Dunoon & Cowal
Scotland's Adventure CoastDunoon 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.
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
Weekend Getaways and Fun-Packed Holidays
Enjoy visiting castles, exploring Cowal's beaches or gardens and outdoor activities for the more adventurous
Explore Dunoon & Cowal
What are you looking for?
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
Coast Coffee
We are a small takeaway coffee shop in Dunoon Town Centre. We sell a variety of coffees and speciality drinks, as well as wraps, toasties, and bagels. Every...
4 Argyll Street
Dunoon Pier
Argyll
PA23 7HU
Tel: 07788 208673
Live Argyll - Queen’s Hall, Dunoon
A multipurpose building boasting a main event hall for concerts, an extensive library with incredible views, a children’s soft play area, a gym and fitness s...
Queen’s Hall
9 Argyll Street
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 7HH
Tel: 01369 800500
The Majestic Line (Scotland) Ltd
Step aboard a small ship cruise with The Majestic Line, a Scottish holiday with a difference. Sail the Inner and Outer Hebrides, Loch Ness, the Caledonian Ca...
18 Highland Avenue
Sandbank
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 8PB
Tel: 01369707951
Wild at Art Ltd
Our immersive creative experiences combine art workshops with handpicked accommodation and eateries, private tours and talks, visits to galleries and exhibit...
Wild at Art Ltd
North Campbell Road
Innellan
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 7SB
The Butlers Quarter
"The Butler's Quarters" is a self-catering apartment within Ardkinglas and a truly unique holiday venue. In terms of accommodation, you are transported back...
Ardkinglas Estate
Cairndow
PA26 8BN
Tel: 01499600261
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
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
TIGHNABRUAICH
Sitting on the shore of the beautiful Kyles of Bute, this little village lies on the rural west coast of Cowal.
CAIRNDOW
Lying in an idyllic setting at the head of Loch Fyne, near Inveraray and 'The Rest & Be Thankful'
TARBET & ARROCHAR
Villages located in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National and gateway to the Argyll Forest Park.
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.
4 Places for Wild Swimming in Cowal | Argyll & the Isles
Wild Swimming along Cowal Pennisula is a fantastic way to embrace the open waters of Argyll & the Isles. Here are our top 4 places to wild swim in Cowal.
Where to go walking on the Cowal Peninsula | Argyll & the Isles
Whether you fancy a hill climb, a woodland walk, a coastal amble or a loch side stroll – or all four – Cowal is your perfect Scottish walking destination.
Be inspired by our latest itineraries!
Created by locals, just for youLocation 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.
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!
Your destination for a magical wedding
Tie the knot in Argyll & the IslesWhether 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.
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.
