Arrived in Innellan for the start of our new adventure

But after a couple of days of unpacking, sorting things out, making shelves, fitting hooks and mirrors it was time to get some fresh air. Thursday night it was out to the local pub for dinner and a pint. Shredded slow cooked duck salad with healthy chips. Great
Then on the Friday we headed off in the car for the Isle of Bute. It takes only an hours drive through total wilderness, round Loch Striven to get to the small ferry crossing at Colintraive. Then a further 2 minutes ferry journey to get you over to the Isle of Bute.

Ferry arrives in Bute after its lengthy crossing through rough seas, l don't think. 

We didn't set off until after lunch, so we took our time driving along the coast to Rothesay. The main town on the island.

Walked round the town, took all of five minutes, then round the remains of the castle and into the tourist information centre to get the low down on the walks available on the island.

Stocked up with all manner of information, its time to get ensconced in the Glenburn hotel. A massive Victorian pile with tremendous views looking out over the sea to Toward. Its past its sell by date, the but rooms are generous, clean, recently refurbished in parts. But more importantly its got lots of hot water for soaking the bones after a long walk.

The following day we head to the south of the Island and start the West  Island Way.

A great walk along the coast for the first half before heading inland past ancient monuments, round lochs and up over hills with fantastic views of the Islands in the Atlantic. Or is it the Irish sea.

A real mixture of walking, with varied and abundant flora, spectacular rock formations and a derelict lighthouse, along with inquisitive cattle, smelly sheep and a herd of wild ponies who scared us both to death as they thundered towards us through the head high bracken.

 

One of the most varied and unusual walks we had done for a long time. About 10k in total, and very rewarding. Back for a sandwich lunch before heading into Port Bannatyne. The walk was along the old tram track to Ettrick Bay on in the West.
Directions and map were rather vague to say the least, so we started out heading uphill unnecessarily, only to eventually meet up with the central West Island Way and come right back down to sea level, before finding the right path. Nevertheless, it was very pleasant. Plus we ended up in the bay overlooking the islands with chocolate and a cup of coffee, albeit a milky one, before retracing our steps back to Bannatyne.

Small project for sale

Back at the hotel we managed to relax on the veranda watching the yachts, small boats along with the lumbering Caledonian McBride ferry and the ancient attractive paddle steamer the Waverly cross in front of our vision whilst having a nice glass of something refreshing.  

The following day we are up and out. This time a journey round the island before hitting the grand mansion and its vast gardens that traverse between the coastline and forests inland.

 A magnificent place. We walked for hours, had a guided tour round the house, partook lunch and then walked more.

A fantastic day, but we were eventually pleased to be heading back for a good hot bath, a drink and dinner.







 






 

 

 














Then before we new it it was time to leave and get back to Innellan.