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Bute, Port Bannatyne, Scotland
Port Bannatyne, Isle of Bute, Firth of Clyde, Scotland
For 2012 Lizzie Mays base for Firth of Clyde cruises is Port Bannatyne on the beautiful Isle of Bute.
Getting to Bute
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.
Route 1 – shortest of two scenic options
1. Wemyss Bay
a. The principal route to the island is by car & passenger ferry from Wemyss Bay on the shores of the Clyde on the main road and rail links from Glasgow. The crossing takes half an hour with sailings every 45mins at peak times.
b. Wemyss Bay can be reached by car or train from Glasgow Central station, or Paisley railway station which is more convenient f you are flying into Glasgow International Airport. There is usually no need to book. Just turn up with at least 10 minutes to spare.
c. Return ticket for a foot passenger on the ferry is £7.50.
d. Return ticket for a car is £30.50, with each passenger in the car paying an additional £7.50.
e. Should you prefer not to make the short ferry crossing by car, parking is available at Wemyss Bay railway station, £3 per day, no recommended free parking options.
2. Bute
a. On arriving at Rothesay on Bute, Port Bannatyne can be reached by taxi or bus (the 493 service). The bus journey takes a mere 6 minutes or so for the 2 miles and the bus stop is close to the ferry terminus.
b. Free parking is available at Port Bannatyne Marina or in Rothesay on the island
Route 2 Longer Car route through amazing scenery.
1. If you have a car and can spare the time to explore the rugged coast of Argyll, 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 point.
2. The Colintraive ferry is a 5 minute crossing to Rhubodach on Bute. The crossings are frequent, so if you just miss the boat it’ll be back soon.
a. Current prices £6.50 per car plus £1.20 per person in the car.
3. Port Bannatyne is about 7 miles from Rhubodach.
Joining and leaving point at Port Bannatyne
The top of the gangplank leading down to the pontoons at the recently constructed Port Bannatyne Marina http://portbannatynemarina.co.uk/ will be the meeting place. Your skipper will escort you to the boarding boat and will take you out to Lizzie May at her mooring, which is close to the marina entrance. On arrival call your skipper on 07955 881 656.
If you earlier than the joining time Port Bannatyne has a café and, surprisingly, a Russian Tavern. See photo above and online at http://www.butehotel.com/
Voyages will disembark with sufficient time to get back to the mainland and disembarking at Rothesay, close to the ferry terminal, may be possible by arrangement subject to circumstances.
Accommodation
Should you wish to combine your cruise with an overnight stay on the island, the following link should be helpful. http://www.bestofbute.co.uk/category/accommodation/
Isle of Bute attractions
The following web site gives details of the many attractions of the Isle of Bute.
Win a Sailing Holiday for two!
Classic Sailing
Parton Vrane, Portscatho, Cornwall, TR2 5ET
Tel 0044 (0) 1872 580022
skippers@classic-sailing.co.uk