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
Artists 01
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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The Innellan Cottages

The Innellan Cottages are The Snug and Coach House Cottage. Cosy, detached holiday cottages next door to each other, tucked up a quiet lane in the small vill...

The Innellan Cottages
Trinity Lane
Innellan
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 7TS

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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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Loch Goil Kayak and SUP Hire

Experience the tranquillity of the beautiful tidal sea loch that is Loch Goil as you glide on its sometimes crystal still surface. It will be just you and na...

Carrick Farm
Carrick Castle
Lochgoilhead
PA24 8AF

Tel: 07901751810

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Historic Kilmun

At Historic Kilmun we have some unique experiences we want to share with you. Historic Kilmun, a former church, with the Argyll Mausoleum at its side, overlo...

Historic Kilmun
Kilmun
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 8SD

Tel: 07887 856514

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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

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Historic Kilmun

Historic Kilmun is a 19th century church building sited next to a Medieval tower. Now owned by a charity, the venue is available for exclusive hire. In addit...

Kilmun
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 8SE

Tel: 07887 856514

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Tighnariddon Cottages Ltd

Teal and Shelduck Cottages, built in 2010, are in a magnificent position overlooking Loch Riddon. They are fully equipped with everything needed for a great...

Andrew & Sheila Barker
Tighnaruel
Glendaruel
Argyll
PA22 3AF

Tel: 07500661328

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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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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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