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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Top reasons to visit

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Long distance walking trails
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9 medieval castles
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Artists & galleries
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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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Argyll Coffee Roasters

We’re speciality coffee roasters based in Tighnabruaich on Argyll's Secret Coast. We love coffee and we source the finest beans from around the world and roa...

Unit 1 Kames Industrial Estate
Kames
Tighnabruaich
PA212AB

Tel: 01700 385538

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Holiday Cottages West Coast - The Cottage

The Cottage on the shores of Loch Fyne is just steps from the water, sit at the window and look out on the ever-changing loch. You might spot jumping fish, s...

Leachd, Argyll
PA27 8DA

Tel: 07585709992

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Kozy Cottages - Beech Cottage

A gorgeous environmentally friendly country cottage in an idyllic situation. The property uses 100% renewable energy supplied by Octopus. Nestled in an area...

Leanach Farm
Strathlachlan
PA27 8DB

Tel: 07747000597

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Portavadie Loch Fyne - Accommodation

Located on the eastern shores of Loch Fyne, a scenic 2-hour drive from Glasgow, this award-winning contemporary Spa Resort, with a marina at its heart, offer...

Portavadie Estates Ltd
Portavadie Marina
Millhouse
PA21 2DA

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Coffee Bar at Hayshed Gallery

Our Coffee Bar at Hayshed Gallery at Carry Farm is just a few miles up the road from the roastery. We serve up our award-winning coffee, local baking by Nort...

Carry Farm
Ardlamont
Tighnabruaich
PA21 2AH

Tel: 01700 385538

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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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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! Our cruising season is split i...

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

Tel: 07780936407

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Tighnabruaich Sailing School

Tighnabruaich Sailing School has been providing an unsurpassed sailing experience on the Kyles of Bute for over 50 years and is renowned on the west coast fo...

Carry Farm
Tighnabruaich
PA21 2AH

Tel: 07876 227021

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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
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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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