Kilchattan Bay, Glencallum Bay and St Blane's Chapel
Argyll and Bute
Kilchattan Bay is an old steamer resort of sandstone villas on the south-east coast of Bute, and this 8km circuit, which follows part of the West Island Way, takes in the wildest corner of the island. Dogs need a lead on the farmland stretches and should be watched on the numerous stiles, some without an obvious dog gap for smaller dogs to slip through. The first half runs along a rough, rocky shore path past a wave-carved sandstone outcrop, then round to the little lighthouse at Rubh an Eun and the sheltered curve of Glencallum Bay. From there the path climbs inland over small volcanic ridges, past Loch na Leighe, to St Blane's Chapel, a twelfth century ruin in a grassy hollow of old trees and low rock walls with chevron carvings on its chancel arch. The return crosses fields and passes below Suidhe Chatain, whose summit is a short, steep detour with views over most of Bute. There is 220 metres of climbing on rocky, boggy and sometimes steep ground.
This dog friendly walk has plenty of interest for a dog, but it is a demanding one. The inland half crosses farmland by a series of stiles and gates, which larger dogs may need lifting over, and these fields are used for grazing, so keep your dog on a lead there. The coastal section is rough and rocky, with the sea for a drink and paddle at Glencallum Bay. There is little shade. Parking is by the old jetty or at the road end in Kilchattan Bay.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.0 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Coastal, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- None on route; nearest shops and cafes in Rothesay.
- Parking
- Free parking near the old jetty or at the road end in Kilchattan Bay.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Kilchattan Bay, Glencallum Bay and St Blane's Chapel, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in Argyll and ButeFrequently Asked Questions
Is Kilchattan Bay, Glencallum Bay and St Blane's Chapel dog friendly?
This 8km circuit on the southern tip of Bute is a rewarding walk for dogs, though it earns a moderate 6/10 for dog friendliness due to its demanding terrain and lead requirements. Dogs will enjoy the rough coastal path, a chance to drink and paddle at Glencallum Bay, and plenty of wild smells along the way — but it's best suited to fit, confident dogs and their owners.
Can dogs be off lead at Kilchattan Bay, Glencallum Bay and St Blane's Chapel?
Dogs need to be kept on a lead through the farmland sections, which are used for grazing. The coastal stretch offers a little more freedom in terms of space, but the rocky, uneven ground and proximity to the sea mean you'll want to keep a close eye on your dog throughout.
What should I know before visiting Kilchattan Bay, Glencallum Bay and St Blane's Chapel with my dog?
The route involves 220 metres of climbing over rocky, boggy and sometimes steep ground, so it's a genuinely demanding outing for both dogs and owners. A particular thing to watch out for is the series of stiles on the inland half — some don't have a dog gap, meaning smaller dogs may struggle and larger dogs may need lifting over. There are no facilities on the route itself, so bring plenty of water, and note that there is little shade along the way.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Walk6.3 mi awayKaim Hill and Fairlie Glen
North Ayrshire
An out-and-back climb from Fairlie station through a wooded glen and onto open moorland, with room for dogs to range near the Kaim Hill summit.
Walk10.9 mi awayLaggan and the Cock of Arran Circuit from Lochranza
North Ayrshire
A wild circuit over an old pass to the deserted township of Cock Farm, with dogs on a lead along Arran's rugged coast to Hutton's Unconformity for you.
Beach12.5 mi awaySkipness Beach
Argyll and Bute
A sandy Kintyre beach beside a medieval castle, a 13th-century chapel and the celebrated Skipness Seafood Cabin, with views to Arran and year-round unrestricted dog access.
Walk12.7 mi awayIsle of Arran: Goatfell Summit Walk
Stirling
A commanding summit walk to the highest peak on the Isle of Arran, rewarding dogs and their owners with panoramic views across the Firth of Clyde.
Walk13 mi awayIsle of Arran: Brodick to Lamlash Coastal Path
Stirling
A scenic coastal circuit linking Brodick and Lamlash on the Isle of Arran, with sandy bays and woodland paths that dogs will love.
Walk15.3 mi awayEglinton Country Park: The Corsehill Circuit
North Ayrshire
A level, family friendly loop at Eglinton Country Park, with dogs free to roam past castle ruins, a suspension bridge and farmland tracks.