Cross the narrowest part of Bute to visit Stravanan Bay with its fine views of the mountains of Arran. The return offers the opportunity to visit the remains of a prehistoric stone circle.
Level but muddy in places.
Bus to Kilchattan Bay.
Kilchattan Bay.
The walk begins from Kilchattan Bay, an attractive shoreline village of imposing sandstone villas dating back to the days when steam ships made this a popular resort for Glasgow folk. It is possible to park either near the old jetty or at the end of the road, just before the turning circle. Walk back NW along the shore road, turning left before the last imposing house at a footpath sign for Plan Road. Go through the kissing gate to the right, then continuing on the path through the trees with open fields to your right.
When the path emerges at a minor road, go straight across and through the kissing gate opposite to follow the path alongside the fence. Go through a gate and across a bridge into the field with the wind sock - the island's airstrip - and continue alongside the fence.
The line of the path keeps to the left of the main course although you need to watch out for golfers. Near the shore bear right until you reach a stile over a stone wall where you head diagonally right to a smaller stile which leads onto the beach. There are great views across to Arran on a clear day.
Turn right along the shore to reach Stravanan Bay itself, a fine sandy beach at low tide and less visited than the better known beaches further up Bute's west coast. The West Island Way continues along the beach, but for our route retrace your steps back along the path across the gold course and airstrip until the road you crossed earlier.
Turn left along the road for five hundred metres to where a track goes off to the right through the trees. Take this track; look out for a short detour path on the right hand side that leads to the remains of a prehistoric stone circle. Three large stones remain upright. Return to the track, turning right along it and heading through the gate.
The track ends but continue straight ahead across the fields to reach the B881 to the right of the houses. Turn right along the road to return to Kilchattan Bay.
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