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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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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The Hollies

The Hollies is a beautiful Victorian villa. It has been meticulously refurbished to combine sumptuous luxury with contemporary flair while celebrating the or...

Shore Road,
Tighnabruaich,
Argyll & Bute
PA21 2BE

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The Snug

The Snug is a cosy detached cottage perfect for a relaxing retreat.

Many years ago The Snug was a haybarn - now it’s a cosy modern cottage which comfortably...

Trinity Lane
Innellan
Dunoon
PA23 7TS

Tel: 07979784825

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Argyll Coffee Roasters

We're a speciality coffee roaster in Tighnabruaich on Argyll's Secret Coast. We love coffee, and we source the finest beans from around the world and roast t...

Unit 1 Kames Industrial Estate
Kames
Tighnabruaich
PA212AB

Tel: 01700 385538

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Beagle Cruises

We take individual and groups of up to six on sailing / activity holidays from Tighnabruaich around the greater Clyde area stopping at fascinating local attr...

Head Office - Dunmar
Tighnabruaich
Argyll
PA21 2EA

Tel: 01700 811317 / 07899825149

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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 an...

15 Arkland
Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8UD

Tel: +44 (0) 7775691641

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The Hayshed Gallery

The Hayshed Gallery is a space for exhibiting textiles and ceramics made at Carry Farm by a family of award winning and contemporary artists and makers. Fion...

Ardlamont
Tighnabruaich
Argyll
PA21 2AH

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Winston Churchill Venison

Winston Churchill Venison was established in a very small building, in early 1990 . Winston taught himself butchery in order to sell to friends and family an...

Balagowan
Glen Lean
Sandbank
Dunoon
PA23 8RD

Tel: 01369 705319

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Five West

Spacious coffee shop in central village location, on the Cowal Way and close to the village pontoon. Providing simple, tasty food & drink in a friendly a...

Royal Buildings,
Shore Road,
Tighnabruaich,
PA21 2DR

Tel: 01700811022

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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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