10 Tips for Travelling to the Isle of Bute: Making the Most of Your Visit For The Bute Studio Trail

 

6 May 2023

Ten tips for travelling to the Isle of Bute for the Bute Studio Trail

The Isle of Bute is probably the most accessible island off the west coast of Scotland. It makes it ideal for a day trip to the island but why not stay longer? Make a weekend of it, or a week, or even longer and make the most of the outdoor sports, the beach and hill walks, the history, art and culture and the warm and very friendly locals. The place attracts a lot of artists and it won’t take you long to figure out why. Many people I’ve spoken to since I arrived tell me they came for a day/weekend/week and never left!

On the weekend of July 22nd and 23rd, 43 artists, crafters and designers at 27 venues across the island will be opening their doors to visitors. My studio is Venue 7 in Rothesay. It is less than a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal and a 5-minute walk from Chapel Hill Car Park.

You can come to the Isle of Bute via the following means:

  • Public transport - bus or train from Glasgow, then ferry via Wemyss Bay Ferry port

  • Car and ferry

  • Waverley Paddle Steamer

  • Your own yacht or motor boat!

The MV Bute ferry boat on a blustery day crossing from Wemyss Bay and arriving in Rothesay Bay

The MV Bute coming in to port from Wemyss Bay

Public Transport

  1. The Calmac ferry from Wemyss Bay Ferry Terminal to Rothesay is a turn-up-and-go affair. You can book tickets online or buy them at the ferry port but not for a specific time.

  2. Download the CalMac app to access the timetable and get most up-to-date information on ferry sailings and if they are affected by weather or any technical issues.

  3. There is a ferry that crosses every hour in the summer months starting at 8.05 AM on Saturday and 9.05 AM on Sunday from Wemyss Bay. The last ferry off the island is at 8.00 PM on Saturday and 7.00 PM on Sunday. Check out the ferry timetable to make sure you know which ferry suits you allowing for the fact that, in summer months, the route can be busy so you may not necessarily get on the first ferry you are aiming for.

  4. You need to be at the ferry terminal at least 20 minutes before the ferry departure time if travelling by car, and 10 minutes beforehand if you are a foot passenger. The journey time is 35 minutes.

  5. You can travel by public transport all the way from Glasgow. There is a regular Scot Rail train service from Glasgow Central Station that is coordinated with ferry departure times. The journey time to Wemyss Bay ferry terminal is 52 minutes.

  6. Download the Scot Rail app to plan your journey times and get ticket prices.

  7. You can also travel by bus. Search Google Maps for public bus transport suggestions, routes and estimated journey times.

  8. If you are coming from Tarbet, Portavadie or Dunoon, you can also come across on the Calmac ferry that departs from Colintraive on the mainland to Rhubodach at the north end of the island. It leaves every half hour from 5.30 AM until 8.55 PM on Saturdays and 8.30 AM and 8.55 PM on Sundays. It is a shorter ferry crossing but a longer (but very scenic) drive from Dunoon (North East) or Tarbert (North West). You need a ticket at least 5 mintes before departure.

9. On Sunday, July 23rd there is another option. What about travelling with the Waverley Paddle Steamer? It leaves from Glasgow, Greenock or Largs to arrive on Rothesay at 13.30 pm and departs at 16.20 pm.

10. And for those few who have your own boat - there’s a marina in Port Bannatyne and Rothesay ferry port terminal. Happy sailing!

If you can’t get here for the Bute Studio Trail but would still like to visit my studio while you are here get in touch by email. Or call me.

 
Carol NunanCarol Nunan - Printmaker