Marilyn · Argyll & Bute
Windy Hill
Windy Hill, at 278m, is the highest point of the Isle of Bute, rising over the moorland of the north half of the island above Rothesay. Despite the modest altitude, its openness gives one of the broadest panoramas in the Firth of Clyde.
Quick facts
- Height
- 278m/ 912ft
- Prominence
- 278 m
- Grid ref
- NS 04358 69854
- Nearest city
- Glasgow· 55km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
heather moorland 55% · grass slopes 35% · rocky summit 10%
Bute is reached by the CalMac ferry from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay, or by the short Colintraive–Rhubodach crossing at the north end. From the roads of north Bute, check the map for an approach onto the hill; the summit is a cairned top on open moor.
Terrain
Rough grass and heather on open moorland, with wetter ground in the hollows. Check the map for tracks on the approach.
In winter
A reliable winter choice: snow clears quickly at this height. Bring windproofs — the name is earned.
Kit for this: the winter Munro kit list · which boots take crampons
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 16m
- Edinburgh5h 1m
OS maps: OS Landranger 63, OS Explorer 362S
Mobile signal: Usually some signal; an exposed Bute hilltop with views across the Clyde.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:18
- Sunset
- 16:51
- Civil dawn
- 06:39
- Civil dusk
- 17:30
NOAA Solar Calculator · 28 October 2026
Around Windy Hill on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Wemyss Bay station
Ferry to Rothesay (Isle of Bute) — West Island Way start
15km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Rothesay
Isle of Bute base; West Island Way; short Glasgow break
7km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Arran
Lochranza — northern Arran; revived in 1995; rich sherried releases
22km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Windy Hill — common questions
- Is Windy Hill a hard climb?
- Windy Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Rough grass and heather on open moorland, with wetter ground in the hollows.
- How prominent is Windy Hill?
- Windy Hill's prominence is its full height — 278m — because it is the highest point of its landmass, with no higher ground connected to it. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.
- When should I climb Windy Hill?
- The standard good-weather months for Windy Hill are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Windy Hill?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Windy Hill?
- Usually some signal; an exposed Bute hilltop with views across the Clyde.
- Is Windy Hill safe in winter?
- A reliable winter choice: snow clears quickly at this height. Bring windproofs — the name is earned.
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