Dunoon & Cowal

Scotland's Adventure Coast

Dunoon 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.

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)

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9 medieval castles
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Royal botanical garden
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Maritime Gateway to National Park
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UK's first forest park

Explore Dunoon & Cowal

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Ruskin Lodges

Ruskin Lodges are traditional three-bed log cabins located beside Pucks Glen near Dunoon in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Ruskin Lodge North (...

6 & 9 Lamont Lodges
Rashfield
near Dunoon
PA23 8QT

Tel: (0044) 07751 195561

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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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Coach House Cottage

Coach House Cottage was originally the coach house for a large mansion on the shore front. There are still many original features dotted around, such as the...

Trinity Lane
Innellan
Dunoon
PA23 7TS

Tel: 07979784825

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The Butlers Quarter

The garden is the perfect setting for your marquee, tipi or whatever you decide to have for your special day.  We can accommodate from two to two hundred gue...

Ardkinglas Estate
Cairndow
PA26 8BN

Tel: 01499600261

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Argyll Holidays

Just a short drive from Glasgow or Oban and you can find yourself in your own piece of paradise in beautiful Argyll, in the west coast of Scotland.

With 8 st...

Drimsynie Estate Office
Lochgoilhead
Argyll
PA24 8AD

Tel: 0345 459 9772

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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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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

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Woodside Lodge Estate

Our private estate situated on the edge of the stunning Loch Goil on the West Coast of Scotland consists of 12 acres of mature woodland and open space, offer...

Woodside Lodge
on Loch Goil
Argyll
Scotland
PA24 8AE

Tel: 01301 703 173

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Hotels, B&Bs, Cottages & Self Catering
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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.

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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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