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

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Loch Riddon Bothy

Located on the east side of Loch Riddon, 3 miles north of Colintraive on Argyll’s Secret Coast, Loch Riddon Bothy is an architect designed modern bothy. It i...

Springfield
Colintraive
Argyll
PA22 3AH

Tel: 07821 259700

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Northern Lights Cakery

Northern Lights Cakery is an independent boutique bakery set in the forested hills of Argyll, overlooking the Isle of Bute. We specialise in high-end, locall...

Calabeag Cottage
Stronafian
Colintraive
PA22 3AJ

Tel: +44 (0)7447 450724

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Live Argyll - Riverside Swim and Health Centre, Dunoon

Riverside Swim and Health Centre is situated on the promenade of Dunoon, close to the town centre. It is within easy walking distance of the local ferry term...

8 Moir Street
Dunoon
PA23 8AA

Tel: 01369 701170

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Portavadie, Loch Fyne

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 offers...

Portavadie Estates Limited
Portavadie
Loch Fyne
Argyll
PA21 2DA

Tel: 01700 811075

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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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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

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Dunoon Burgh Hall

Our mission for Dunoon Burgh Hall is to be an arts and cultural centre for Dunoon, Cowal and Scotland, rooted in the heart of the local community. By bringin...

195 Argyll Street
Dunoon
PA23 7DD

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CHARTS (Culture Heritage & Arts Assembly, Argyll & Isles)

CHARTS is a growing network of artists, makers, producers and spaces, who value creativity and the impact it has on individuals, communities and visitors to...

c/o Mackay & Co CA
120 George Street
Oban
PA34 5NT

Tel: 01499 305 055

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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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