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)

With thanks to partners CHARTS

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Long distance walking trails
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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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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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Heathery Heights

Heathery Heights offers bespoke guided walks and tailored outdoor experiences for individuals and small groups across Argyll & the Isles. With so much on...

Head Office, Heathery Heights
Upper Erskine
Manse Brae
PA31 8QZ

Tel: 07899 765240

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The Wild Scot

Failte - My name is Perri Hopkinson and I am a Scottish Blue Badge Tourist Guide offering private luxury tours around Scotland. I have boundless energy and e...

Head Office, Portsonachan
Dalmally
Argyll
PA33 1BJ

Tel: +44 7943613334

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Dunoon Burgh Hall

Our mission for Dunoon Burgh Hall is to be an arts and cultural centre for Dunoon, Cowal and Scotland, rooted in the heart of the local community. By bringin...

195 Argyll Street
Dunoon
PA23 7DD

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Kathy Cameron Tour Guide & Driver

Let me take you on a bespoke and personal tour of my native Scotland, which I love so much.   We can discover Scotland’s rich history and visit distilleries...

15 Arkland
Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8UD

Tel: +44 (0) 7775691641

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Inveraray Private Hire

Based in Inveraray but working all over Argyll. Private hire and taxi service. My vehicle is a 7 passenger vehicle with luggage space. I also work with major...

Head Office, 15 Arkland
Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8UD

Tel: 07775 691641

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Fire & Rain

Inspiring self-care retreats for those of us who have lost their life partner. Space to just be....connect with nature and enjoy delicious food and wine....w...

1 Craigard
North Campbell Road
Innellan
Dunoon
PA23 7SB

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Ardkinglas Woodland Garden

Situated on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll, against a spectacular background of mountain and forest, Ardkinglas Estate covers about 4800 hectares.

Ardking...

Ardkinglas Estate Office
The Square, Cairndow
Argyll
PA26 8BG

Tel: 01499 600261

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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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