while The Jam Jar serves up classic dishes such as burgers and fish and chips. Outside of Rothesay, Bute offers a variety of picturesque sandy beaches. Among the most well-known and popular is Ettrick Bay. Situated on the island's northwest coast, Ettrick Bay is comprised of a one-mile-long stretch of golden sand that benefits from sensational views out across to Dunoon and the Isle of Arran. Featuring car parking, toilets, picnic areas, and even a kids' play area, according to Wild About Argyll, it is a great spot for a paddle with the family. Another beautiful beach on Bute is St. Ninian's Bay, which is known for its white cockle shells. Usually quieter than the more popular Ettrick Bay, it is a good choice for those after a picturesque walk or a bit of birdwatching. Other things to see on the Isle of Bute include Mount Stuart and St Blane's Chapel. Mount Stuart features around 300 acres of gardens with amazing plant collections to explore, while St Blane's Chapel consists of the well-preserved ruins of a church dating back hundreds of years. If you are interested in heading to Bute for a staycation this summer, the island can be reached via ferry. There are regular services between Rothesay and Wemyss Bay, which has a rail link to Glasgow. More information about Bute and the things to see and do on the island can be found on the Visit Bute website.
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Daily Record
The little known Scottish beach that is 'jewel in the crown of secret coast'
All around Scotland's coastline, there are picturesque beaches both big and small. Many of these are usually swarmed with Scots as soon as the weather turns sunny. For those wanting a bit more peace and quiet, the Daily Record has chosen a hidden spot for our latest Walk of the Week. Each week, we choose one hike or beauty spot from around Scotland and shine a light on what makes it unique—and this time it is Kilbride Bay. Also known as Ostel Bay, Kilbride Bay is a bay and beach situated in Argyll and Bute. It is located on the Cowal Peninsula, and is described by experts at Wild About Argyll as the "jewel in the crown of Argyll's secret coast". Ostel Bay is among the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in Argyll, if not the whole of Scotland. The crescent-shaped beach, which is backed by dunes, offers incredible views out over the Firth of Clyde towards the north of the Isle of Arran. To get to the beach, follow the B800 from Tighnabruaich and Kames to the village of Millhouse. After this, turn to the left and continue along until you arrive at Kilbride Farm, after which it is around a 15-minute walk beside fields to Kilbride Bay. Thanks to its relative obscurity and large size, the beach never feels crowded—even at the height of summer. In fact, you may find that you are the only soul on Kilbride Bay when you visit. The beach is a perfect spot for sunbathing, paddling, and swimming, so long as you don't mind the chilly waters. Meanwhile, visitors young and old will love walking up and down its length beachcombing for unique shells. Once you are done exploring Ostel Bay, it is worth stopping over at The Bothy at Kilbride Farm. The café, which is located at the beginning of the track to the beach, serves up lunches, snacks, home baking, and more. Continue reading for some images of Kilbride Bay. Further information about the beach and how to get there can be found on the Wild About Argyll website. If you are still looking for travel inspiration, some of the Daily Record's previous Walks of the Week can be found here:
