Getting to Bute
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The Isle of Bute is situated in Scotland's Firth of Clyde, to the north of Arran, and is easily accessible by regular ferry services from the mainland.
There are two routes to the island. The scenic way (approximately 75 miles by car from Glasgow) takes you along the shores of Loch Lomond and through the Arrochar Alps in the heart of Argyll. This is some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland. Stop at the top of "Rest and Be Thankful" and admire the view. Skirting the top of Loch Fyne, with views across to Inveraray Castle, you head south and arrive at the Colintraive ferry for the 5 minute crossing to Rhubodach on Bute. The crossings are frequent, so if you just miss the boat it'll be back soon. Rothesay is about 7 miles from here.
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The principal route to the island is by car & passenger ferry from Wemyss Bay. The crossing takes half an hour with sailings every 45mins at peak times. Wemyss bay can be reached by car or train.
Caledonian MacBrayne offer the touring traveller various combined ticket packages for their island routes. With these you can create various interesting itineraries between Bute, Arran, Argyll and the Mull of Kintyre. Visit the official Calmac site for more details.
For stylish day trips to Bute come on the Paddle Steamer Waverley. Go to the official Website for more details
Trains
Trains depart from Glasgow Central Station for the 50 min. journey to Wemyss Bay at frequent times throughout the day. The railway terminus is situated at the head of the pier, which means a 2 minute walk to the ferry on arrival at the station.
Road
By car Wemyss Bay can be reached by following the M8 west from Glasgow, joining the A78 at Greenock. This takes approximately 45 mins to an hour depending on traffic. You can also come up the Ayrshire coast from the south, via Largs.
Motorists travelling north from England can divert this way after crossing the border. Follow the A75 towards Dumfries and then join the A76 towards Kilmarnock and then Largs. This route takes in the Southern Upland Hills and is pleasantly scenic for motorists wanting a relaxed drive. If you are in a hurry stick to the M74 to Glasgow. Although this is a slightly longer route it is motorway to within approximately 10 miles of Wemyss Bay.
Air
For air travellers there are frequent flights into both Glasgow Airport and Prestwick Airport.
Glasgow is situated adjacent to the M8 motorway.
Airlines servicing Glasgow include :
British Airways from Heathrow
Go from Stansted
EasyJet from Luton
For connecting trains to Wemyss Bay, Paisley railway station is a short taxi ride from the air terminus.
Prestwick Airport is about 30 miles south of Wemyss Bay near the town of Ayr. Prestwick is serviced by:
Ryanair from Stansted
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