Dunoon & Cowal

Scotland's Adventure Coast

Dunoon and the Cowal peninsula are as beautiful and diverse, from towering mountains in the north to the mellow scenery and sea lochs of the south. Catch a boat trip from a variety of destinations in Cowal on one of the last sea-going paddle steamers in the world.

Cowal’s major town, Dunoon, is a wonderful destination for both weekend breaks and longer vacations. It also hosts the Cowal Highland Gathering, one of the largest Highland Games in the UK, and the World Highland Dancing Championships. Additionally, it features CowalFest, an annual walking festival, as well as a mix of sports, music, and family-focused events, all reflecting the broad appeal and the beautiful surrounding countryside. 

Cowal's 'Secret Coast' has sparkling sea lochs and picturesque villages. Here you can enjoy some world-class sailing experiences and world-class food and drink.

Gaelic in Scotland

The indigenous language of Argyll contains a great richness of expression.  Here we have shared a phrase from local Gaelic poetry about the Cowal peninsula.

Donnchamh MacMhuirich

Bha pìobairean am pàilteas ann (There were pipers in plenty there)

’S bu taitneach leinn an ceòl (And pleasant to us was the music)

Ann an éideamh fasanta (In fashionable uniform)

Mar chleachd bhith ann an Comhall (As used to be in Cowal)

Gaelic with thanks to CHARTS

Cowal 01
SEE & DO 01
Long distance walking trails
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9 medieval castles
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Artists & galleries
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Royal botanical garden
WATERBODY 01
Maritime Gateway to National Park
RESERVE 01
UK's first forest park

Explore Dunoon & Cowal

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Selkie Tours

Selkies are magical and marvellous creatures, they are kind, caring and intelligent. When in human form, our seals curate unique Itineraries, hosting fabulou...

Oban
Argyll
PA34 5NJ

Tel: 07554371630

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Annie's Herb Kitchen

Annie’s Herb Kitchen is a small family run business based in rural Argyllshire on the West Coast of Scotland. We hand make seasoning salts using locally sour...

16A Unit
Kilmory Estate
Lochgilphead
PA31 8RR

Tel: +44 (0) 7423 595 768

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Portavadie Loch Fyne - Marina Restaurant and Bar

Floor-to-ceiling glass awaits you where every table offers a view of the marina and beyond. This is shore-side dining at its best. Sample a wide selection of...

Portavadie Estates Ltd
Portavadie Marina
PA21 2DA

Tel: 01700 811075

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Portavadie Loch Fyne - Marina

Our Five Gold Anchor award-winning marina is a gateway to some of the best sailing waters on the west coast of Scotland. Highland landscapes and vistas, isla...

Portavadie Estates Ltd
Portavadie Marina
PA21 2DA

Tel: 01700 811075

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Loch Riddon Bothy

Located on the east side of Loch Riddon, 3 miles north of Colintraive on Argyll’s Secret Coast, Loch Riddon Bothy is an architect designed modern bothy. It i...

Springfield
Colintraive
Argyll
PA22 3AH

Tel: 07821 259700

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Cowal Cruises

We offer short boat trips around the Kyles of Bute from April to October. These trips range from 1.5 to 2.5 hours and focus on the history, scenery, and wild...

Tighnabruaich
Argyll
PA21 2EG

Tel: 07765958891

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Kathy Cameron Tour Guide & Driver

Let me take you on a bespoke and personal tour of my native Scotland, which I love so much. We can discover Scotland’s rich history and visit distilleries an...

15 Arkland
Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8UD

Tel: +44 (0) 7775691641

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Holiday Cottages West Coast - Tanamuir

The open plan cosy sitting /dining room has a wood-burning stove at its heart, with comfy seating to curl up around it while enjoying the gorgeous views over...

Strachur
PA27 8DE

Tel: 07585709992

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Must Visit Places

TIGHNABRUAICH

Sitting on the shore of the beautiful Kyles of Bute, this little village lies on the rural west coast of Cowal.

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Visitscotland Tighnabruaich
CAIRNDOW

Lying in an idyllic setting at the head of Loch Fyne, near Inveraray and 'The Rest & Be Thankful'

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Fresh Seafood
TARBET & ARROCHAR

Villages located in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National and gateway to the Argyll Forest Park.

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Rest And Be Thankful Road Cycling

Explore Dunoon and Cowal's Places of Interest

Discover some special places of interest while staying in Dunoon and Cowal. Click on our map icons to discover where to see on your travels. If you see multiple icons clustered in one area, simply zoom in on the map to decluster the icons.

Be inspired by our latest itineraries!

Created by locals, just for you

Location based itineraries, created by locals, to help inspire you on what to do and see when visiting. From romantic getaways to seasonal trips and family holidays, to value breaks.

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Dunoon & Cowal on YouTube

Immerse yourself in all things Dunoon & Cowal by watching our dedicated YouTube playlist for food and drink, activities and so much more!

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Your destination for a magical wedding

Tie the knot in Argyll & the Isles

Whether you're dreaming of a romantic beach ceremony on a secluded island or a traditional Scottish wedding in a historic castle, there are plenty of venues to choose from.

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Getting here

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Planning your journey

Travelling to and from Cowal is commonly done by bus or car via the A82 along Loch Lomondside and then the A83 over the Rest and Be Thankful, turning south onto the A815 shortly before Cairndow.

It is possible to take ferries across the Firth of Clyde from Gourock. A passenger ferry operated by Argyll Ferries links the train station and the car ferry operated by Western Ferries runs from McInroys Point to Hunter’s Quay.

Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, then across to Cowal at the north of the island on the Rhubodach to Colintraive ferry.

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