Kyles of Bute

The Kyles of Bute form a narrow sea channel between the Isle of Bute and the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute. The surrounding hillsides are mostly wooded, with rocky tops and moorland areas. The Kyles split into the East and West Kyles, each offering distinct scenery and waterways. The East Kyle runs from Rothesay Bay to Loch Riddon, while the West Kyle extends from the East Kyle past Tighnabruaich to the Sound of Bute. The area is designated a National Scenic Area, recognised for its exceptional landscapes. The Kyles have long been a popular route for Clyde steamers, including the PS Waverley, the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer. The area is also favoured for yachting, with many sheltered anchorages available. Two long-distance footpaths, the Cowal Way and the West Island Way, follow the shorelines of the West and East Kyles respectively. These routes are part of Scotland’s Great Trails, drawing walkers to explore the coastal scenery. Visitors find wooded hills, rocky outcrops and sheltered waters along the Kyles. The Burnt Islands and Eilean Dubh lie at the northern end of the East Kyle, while Loch Riddon offers deeper inlets and quieter shores. Birdwatchers spot eider ducks, oystercatchers and herons in the area. On Eilean Buidhe, the remains of a vitrified fort stand as evidence of the islands’ ancient past.