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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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

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Argyll Botany

Come and join my botanical skincare journey through the wild plants growing in Argyll on the west coast of Scotland. All my products are hand-made, created b...

Entrance of the Kilfinan Community Forest
Tighnabruaich
Argyll
PA21 2BD

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The Blairmore

We are a Cafe/Bistro on the shores of Loch Long, across from Blairmore Pier. We offer locally sourced produce, a full range of breakfast dishes, home baking,...

The Blairmore
Shore Road
Blairmore
Dunoon
PA23 8TJ

Tel: 01369 760391

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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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Historic Kilmun

At Historic Kilmun, we have some unique experiences we want to share with you. Historic Kilmun, a former church, overlooks the Holy Loch with the Argyll Maus...

Historic Kilmun
Kilmun
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 8SD

Tel: 07887 856514

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Tighnariddon Cottages Ltd

Teal and Shelduck Cottages, built in 2010, are in a magnificent position overlooking Loch Riddon. They are fully equipped with everything needed for a great...

Andrew & Sheila Barker
Tighnaruel
Glendaruel
Argyll
PA22 3AF

Tel: 07500661328

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Holiday Cottages West Coast - The Moorings

The Moorings is a delightful, cosy cottage in the quiet village of Newton on the shores of Loch Fyne. It has 2 bedrooms, sleeping up to 4 people, one twin ro...

Newton
Cairndow
PA27 8DB

Tel: 07585709992

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The Colintraive

The Colintraive was awarded Gastro Pub of the Year 2024 from the Scotsman and held an AA rosette and 4* for accommodation for the last 4 years is a home from...

The Colintraive Hotel
Kyles of Bute
Colintraive
PA22 3AS

Tel: 01700841207

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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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