West Island Way Section 1 Section 2 Section 3

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The West Island Way

The West Island Way was Scotland's first long distance island footpath. It was developed and opened in 2000 as part of Bute's events to celebrate the millenium. The path is 30 miles of waymarked walking which runs from south to north and takes in track, moor, forest and coastal walking. Click the thumbnail map to the right in order to see a larger map of the whole route. Descriptions and photos of the first three sections are now complete and further sections will be added as soon as possible.

• Section 1: Kilchattan Bay—Kilchattan Bay
  The first section of the West Island Way is a short loop which begins and ends in Kilchattan Bay. A distance of some four and a half miles, it was a pre-existing and well-known walk before the West Island Way was developed. It is a convenient walk since the bus to Rothesay can be taken at Kilchattan Bay, and although short, it is fairly strenuous. Distance about 4.5 miles.
• Section 2: Kilchattan Bay—Langalbuinoch
  A short, flat, easy section which stands as a walk in its own right for a hot and sultry day since you could linger on Stravanan beach. The ection which belongs to the West Island Way is only two and a quarter miles, but if you include the walk back to Kingarth to catch a bus then that would be 3 miles. For those doing the Way it can be added to section 1 or to Section 3 to make a longer trip. Distance 2.5 miles.
• Section 3: Langalbuinoch—Rothesay
  This walk has enormous variety of scenery, from the open vistas of Arran, over moorland with short forest sections and past two of Bute's lochs. It has some long but gentle uphill climbs and a couple of conveniently placed seating areas for taking breaks. Distance 6 miles.
• Section 4: Rothesay—Glen More (Ettrick Bay)
  
• Section 5: Glen More—Rhubodach
  
• Section 6: Rhubodach—Port Bannatyne