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Ettrick Bay

Argyll and Bute, Scotland


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Ettrick Bay is a picturesque beach located on the western coast of the Isle of Bute, Scotland. .

Ettrick Bay is a wide sandy bay surrounded by low cliffs, situated within the Firth of Clyde. The beach, approximately one mile long, is backed by fields and gentle hills, offering stunning views over the Kyles of Bute towards the Cowal Peninsula and the Isle of Arran.

The beach itself is mainly composed of coarse, golden sand, and the water, which is monitored, is very clear and popular with locals for paddling and playing in the sand. Several rivers, including the Ettrick Burn, run into the bay. At the southern end of the beach, a bird hide provides an excellent spot to observe waders and other seabirds.

Ettrick Bay holds historic significance, having been used as a training ground for troops during the D-day landings. Nearby, a Bronze Age stone circle is a notable point of interest for historians. The bay also features picnic areas, a children's play area, and public toilets.

Visitors to Ettrick Bay can enjoy refreshments at a popular tea-room, which offers home-cooking and cakes. The nearest town is Rothesay, providing easy access to the bay.

Bay Sand

Weather and tides for Thursday 4 June

Today
Chance of rain 97%
Max temperature 14°C
feels like 14°C
Wind 19mph
Max UV Index
Tonight
Chance of rain 98%
Min temperature 10°C
feels like 11°C
Wind 20mph

The tide at Ettrick Bay is currently low. High tide will be at approximately 3:25 PM, and the next low tide will be at approximately 9:07 PM.

Today's air pollution levels are forecast to be Low

Detailed weather and tides »

Recommended holiday cottages near Ettrick Bay

Things to do and see in the area

Rothesay's Victorian Toilets (2.7 miles)
Bute Brew Co. (3.1 miles)
The Discovery Centre (3.1 miles)
Rothesay VisitScotland iCentre (3.1 miles)
Bute Museum (3.2 miles)
City Sightseeing Bute (3.2 miles)
Rothesay Castle (3.3 miles)
Golfers Bar, Rothesay (3.3 miles)
Ardencraig Gardens (4.2 miles)
Ascog Hall Fernery and Garden (4.6 miles)

All distances are approximate

Other beaches nearby

Location: Kildavanan

Location type: Rural

Nearest village: Port Bannatyne

OS Grid: NS038661

Coordinates: 55°50'54"N 5°8'2"W

Mapcode: GBR FFP8.52H

What 3 Words: arranger.nuggets.extension

Coordinates and location codes are for an approximate mid-point of the beach, and may not reflect the best access point or the most popular part of the beach.

Country: Scotland

Local Authority: Argyll and Bute

Nearest postcode: PA20 0QX

(for sat-nav purposes only, a beach does not have a postal address!)

Important! Beach information is compiled from a variety of different sources and is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of compilation. However, information may be incorrectly supplied by our sources or go out of date after publication. BritishBeaches.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy of any information on this page.

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Visitor information for Ettrick Bay, Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Weather, tides, visitor comments, beach facilities, photos, nearest postcode, beach information and nearby accommodation.

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216.73.216.53 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0100