Dunoon & Cowal

Scotland's Adventure Coast

Dunoon 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.

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)

With thanks to partners CHARTS

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Top reasons to visit

SEE & DO 01
Long distance walking trails
CASTLE 01
9 medieval castles
Artists 01
Artists & galleries
Gardens 01
2 glorious gardens
WATERBODY 01
Maritime Gateway to National Park
RESERVE 01
UK's first forest park

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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
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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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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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