E-bikes provide an easy way to enjoy the outdoors and to really feel part of our natural environment. But as any Brandane knows, a short trip out on Bute – whether to the shops, the woods or the beach, is rarely just that…
First time on an e-bike…
They’ve been all the rage for ages – yet I still hadn’t tried an e-bike. With Bike Bute’s pick-up point only minutes from my home, I took the plunge.
At 10am, sharp, I was there at the pick-up point, equipped with my flask of tea and trusty rain mac. I hadn’t been on a bike in a while, and was a wee bit worried that an e-bike might have lots of levers or whizzcogs to contend with.
Car Bute Bike Bute Coordinator, Ronnie, was there waiting when I arrived. He carefully took me through everything from safety points to gear changes, and it was all very straightforward. My kind of instructions!
…and I needn’t have worried about the whizzcogs. In fact, there were only two buttons for the power assist; a PLUS button (more power) and a MINUS button (less power). That, I could manage…
“Just head along the pier for ten minutes, and I’ll stick around for a while in case you come back’ offered Ronnie.
I didn’t.
I was off – not quite like a rocket; more of a sleepy Sunday peddler. But that was good enough for me.
Switching to ‘Gallus’ Mode!
I’d decided to head to Moss Wood at the Bute Community Forest. As it was only 30-40 minutes away, it felt like a good distance for a first-time try-out.
As Ronnie had explained, there were four modes to select for the power-assist: ‘Eco’; ‘Tour’; ‘Sport’, and ‘Turbo’. I ambled along on the lowest setting until, just before Skeoch Woods, I turned the power up a notch.
The bike moved seamlessly into ‘Tour’ mode, and I all but glided up the slight incline. By the time I reached Ascog, I was feeling pretty comfortable.
Turbo mode engaged.
Now, I had heard that e-bikes make light work of cycling, but it’s not until you’re on one that you realise just how much! Of course, this is a very easy route, but I was still surprised at the level of power the motor provided. The bike took the hills and dips towards Shalunt with equal ease.
Impromptu Moth Session at Bute Forest
Riding steadily, it took about 40 mins to get to Bute Community Forest. I decided to take a wander through Moss Wood, and, hearing voices at the activity shelter, went to investigate.
There, pulling egg cartons out of a strange metal container, were two lovely gents.
Bill Stein and Ron Forrester, I learned, are moth conservation volunteers who monitor the diversity and quantity of moth species on Bute. The egg cartons, I could see, had a wealth of moths nestled in the indents.
They invited me to take a closer look at these little critters, but admittedly, at first, I stayed put and peered over – much as one does when looking over a cliff edge…:)
More than wanna-be Butterflies…
However, over the next hour, I discovered a whole moth world I had been completely oblivious to; emerald moths, white-shouldered smudges, white waves, hawkmoths and dark arches – all were on these egg cartons, happily posing for pictures as Bill and Ron observed and identified them, before letting them go. I also eventually held one, which was pretty special:)
These insects are far more important than we give them credit for. Ron explained that there are actually around 1500 species of moth in Scotland, and all are part of the vital food chain for our birds and bats, with a lifespan of only a couple of days to a few weeks. People like Bill and Ron do such important work, keeping the Bute Museum and Natural History Society informed about moth species on the island, but it was easy to see that they really enjoyed it, too.
Freewheeling downhill at Ardmaleish
Having thanked Bill and Ron for their fascinating moth session, I headed back towards the town, whizzing down the hill at Ardmaleish at what felt like 100mph (the speedometer displayed a more realistic 25mph).
The great thing about hiring an e-bike is that it’s fully checked before you get there. No need to worry if the tires are inflated enough or whether the brake pads need replaced. Particularly when you’re flying down a hill.
Bacon Butty and a Blether at the Port
Feeling peckish, I stopped at the Post Office cafe for a bite to eat and, as is the way in Bute, got talking to a fellow diner.
He explained that he had lived here in his childhood, and told me about all the shops that used to line the high street in the 1950’s.
With a fondness in his voice, he pointed out which houses were once butcher shops, fishmongers, and bakeries…and recalled exploring the Kyles of Bute Hydro Hotel grounds before it was eventually demolished.
His stories prompted me, later that evening, to look up old pictures of the Port and learn more about its history. (Did you know it was once called Kamesburgh?)
With tea drunk and snack finished, I said my goodbyes and cycled off again, Rothesay bound.
Taking in the Sea Views at Ardbeg
The wonderful thing about cycling is that you can hop on and off as you please, taking the opportunity to stop and admire the many hidden gems around the island at your leisure.
As the sun was now peeping out, I stopped for a while at Ardbeg Viewpoint to take in the beautiful scenery. Next time, I decided, I would hire a pannier from Bike Bute, too, and pack a picnic.
After a few natters with some dog walkers (you’re never alone for long on Bute!), I was back on the bike for the last stretch…
…and a Quick Wee Browse in the Toon…
Well, not quite the last stretch, when you’re passing some good shops! As all Bike Bute e-bikes conveniently sport a wheel lock and bike chain, it’s easy to park securely, wherever you wander on Bute.
I picked up one or two knick-knacks from my favourite second-hand shop, attaching the bag to the handy bike rack at the rear.
At 2pm, I was back at the pick-up point, where Ronnie was waiting.
“How was it, then?”
My grin likely said it all.
If you haven’t tried one yet, hire an e-bike. Who knows what you’ll discover…?
Have your own mini-adventure on Bute – pre-book your e-bike with our simple online booking form …and don’t forget to download the FREE DISCOVER ROTHESAY APP, available on the App Store and Google Play store.
