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

Explore Dunoon & Cowal

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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

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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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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

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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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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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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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Puffer Steamboat Holidays Ltd

Join us aboard VIC 32, the last steam-powered Clyde Puffer. At a steady six knots, little can equal the peace of silent steam!

Whether you’re looking to esca...

Boat Address:
VIC 32
Crinan Basin
Crinan
Lochgilphead
PA31 8SW

Tel: 07780936407

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The Colintraive

Winner of Scotsman Gastropub 2024, The Colintraive is a family-run restaurant with rooms focusing on high-quality local produce, including fresh langoustines...

Kyles of Bute
Argyll
PA22 3AS

Tel: 01700 841207

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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.

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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