Balnakailly circuit, Rhubodach

Summary

This waymarked circuit from the Rhubodach ferry explores the northernmost part of Bute. The walk climbs up through beautiful deciduous woodland to visit a deserted farm. It then continues up to reach a fine viewpoint overlooking the Kyles. The return is on forestry tracks and then on the road by the shore.

Please read the WARNING below before setting out on this route.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.75/5

Rating

Terrain

Waymarked path, some very muddy sections on the ascent through the woods. Forest track then tarmac road for the return. Livestock are often present on the route.

Getting there

Start

Rhubodach ferry jetty.

Public Transport

Rhubodach ferry terminal is served by bus.

Start Grid Ref

NS027742

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.25km / 4 miles
Time: 1.5 -2 hours
Ascent: 143m (Profile)

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Explorer 362 - Cowal West

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

WARNING

There are some trees down blocking the route in Stage 3 before the farm ruins, but there is a (poorly) marked diversion to bypass these. To make the detour, turn right shortly after the bridge at the start of Stage 3, near the art installation. The original route is rejoined at the ruins (if this has reopened please let us know).

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

Stage 1

The walk begins from the Rhubodach ferry terminal, where there is parking. The ferry here links Bute to Colintraive on the Cowal peninsula and is the shortest crossing to the island, taking only 5 minutes. Begin the walk by heading up the track at the north end of the tarmac.

Stage 2

Pass through a gate and follow the rutted track as it leads west along the shore above Balnakailly Bay. A burn forces it to bend left; cross a very boggy area to reach a gate giving access to a signed path into the woods.

Stage 3

The path crosses a footbridge and then keeps to the right of a burn, climbing uphill. There are a few very boggy sections but the mix of deciduous trees are very beautiful. Eventually the track reaches a denser stretch of forestry - head straight through this to emerge into more open woodland. Just beyond are the ruins of Balnakailly Farm, thought to have been abandoned in the 1860s.

Stage 4

The path keeps left of the farm and ascends through a felled area to eventually reach a turning area with a signpost. The circuit goes straight ahead here, but first take the path signed to the right for the 'WWII Bunker'. This path - very muddy in places - leads through the trees to eventually emerge at a fantastic viewpoint overlooking the Kyles of Bute. The concrete bunker - a short distance below - was one of several used to control decoy lights designed to fool German bombers into thinking the area was a valuable airfield.

Stage 5

Return along the path to the turning area, and this time leave along the forestry track to the right. This soon reaches a t-junction - turn left here, following the West Island Way down through the trees. Ignore a signed path to the right, and further on (after 2km from the t-junction) - when the West Island Way track goes off to the right - curve left to continue downhill.

Stage 6

The track leads down to a gate and leaves the forest, reaching the main road just beyond. Turn left to follow the road close by the shore to return to the Rhubodach ferry.

Route Profile

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