Another day, another walk in Bute

Drive from Rothesay over to the west of the Island to Ettrick Beach and start the walk along the coastal path towards Kilmichael through drifts of yellow primroses and hoards of pheasants. They must be rearing them for a shoot as you keep seeing drums full of food every twenty metres along the track.

 This part of the Island overlooks Kames and Tighnabruaich in Argyll. Years ago there used to be a small ferry between this part of Bute and Tighnabruaich, but this has long gone, as have the settlements along this edge of Bute. All that is left are the odd farm and tons of unwanted farm machinery littering the hedgerows. 

Fortunateley it doesnt detract too much from the beauty of the coast.

 
The deserted beaches are littered with flotsam and jetsam along with fantastic geological formations. This part of the world has all manner of rocks. Judith’s favourite past time searching the shore for unusual formations. That’s how she found me. 

 

The rocks are amazing to look at, layers upon layers.

Whilst we look at the rocks and stones the oystercatchers and seals look at us.

The stretch of water between us ( Kyles of Bute) gets busyer as the morning progresses. Fishing vessels come back from plundering the seas and pleasure craft head out to open seas with their sails ballooning in the wind.

 

We find the burial site of St Michael and the ruins of the chapel. Then we head up the hill and find numerous other burial sites. Kings and noblemen and early Christians who settles in this part of the world after travelling from Island, a short hop over the water. 

Return along the same track back to Ettrick Bay and the ever popular cafe for coffee and a piece of tablet. Bit naughty. But we had  eaten our healthy lunch earlier overlooking the Kyles.

Today the place was overflowing, with cyclists, walkers, kayacker's and a film crew making a promotional film about Bute. 

We then headed off in the car to our next walk. A circular walk round St Ninian's Bay, up Kilmoy hill and back to Straad.

Whats left of St Ninian's Chapel. Not a great deal

Some of the Kayaker's from the other bay

Broom being burnt in the distance

View from Kilmory overlooking St Ninian's Point

Knackered old bull enjoying his retirement

 Some great views over towards the Isle of Arran with its rugged mountain tops silhouetted against the sky.