Ettrick Bay is a broad sweep of coarse sand on the west coast, about 4 km from Rothesay. At low tide the water can retreat up to 500 metres, and the views run north to the Kyles of Bute and southwest to the mountains of Arran. In the island's tourist heyday an electric tramway brought day-trippers here from Rothesay; the bay was also used for D-Day landing practice.
It's a good beach for walking, paddling and picnics rather than serious swimming. The ButeFest music festival is held here in summer.