Dunoon & Cowal
Scotland's Adventure CoastDunoon and 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 water' to its shores.
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 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 great richness of expression. Here we have shared a phrase from local Gaelic poetry about the Cowal pennisula.
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
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Castle House Museum
Situated in Castle Gardens, Castle House Museum is at the heart of the history of Dunoon.
From our windows there are picturesque views of the Victorian Pier,...
Castle House Museum
Castle Gardens
3 Argyll Street
Dunoon
PA23 7HH
Live Argyll - Riverside Swim and Health Centre, Dunoon
Riverside Swim and Health Centre is situated on the promenade of Dunoon, close to the town centre. It is within easy walking distance of the local ferry term...
8 Moir Street
Dunoon
PA23 8AA
Tel: 01369 701170
Kames Hotel
The Kames Hotel is a beautiful, character-filled, Victorian building that sits on the seafront overlooking the magnificent Kyles of Bute, on the Cowal penins...
Kames
Tighnabruaich
Argyll
PA21 2AF
Tel: 01700 811489
The Starfish Restaurant
Fresh food, simply served. Situated in the picturesque fishing village of Tarbert, Loch Fyne. We specialise in locally sourced fresh fish and shellfish, pre...
Starfish Restaurant
Castle St Tarbert
Loch Fyne
PA29 6UH
Tel: 01880 820733
McKinlay Kidd Ltd
Award-winning specialist tour operator making holidays differently throughout Argyll and the Isles. At McKinlay Kidd, we like to get up close and personal wi...
Head Office, McKinlay Kidd
6/1 (front) The Hatrack
144 St Vincent St
Glasgow
G2 5LQ
Tel: 0141 260 9260
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
Coast Coffee
We are a small take Away coffee shop based in Dunoon Town Centre. We sell a variety of coffees and speciality drinks as well as wraps, toasties and bagels. E...
4 Argyll Street
Dunoon Pier
Argyll
PA23 7HU
Tel: 07788 208673
Tregortha B&B
Tregortha is a traditional stone-built Victorian villa from the 19th century. Breakfast with a view in our sunny conservatory overlooking the beautiful Kyles...
Tregortha High Road
Tighnabruaich
Argyll
PA21 2BD
Tel: 01700 811132
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.
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!
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.
