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

Cowal 01

Top reasons to visit

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

What are you looking for?
Background image - portavadie-1143.jpg
Portavadie Loch Fyne - Spa and Leisure

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

Portavadie Estates Ltd
Portavadie Marina
PA21 2DA

Tel: 01700 811075

Discover more
Background image - black_friday_image_1.jpg
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

Discover more
Background image - coldbackie_beachwaa.jpg
The Wild Scot

Failte - My name is Perri Hopkinson and I am a Scottish Blue Badge Tourist Guide offering private luxury tours around Scotland. I have boundless energy and e...

Head Office, Portsonachan
Dalmally
Argyll
PA33 1BJ

Tel: +44 7943613334

Discover more
Background image - img-20230528-wa0009.jpg
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

Discover more
Background image - img_7711_2.jpeg
Baileyfield

Baileyfield is a gorgeous house with landscaped gardens sitting at the water’s edge of the Holy Loch with fantastic views of the Firth of Clyde and the hills...

Ashburn
Strone
Argyll
PA23 8RX

Tel: 07740860331

Discover more
Background image - LandscapeCaley.jpg (1)
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

Discover more
Background image - photo_of_shop_front.jpg
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

Discover more
Background image - dbh_image.jpg
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

Discover more
< Prev
Page 1 2 3 10

Book direct for your stay in Dunoon & Cowal

Hotels, B&Bs, Cottages & Self Catering
Book your accommodation direct
Browse and book now
loch_melfort_hotel_coast.jpg
Self Catering
Book your accommodation direct
Browse and book now
4.7_living_room.jpg

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.

Explore
Visitscotland Tighnabruaich
CAIRNDOW

Lying in an idyllic setting at the head of Loch Fyne, near Inveraray and 'The Rest & Be Thankful'

Explore
Fresh Seafood
TARBET & ARROCHAR

Villages located in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National and gateway to the Argyll Forest Park.

Explore
Rest And Be Thankful Road Cycling
Background image - Waa Background
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!

Watch YouTube
Background image - Youtube Screen

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.

Explore
Background image - Entry 85 Ronald Sinclair

Getting here

Background image - Waa Single Letter Outline
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.

Background image - rest and be thankful.jpg

Explore more of Argyll & the Isles

Stay Icon
STAY
Explore
See Do Icon
SEE & DO
Explore
Food Drink Icon
EAT & DRINK
Explore
WHATS ON 01
WHAT'S ON
Explore