Inner Hebrides
West Island Way
- Distance: 30 miles (48km)
- Duration: 2 to 4 days
- Start point: Kilchattan Bay, Bute
- End point: Port Bannatyne, Bute
- Difficulty: Generally suitable for inexperienced walkers, although some sections are strenuous and rough
- Suitable for: All levels
This delightful long distance walk takes in many of the finest sights on the Isle of Bute in the Firth of Clyde. This lesser-known trail boasts secluded beaches, a range of wildlife, and a generally flat profile.
The route crosses diverse landscapes from rocky headlands, seashore and sandy beaches to moorland, farmland and forest. Most of it is level though there is a high moorland section on Day three between Rhubodach to Port Bannatyne which can be boggy, especially in the winter and after long periods of heavy rain. For that reason, as for all west Scotland walks, the optimum months are May, early June and September when the days are warmer, the climate more stable and also when the biting midges are scarcer than in the main summer period.