Discover Cowal
The Cowal peninsula is as beautiful as it is diverse, from the towering Munros of the north to the mellow scenery and sea lochs of the south. Paddle steamers used to bring throngs of Glaswegian holidaymakers ‘doon the watter’ to its shores. Today you will find plenty of opportunity for outdoor adventures, from kayaking and sailing to quad biking and hiking. Wonderful wildlife, amazing ruined castles, and a great spa complex. All of this awaits and only a short distance from Glasgow and the major transport hubs.
The biggest town in Cowal is Dunoon. It hosts the World Famous 'Cowal Highland Gathering', the biggest Highland Games in the world, and is home to the outstanding Benmore Botanic Gardens. Head south west and you’ll come to Argyll’s Secret Coast, an undiscovered area of sparkling sea lochs and picturesque villages. This is world-class sailing country. With Loch Fyne to the West, Cowal has some amazing restaurants serving wonderful locally sourced seafood.
Featured Experiences
Events & Festivals
Gig in the Goil
Scottish Series
Cowal Highland Gathering
Everything there is to see and do in Dunoon and Cowal
About Argyll Walking
Dunoon and Cowal
Walking and climbing
Enjoy high-quality, personal walking holidays and hiking tours in beautiful but undiscovered parts of Argyll and The Isles and beyond.
Ardentinny Beach and Forest Walks
Dunoon and Cowal
Beaches and islands
Ardentinny Beach is a lovely picnic spot, and popular with families. It's part of the Argyll Forest park, and there are some lovely easy trails, some which are suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.
Argyll Cruising
Dunoon and Cowal
Tours, trips and trails
Relax, kick back and enjoy the sights and sounds of a cruise with Argyll Cruising.
Benmore Botanic Garden
Dunoon and Cowal
Gardens
Benmore with its magnificent mountainside setting is a joy to behold.
Bikepacking Wild About Argyll Trail
Dunoon and Cowal
Cycling and mountain biking
The Wild About Argyll Trail provides an amazing cycling adventure on gravel tracks, forest roads, singletrail, quiet roads and cycle paths to discover Scotland's Adventure Coast.
Blairmore and Strone Golf Club
Dunoon and Cowal
Golf
Set above the Clyde with breath-taking views of Loch Long, Holy Loch and the Firth of Clyde, this is a stunning course.
Caol Ruadh Sculpture Park
Dunoon and Cowal
Music, art and culture
This outdoor gallery is tucked away on the Kyles of Bute on Argyll’s Secret Coast.
Castle House Museum
Dunoon and Cowal
History and heritage
Castle House Museum is an historic building set in gardens opposite Dunoon Pier.
Castle Lachlan
Dunoon and Cowal
Landmarks and attractions
Castle Lachlan lies on the eastern shore of Loch Fyne, near Newton.
Cormonachan Woodlands
Dunoon and Cowal
Wildlife and nature
This lovely woodland sit on the west shore of Loch Goil half way between Lochgoilhead and Carrick Castle in Argyll Forest Park.
Loch Lomond & Cowal Way
Dunoon and Cowal
Walking and climbing
The Loch Lomond & Cowal Way, one of Scotland’s Great Trails, runs for 57 miles (92 km) across the Cowal Peninsula, starting at Portavadie on Loch Fyne and ending at Inveruglas on Loch Lomond.
The Majestic Line
Dunoon and Cowal
Tours, trips and trails
The Majestic Line is a family-owned small boat cruising business based in Holy Loch, near Dunoon with four vessels.
Ostel Bay
Dunoon and Cowal
Beaches and islands
This crescent-shaped sweep of sand is the jewel in the crown of Argyll’s Secret Coast.
DC Marine Boat Trips
Dunoon and Cowal
Tours, trips and trails
Join ex-naval commander Donald Clark on board his refurbished fishing boat Morag for spectacular views of Argyll’s Secret Coast from the sea.
Dunan’s Castle
Dunoon and Cowal
Landmarks and attractions
Dunans Castle sits at the head of Glendaruel. The seat of the Clan Fletcher, the historic structure was shown on maps as far back as 1590.
Dunoon to Portavadie Cycle
Dunoon and Cowal
Cycling and mountain biking
National Route 75 of the National Cycle Network connects Leith with Portavadie and Tarbert via Edinburgh, Glasgow and the ferries between Gourock and Dunoon.
Glen Nant Woodlands National Nature Reserve
Dunoon and Cowal
Wildlife and nature
This rich woodland of native trees blankets the slopes of Glen Nant near Taynuilt.
Glenbranter Forest
Dunoon and Cowal
Wildlife and nature
Glenbranter Forest is part of the Argyll Forest Park, a magnificent stretch of rugged hill country
Gruffalo Trail
Dunoon and Cowal
Family activities
The Gruffalo Trail, set within Ardkinglas Woodland Garden, Cairndow, is fantastic fun for kids of all ages.
Puck’s Glen
Dunoon and Cowal
Wildlife and nature
Puck's Glen, just outside Dunoon, is a magical woodland world.
Quadmania
Dunoon and Cowal
Adventure
Quadmania is based on 2000 acres overlooking Loch Long, in a beautiful setting for 5-star activities to remember.
Kilmodan Stones
Dunoon and Cowal
Landmarks and attractions
Discover this group of fascinating historic west Highland carved grave slabs.
Kyles of Bute Golf Course
Dunoon and Cowal
Golf
The Kyles of Bute course offers truly panoramic views across the water to the Island of Bute.
Strachur Park
Dunoon and Cowal
Wildlife and nature
Strachur Park was originally laid out in 1789, and covers some four hundred acres of pasture broken up by stately avenues and stands of mature trees - mostly limes, beeches and Scots firs.
Strachur Smiddy and Craftshop
Dunoon and Cowal
History and heritage
The Smiddy has a long history. The first recorded reference to it was in 1791, and it continued to perform a vital function in the social and economic life of the local community until it closed in the mid-1950s.
Forests and woodlands of Argyll
Dunoon and Cowal
Wildlife and nature
Follow this journey to discover some of Argyll’s finest forests and extraordinary ‘heritage trees’, including the tallest tree in the UK.
Cowal Food Trail Argyll
Dunoon and Cowal
Food and drink
For anyone who is passionate about food, Cowal offers the best of fresh, local Argyll produce. Follow this trail to discover a feast of great food and drink.
Five Ferries
Dunoon and Cowal
Tours, trips and trails
The Five Ferries is a unique circular route that takes in some of Argyll’s most stunning peninsulas and sea lochs, as well as the lovely Isle of Bute.
Sea Kayak Argyll
Dunoon and Cowal
Kayaking and canoeing
Sea Kayak Argyll offers sea kayaking sessions for all abilities - from a half-day taster session to a multi-day sea kayak journey, introductory coaching to more advanced qualifications.
Tighnabruaich Gallery
Dunoon and Cowal
Music, art and culture
Tig Gallery is a fantastic art gallery sitting at the heart of the seaside village of Tighnabruaich on Argyll's Secret Coast.
Tom a'Chuig Trail
Dunoon and Cowal
Walking and climbing
Tom a'Chuig Trail is a 3.5 mile Forestry Commission trail that has a bit of everything, magnificent views across the River Goil
Wilder Ways
Dunoon and Cowal
Horseriding
Wilder Ways offers a range of trail-riding experiences. There’s something for all level and ability of rider.
Scottish Series
Kintyre and Gigha
The Scottish Series is a fantastic weekend of yacht racing in Tarbert, Loch Fyne, Argyll.
Latest Blogs
Coast, forest, loch and hill - where to go walking on the Cowal Peninsula.
The Cowal Peninsula is a stunningly diverse region of Argyll offering fabulous walking for all abilities. Whether you fancy a hill climb, a woodland walk, a coastal amble or a loch side stroll – or all four – Cowal is your perfect Scottish walking destination.
Burns Night 2019 in Argyll: how and where to celebrate
Burns Night is a great way to learn more about Burns and experience the best of Scottish hospitality and tradition. If you'd like to celebrate Burns Night in Argyll, here's how.
First footing! Eight ideas for an Argyll walking holiday in 2019
Argyll is a top destination for a walking holiday, with hills, glens, forests and miles and miles of...