Kyles of Bute

The Kyles of Bute is the passage or 'strait' between the charming Scottish villages of Tighnabruaich and Kames on the mainland of Argyll, and the north end of the Isle of Bute in the Firth of Clyde. At their widest less than two miles across, the Kyles narrow to just a few hundred yards at Rubha Ban (pronounced roo-baan).

Whether you are approaching by road, driving along the narrow and twisty road chiseled and blasted out of the hillside, or sailing up the Kyle, you are met with spectacular views. The Kyles are synonymous with sailing. Tighnabruiach and Kames are popular weekend crusing destinations, and as stop overs on the way north to the West Highlands via the Crinan Canal

THE 10 mile drive to Tighnabruaich from Glendaruel, on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll is not just a passage from one sublime spot to another but is a destination in itself. It helps that to get to it by road from Glasgow, you take in Loch Lomond, Loch Fyne and the Rest and Be Thankful Pass, all beautiful in their own right. But the amazing highlight is the A8003 road, running down the western Kyle of Bute.

The view is a breathtaking mix of land, sea and sky. In early evening the sun shimmering on the water gives the smaller islands the appearance of hovering over the sea. Time your visit right and you can catch 'The Waverley' steaming through the narrows or watch the Colintraive ferry make its trip over to Bute - the shortest ferry crossing in Europe.