Dunoon & Cowal
Scotland's Adventure CoastDunoon and the Cowal peninsula is as beautiful as it is diverse, from the 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 plays host to the Cowal Highland Gathering, one of the biggest Highland Games in the UK, and host of the World Highland Dancing Championships, CowalFest, an annual walking festival, plus a mix of sports, music and family focussed events, 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.
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)
With thanks to partners CHARTS
Weekend Getaways and Fun-Packed Holidays
Enjoy visiting castles, exploring Cowal's beaches or gardens and outdoor activities for the more adventurous
Explore Dunoon & Cowal
What are you looking for?
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
Puffer Steamboat Holidays Ltd
Join us aboard VIC 32, the last steam-powered Clyde Puffer - at a steady six knots little can equal the peace of silent steam! Our cruising season is split i...
Boat Address:
VIC 32
Crinan Basin
Crinan
Lochgilphead
Argyll
PA31 8SW
Tel: 07780936407
Wreckspeditions
Fancy a new and exciting way of exploring the historic Clyde and her beautiful coastlines? Maybe you would like to see some amazing wildlife and jump some wa...
Unit 2b
Holy Loch Marina
Dunoon
PA23 8FE
Tel: 07593 088816
Wild at Art Ltd
Our immersive creative experiences combine art workshops with handpicked accommodation and eateries, visits to galleries and exhibitions, and more. Develop y...
Wild at Art Ltd
1 Craigard, North Campbell Road
Innellan
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 7SB
Northern Lights Cakery
Northern Lights Cakery is an independent boutique bakery set in the forested hills of Argyll, overlooking the Isle of Bute. We specialise in high-end, locall...
Calabeag Cottage
Stronafian
Colintraive
PA22 3AJ
Tel: +44 (0)7447 450724
Argyll Holidays - Stratheck Holiday Park
Nestled between Benmore and Loch Eck, Stratheck Holiday Park is set in a stunning mountainside location, just a short distance from Dunoon, on the Cowal Peni...
Stratheck Holiday Park
Loch Eck
Dunoon
Argyll & Bute
PA23 8SG
Tel: 01369 858523
Ardkinglas House
Situated on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll, against a spectacular background of mountain and forest, Ardkinglas Estate covers about 4800 hectares. Ardking...
Ardkinglas Estate
Cairndow
Argyll
PA26 8BN
Studio on the Shore
Use this lovingly renovated apartment for your own personal creative retreat. It's the ideal space to paint or write, and the perfect base for exploring the...
57A Shore Road
Innellan
Dunoon
PA23 7TP
Tel: +44(0)788 4966165
TIGHNABRUAICH
Sitting on the shore of the beautiful Kyles of Bute, this little village lies on the rural west coast of Cowal.
CAIRNDOW
Lying in an idyllic setting at the head of Loch Fyne, near Inveraray and 'The Rest & Be Thankful'
TARBET & ARROCHAR
Villages located in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National and gateway to the Argyll Forest Park.
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.
4 Places for Wild Swimming in Cowal | Argyll & the Isles
Wild Swimming along Cowal Pennisula is a fantastic way to embrace the open waters of Argyll & the Isles. Here are our top 4 places to wild swim in Cowal.
Where to go walking on the Cowal Peninsula | Argyll & the Isles
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.
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!
Your destination for a magical wedding
Tie the knot in Argyll & the IslesWhether 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.
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.
