The Kyles of Bute Viewpoint
Directly across Loch Riddon from Loch Riddon Bothy, on the west coast of the loch, it is just possible to make out the road which takes you to Tighnabruaich. Opposite the Bothy is a welknown local landmark – The Kyles of Bute Viewpoint.
Owned by the National Trust for Scotland the viewpoint is one of their ‘Wee Gems’.
Taken from the Viewpoint. Looking South to the Burnt Islands and East Kyle
The Kyles of Bute are the narrow channel of water separating the Isle of Bute from mainland Argyll. Barely a mile wide but perhaps 20 miles in length, this is one of the most scenic stretches of coastline anywhere in the West Highlands – and yet rarely visited by tourists.
It’s the road between Tighnabruaich and Colintraive (from where a ferry to Bute departs) which provides the best vistas of this strait and it is here that the Kyles of Bute viewpoint is situated.
Taken from the Viewpoint. Looking north up Loch Riddon. Loch Riddon Bothy is in the centre of the picture, close to the shore, in the grounds of the white house called Springfield
Basically its just an extra long layby. There is a newly refurbished notice board giving information about the nearby points of interest as well as those which are a bit further afield.
The new noticeboard at the Viewpoint
If you allow yourself half an hour or so at the viewpoint you will see some of the comings and goings on the water. The Colintraive to Bute ferry trundles across what is the shortest ferry crossing in Scotland every half an hour. The Kyles are a great favourite with yachts who often find a quiet anchorage at Wreck Bay or tucked in behind the little island at Caladh – both visible from the layby. If you’re lucky you may also spot the Waverley paddle steamer or the VIC 32 Puffer make their way through the Kyles – both iconic boats on this part of the world.
As well as being able to see down much of Loch Riddon you get a brilliant view of the junction of this loch with the East and West Kyle and also the Burnt islands which are almost exactly at this spot.
The ferry crossing from Rhubodach on the Isle of Bute to Colintraive on the Mainland