The final section of the West Island Way follows the road back from Rhubodach to Port Bannatyne. As it keeps to the tarmac it may be omitted by many walkers; however the road sticks closely to the coastline and does offer good views over the Kyles to Cowal.
Summary
Tarmac road throughout
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1. Many walkers regard the ferry at Rhubodach as being the end of the West Island Way, but the official route does not head for the ferry and instead turns to the right along the road from the end of the farm track at the end of Stage 3. The road is not single track and the traffic can be fairly fast, though it is mostly restricted to two bursts in each direction every half an hour in time with the ferries.
2. There is no pavement so some care is needed. The first section is alongside a narrow section of the Kyles of Bute. After five and half kilometres the road cuts inland away from Ardmaleish Point before returning to the coast on the north side of Kames Bay. Continue to follow the road round the bay, keeping left at the junction, to reach the official end of the West Island Way at Port Bannatyne. There is a large new marina here, but otherwise Port Bannatyne is still what is was when first built in the 1900s - a very attractive and quieter alternative to the island capital of Rothesay.
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