Journeying | Pilgrimage Holidays | Christian Walking Holidays | Christian Short Breaks

Cost

£895 single/£750 shared room. When booking, please let us know who you will be sharing with.

Description

PLEASE NOTE THIS HOLIDAY IS NOW FULL. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN A WAITING LIST IN CASE WE HAVE A CANCELLATION, PLEASE EMAIL THE LEADER (SEE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE FOR CONTACT DETAILS).

The Isle of Bute is a very pretty island, 15 miles long by 5 wide, tucked up in the armpit of the Cowal Peninsula between Loch Riddon and Loch Striven. The Highland Boundary Fault, which marks the collision of continents from North and South millions of years ago, cuts through the island along Loch Fad. The east coast is gentle and fertile, and you can see why Bute’s farmers used to be the main suppliers of milk and beef and vegetables to Glasgow in Victorian times. The west side is much more rugged, with windswept headlands and cliffs, much more like the picture we often carry of the Hebridean islands.

The main town, Rothesay, is a classic Victorian seaside town still popular with holidaymakers. This is where you will arrive by ferry from Wemyss Bay, easily reached by bus or train from Gourock. We will have to visit the extraordinary Mount Stuart, a fantasy Gothic house built by the 3rd Marquess of Bute and frozen in time from the start of the First World War. It is set in 300 acres of woodland and gardens.

The island was visited by early Christian missionaries, notably St Catan who founded a monastery at the southern tip, near Kilchattan Bay. The monastery was destroyed by the Vikings, who settled in the area, and whose graves can still be seen. In the 1200s St Blane’s chapel was built there as the centre of a thriving community until gradually Rothesay became more important, and the chapel became a picturesque ruin. There is a marvellous walk along the clifftops from here.

Some four miles up the coast to the west, beyond the fine sandy beach of Scalpsie Bay, is St Ninian's Point and the ruins of another 6th Century chapel, attributed to Ninian himself. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty, a place to pause and take in the stunning views out to the uninhabited island of Inchmarnock, a place where, according to tradition, alcoholics were banished in the 1700s. It’s now a grazing area for cattle – the Highland coos, who are swum across in summer to enjoy the grass.

At the north end of the island is a second ferry, covering all of 6oo yards in 4 minutes, taking us on to the COWAL PENINSULA AND ARGYLL’S SECRET COAST. This is a marvellous area of rugged little hills, hidden beaches and fascinating remnants of the Celtic spiritual heritage of the area – part of the ancient kingdom of Dalriata. We will use cars here with pauses to wander and wonder: a mosey along the many Christian remains from Glendaruel, Otter Ferry on Loch Fyne (good tea place), Kilmodon Church with its lapidarium of extraordinary carved Pictish stones, Glenfinart, all part of the Cowal Pilgrim Trail, ending with a walk through a nature reserve to the miles of white sands at Kilbride Bay with lovely views of Arran, and the hope of seals and otters and porpoises. The nature reserve path can be wet.

In this whole area, there is a strong sense of the layers of communities that have lived and worshipped and worked here and we will enjoy pauses to explore this and to learn something of the history and spirituality of the people here.

THE ISLE OF CUMBRAE, also known as Great Cumbrae, lies on the Ayrshire coast and is roughly four miles long and two miles wide. Another very pretty little island, home to the Cathedral of the Isles, said to be the smallest cathedral in Europe, and the College of the Holy Spirit. The island is 10¼ miles round, and the tradition is to cycle it – hiring one of the 600 bikes available on the island. If anyone wants to do this while the rest of us walk, you would be welcome.

Walks and Excursions

Scottish weather has a mind of its own and our excursions will be adapted to the conditions. Even though May tends to be the best month of the year, it is wise to bring, along with light summer clothes, some very waterproof outerwear, a couple of warm items and good walking boots just in case. Midge repellant will vastly increase your comfort even in May!

We plan several good walks on Bute with visits to Cumbrae and the Cowal Peninsula. There could be swimming for the hardy along the rocky, thrift-covered coastlines, foraging on the beaches and enjoying picnic lunches, as well as visits to some of the earliest Christian sites.

THE PROGRAMME –
Strictly flexible depending on weather and ferries. If there is a day when you would prefer to stay at home and do your own thing or rest, you are welcome to do that.

FRIDAY: Arrive. We can take an after-supper stroll along the seafront if folk would enjoy that.

SATURDAY: Explore the north end of the island – starting from Rhobodoc and walking through woods to the wonderful white sand expanse of Ettric Bay – with its good tea room, then back home. (about 7 miles, gentle undulation, can be muddy in places)

SUNDAY: For those who wish, we could join the folk at the Scottish Episcopal Church (meet some islanders, enjoy cake afterwards!) then visit Mount Stuart House for a private tour.

MONDAY: Over the water to the Cowal Peninsula and Kilbride Bay for lunch (about 5 miles total – flat along the beach. The approach path can be muddy.)

TUESDAY: Circular walk, Kilchattan Bay and St Blane’s Chapel, south end of the island. Steep beginning, then the path flattens out along a broad ridge. The path from the chapel via Glencallum Bay is quite narrow and rocky – you need to watch your feet – good boots essential and walking poles helpful. (about 7 miles)

WEDNESDAY: Ferry Rothesay to Wemyss Bay, pretty coastal drive to Largs then ferry to Cumbrae, drive to Millport. Those who wish to can hire bikes, otherwise we shall walk along the coast and back over the hill to Millport. Good path, bit of a climb from the coast over the centre of the island and back to Millport. (about 5 miles)

THURSDAY: Scalpsie Bay and St Ninian’s Point – 2 walks of about 2 miles each. Very pretty. Look out for seals, and perhaps a little sing in the remains of St Ninian’s Chapel.

FRIDAY: Pack up for home. Breakfast and house tidy before catching Rothesay Ferry to Wemyss Bay 10 am and home.

Accommodation

We are staying in a lovely old house on the seafront in Rothesay with plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms: Argyle House. We will be catering – the team enjoys cooking and any help with washing up and table setting would be appreciated. Breakfast is self-service and we will provide ingredients for packed lunches each day which guests will make up to suit themselves.

Getting there

Train bus or car to Wemyss Bay – known to be one of the prettiest train stations in the UK. Calmac Ferry to Rothesay – can be booked online through their website. If you aim to be there about 4 pm we will meet you at the ferry.

Contact & Booking Form

Paddy Allen (paddyallen27@gmail.com; 07810746121), Jo Reed and Jane Moffett.

After you have contacted the leader to check that a place is still available please complete the details on the Booking Form