Strathclyde Islands

The islands of Bute and Arran lie to the east of Kintyre in the Firth of Clyde. Arran, at 20 miles long is the larger of the two and is often referred to as ‘Scotland in miniature’ because of its many different faces. Brodick is the main town and resort but there is a good road around the island making Torrylin, in the south, Blackwaterfoot and Machrie on the west coast and Lochranza to the north, easily accessible. Goat Fell dominates the granite ridges in the east at 2866 feet and the surrounding area is very popular with walkers. The National Trust for Scotland owns the castle at Brodwick.

Bute lies off the Cowal Peninsula, separated from it by the Kyles of Bute. This is an extremely attractive area and there is a guided walk that takes in the water foreshore. The main town and ferry port is Rothesay, where you will also find the remains of a 13th century castle. Another worthwhile attraction is Ardencraig Garden. Islay and Jura lie to the west of Kintyre with Islay being the most southerly of all the western isles. The main town on Islay is Bowmore, where attractions include the Bowmore Distillery and Killarow Church, which has a completely circular structure so there are no corners in which the devil can hide. Port Charlotte lies on the opposite side of Loch Indaal to Bowmore and is home to the Museum of Islay life.

Jura is among the most rugged and mountainous of the Inner Hebrides with the ‘Paps of Jura’ dominating the whole landscape. The west coast around Loch Tarbert is practically uninhabited. Like Islay the island does boast a distillery that you can tour by appointment. 8 miles off coast are Colonsay and Oransay, which you can walk between at low tide.

Colonsay and Oransay are probably the most remote of the islands but combine stunning scenery of crystal blue waters and white sandy beaches along with an array of birdlife and flowers that have found a home on the islands. There are limited tourist facilities near the ferry terminal at Scalasaig on Colonsay and you can walk between the two islands for several hours at low tide each day.