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)

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Long distance walking trails
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9 medieval castles
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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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Douglas Park Guest House

Douglas Park is situated in the village of Kirn, one mile from Dunoon town centre and only a half mile from the car ferry to Gourock. Our seafront guest hous...

101 Marine Parade,
Kirn, Dunoon, Argyll
PA23 8HH

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Live Argyll - Queen’s Hall, Dunoon

A multipurpose building boasting a main event hall for concerts, an extensive library with incredible views, a children’s soft play area, a gym and fitness s...

Queen’s Hall
9 Argyll Street
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 7HH

Tel: 01369 800500

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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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Annie's Herb Kitchen

Annie’s Herb Kitchen is a small family run business based in rural Argyllshire on the West Coast of Scotland. We hand make seasoning salts using locally sour...

16A Unit
Kilmory Estate
Lochgilphead
PA31 8RR

Tel: +44 (0) 7423 595 768

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The Snug

The Snug is a cosy detached cottage perfect for a relaxing retreat.

Many years ago The Snug was a haybarn - now it’s a cosy modern cottage which comfortably...

Trinity Lane
Innellan
Dunoon
PA23 7TS

Tel: 07979784825

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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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The Blairmore

We are a Cafe/Bistro on the shores of Loch Long, across from Blairmore Pier. We offer locally sourced produce, a full range of breakfast dishes, home baking,...

The Blairmore
Shore Road
Blairmore
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 8TJ

Tel: 01369 760391

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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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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

Explore Dunoon and Cowal's Places of Interest

Discover some special places of interest while staying in Dunoon and Cowal. Click on our map icons to discover where to see on your travels. If you see multiple icons clustered in one area, simply zoom in on the map to decluster the icons.

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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!

Watch YouTube
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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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