No. in Party   7+ Dogs
Visited    December 2004

”We’ll never go to Ascog.” Typically, within a few hours of uttering this it had been booked... well it seemed like too good an opportunity to miss. What made the visit even better was that friends decided to book Meikle Ascog at the same time.

There’s something about crossing water on a boat that makes a holiday seem more exciting - even if it is only the commuter ferry between Wemyss Bay and Rothesay.

Ascog House is deceptively small inside (not uncomfortably so). The rooms are of the scale you might find in a reasonable sized house and this along with central heating and decor gives the place quite a homely feel despite a rather dour exterior.  The kitchen is excellent both in terms of space and storage, and the long table and benches make it a good communal area.

Bute is small but perfectly formed -easily covered by car in a couple of hours slow drive. We intended to hire bikes but out of season this idea didn’t get off the ground .  It rained most of the week but when the sun did come out there were some tremendous views around the island.

Food at The Kingarth Hotel was pretty good and they let kids in (some places did not) - they also advertise a courtesy bus.  The cafe at Ettrick Bay is worth a visit when you’re out that way.

Somerfield and Victoria wine in Rothesay provided most of our rations, supplemented by odds and ends from a range of small food shops. Fuel was from the coal merchant (delivered to the house - take the sacks back when they’re done). If you’re feeling generous buy your petrol on the island.