Moss Wood

Moss Wood is a mixed birch and alder wood that extends up the hillside to the west of the A886 that connects the Rhubodach Ferry at the north end of the island to the settlements of Port Bannatyne and Rothesay. Moss Wood is Bute Community Forest’s centre of community engagement activities and community recreation.

The first part of the Community Forest that you reach when travelling out from Port Bannatyne or Rothesay, Moss Wood has a range of facilities. Park on the shore-side or at the main entrance, and take a walk up through Moss Wood along the Poetry Trail. A steep walk in places, the Poetry Trail is a loop punctuated with places to stop and read, to stop and think. Read nature poetry from throughout the ages, stop at the Blether Stane, or taking the spur to the Viewing Point back south across the Kyles.

Or stop at the lower area of Moss Wood and take advantage of the firepit, the BBQ and picnic table. Down here there is also temporary shelters, wooden carvings and artwork.

Moss Wood connects to the West Island Way – take the Poetry Trail and the spur to the Viewing Point – and then take the Stag’s Trod further up (steeply) till you reach the West Island Way. From there, head south towards Port Bannatyne or north along the boundary of the Community Forest.

To the north end of Moss Wood are the off-grid huts.