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
CASTLE 01
9 medieval castles
Artists 01
Artists & galleries
Gardens 01
Royal botanical garden
WATERBODY 01
Maritime Gateway to National Park
RESERVE 01
UK's first forest park

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Portavadie Loch Fyne - Accommodation

Located on the eastern shores of Loch Fyne, a scenic 2-hour drive from Glasgow, this award-winning contemporary Spa Resort, with a marina at its heart, offer...

Portavadie Estates Ltd
Portavadie Marina
Millhouse
PA21 2DA

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Holiday Cottages West Coast - An Airigh

Situated in the quiet Lochside village of Newton, this brand-new, contemporary, and beautifully decorated cottage sleeps up to 4 people. It is just outside S...

Newton
Cairndow
PA27 8DB

Tel: 07585709992

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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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Fyne Byre with Hot Tub

A beautiful and stylish open planned, one level Barn conversion. Hot tub, patio and spacious garden with outdoor furniture, bbq and firepit. Sunroom leading...

Fyne Byre
Leanach Farm
Strathlachlan
CAIRNDOW
PA27 8DB

Tel: 07747000597

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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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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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Lindsaig Mill

Complete with the original wheel, grindstone, gears and mill race Lindsaig Mill Holiday Cottage Scotland is located down a short private drive occupying an e...

Lindsaig Mill
Kilfinan
PA212EP

Tel: 07776385830

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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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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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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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