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Kyles of Bute |
South from Dunoon |
| Heading north to Sandbank on the A815
from Dunoon, then taking the B836 road, turn left once
you reach the main A886 road, which will bring you to
Colintraive. Here, you can experience one of the shortest
car ferry journeys in the world, over to Rhubodach on
the Isle of Bute. If you had turned right on the A886,
you could then turn left on to the road to Tighnabruaich. |
| As you travel along
the west side of Loch Riddon and the road
climbs up from the shore, be prepared to
view one of the most beautiful scenes in Scotland - the Kyles of Bute.
The Kyles are the narrow stretch of water between the shores of the
Isle of Bute and Cowal, indeed Kyles is the Gaelic word for 'Narrow Water'.
The stretch of water on the east side is known as 'The East Kyles', and on it can
be seen a number of small islands The islands are known as the Burnt Islands
because of the existence of a vitrified fort. |
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Eventually you will come to Tighnabruaich. Tighnabruaich (Gaelic for house on the bank) itself
is a sleepy little village. Even in the height of the summer season, the place
preserves the air of a tranquil little Highland village, however, it's a popular
spot with both motorists and yachtsmen. It also hosts a watersports centre near
the pier, and some good hotels and tea-rooms. The pier receives summer visits
from the paddle steamer Waverley. |
Tighnabruaich |
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| Travelling on through Tighnbruaich, you can
pass through Kames, which boasts a shinty field regularly used
by the local team, and
take the road around Ardlamont Point, which affords beautiful
views of Arran, or you can cut across to the harbour at Portavadie.
Here you will find the ferry terminal to Tarbert which is at the head
of the Kintyre peninsula. Heading north from Portavadie will
take you to Kilfinan. |
Kilfinan Church
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Kilfinan Church dates back to the 13th Century and the present building dates back to several periods.
Underneath the north wing is the Lamont burial vault which contains a number of old stones, some indeed dating from the
13th Century. It is thought that the church stands on a Celtic site. It is open to the public all year round. |
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| Heading directly south
from Dunoon along the shores of the Firth of Clyde,
you will firstly reach the villages of Innellan and
Toward. Dr George Mathison, the famous blind preacher, was
minister of Innellan Church from 1868 to 1886 where he wrote the famous hymn,
"O Love that wilt not let me go". Knockamillie Castle ruins is a reminder of
the old days of clan feuds. |
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| Toward is also home to several historic
sites including Toward Castle, which dates back to the
15th Century and was the scene of the massacre of 200
Lamont clansmen by the Campbells in 1646. Also, Toward
Lighthouse was first lit in 1812 and still operates
to this day. |
Toward Point and Lighthouse |
| As you travel on around Toward Point you
come to the shores of Loch Striven and ultimately Inverchaolain
(pronounced "Inverhoolin"). The historic little church
here, whose origins date back to pre-Reformation times, is always open and has two beautiful windows. In
the kirkyard are many ancient stones, one of which preserves
the names of 14 sons of James Lamont of Knockdow. |
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