Dunoon & Cowal

Scotland's Adventure Coast

Dunoon and the Cowal peninsula is as beautiful as it is diverse, from the towering Munros of the north to the mellow scenery and sea lochs of the south. Paddle steamers used to bring throngs of Glaswegian holidaymakers ‘doon the water' to its shores.

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 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 great richness of expression.  Here we have shared a phrase from local Gaelic poetry about the Cowal pennisula.

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

Cowal 01

Top reasons to visit

SEE & DO 01
Long distance walking trails
CASTLE 01
9 medieval castles
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Artists & galleries
Gardens 01
2 glorious gardens
WATERBODY 01
Maritime Gateway to National Park
RESERVE 01
UK's first forest park

Explore Dunoon & Cowal

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Kozy Cottages - Fyne Byre

Fyne Byre Cottage - Barn Conversion with Hot Tub 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 4 Beds 2 Bathrooms A beautiful and stylish open planned, barn conversion, renovated by t...

Leanach Farm
Strathlachlan
PA27 8DB

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The Snug

Originally a hay barn, The Snug now boasts a bright, open-plan living space with newly fitted kitchen and sitting area (with sofa bed) on the upper floor, fr...

Trinity Lane, Innellan, Dunoon, Argyll
PA23 7TS

Tel: 07979784825

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Bookpoint

Is there anything better than spending some quiet time browsing through bookshelves to find that next book to read? If that sounds as perfect to you as it do...

Bookpoint
2A Ferry Brae
Dunoon
Argyll PA23 7DJ

Tel: 01369 702 377

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Wreckspeditions

Fancy a new and exciting way of exploring the historic Clyde and her beautiful coastlines? Maybe you would like to see some amazing wildlife and jump some wa...

Unit 2b
Holy Loch Marina
Dunoon
PA23 8FE

Tel: 07593 088816

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The Oystercatcher Otter Ferry

The Oystercatcher Otter Ferry is part of the wonderful 'Scotland's Secret Coast'. After a woodland and moor filed route along the 10-mile single-track road,...

1 Otter Ferry Seafish
Tighnabruaich
Argyll
PA21 2DH

Tel: 01700 821229

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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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Portavadie Loch Fyne - Marina

Our Five Gold Anchor award-winning marina is a gateway to some of the best sailing waters on the west coast of Scotland. Highland landscapes and vistas, isla...

Portavadie Estates Ltd
Portavadie Marina
PA21 2DA

Tel: 01700 811075

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Carrick Farm (Self Catering & Aires)

Carrick Farm is a small farm on the edge of Loch Goil 200 metres from Carrick Castle. Situated at the end of the road you can enjoy the quiet, peace and subl...

Carrick Farm
Carrick Castle
Lochgoilhead
PA24 8AF

Tel: 01301703646

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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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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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