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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Portavadie Loch Fyne - Spa and Leisure

The Leisure Experience features a 16-metre indoor pool, a toddlers’ pool with water features, outdoor spa pools, a Scandinavian sauna and we think the larges...

Portavadie Estates Ltd
Portavadie Marina
PA21 2DA

Tel: 01700 811075

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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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Kames Village Store

Village store on the Lomond & Cowal Way offering a wide selection of groceries, local butcher meat, Scottish cheeses, local beers, fine wines and much mo...

Park House Buildings
Kames
Tighnabruaich
Argyll
PA21 2AD

Tel: 01700 811356

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The 51st State & La Cantina

Well established family run business split over two levels and situated in the heart of Dunoon on Argyll Street. The 51st Bar and Grill situated on the groun...

200-202 Argyll St
Dunoon
PA23 7HA

Tel: 01369 705550

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Portavadie Loch Fyne - Marina Restaurant and Bar

Floor-to-ceiling glass awaits you where every table offers a view of the marina and beyond. This is shore-side dining at its best. Sample a wide selection of...

Portavadie Estates Ltd
Portavadie Marina
PA21 2DA

Tel: 01700 811075

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Argyll Holidays - Hunters Quay Holiday Village

Perfect for families, Hunters Quay is an award-winning holiday village in Dunoon only an hour or so's drive from Glasgow and just outside the Loch Lomond and...

Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 8HP

Tel: 01369 707772

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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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The Blairmore

We are a Cafe/Bistro on the shores of Loch Long, across from Blairmore Pier. We offer locally sourced produce, a full range of breakfast dishes, home baking,...

The Blairmore
Shore Road
Blairmore
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 8TJ

Tel: 01369 760391

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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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