Dunoon & Cowal
Scotland's Adventure CoastDunoon 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.
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
Weekend Getaways and Fun-Packed Holidays
Enjoy visiting castles, exploring Cowal's beaches or gardens and outdoor activities for the more adventurous
Explore Dunoon & Cowal
What are you looking for?
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
McKinlay Kidd Ltd
Award-winning specialist tour operator making holidays differently throughout Argyll and the Isles. At McKinlay Kidd, we like to get up close and personal wi...
Head Office, McKinlay Kidd
6/1 (front) The Hatrack
144 St Vincent St
Glasgow
G2 5LQ
Tel: 0141 260 9260
Argyll Botany
Come and join my botanical skincare journey through the wild plants growing in Argyll on the west coast of Scotland. All my products are hand-made, created b...
Entrance of the Kilfinan Community Forest
Tighnabruaich
Argyll
PA21 2BD
Beagle Cruises
We take individual and groups of up to six on sailing / activity holidays from Tighnabruaich around the greater Clyde area stopping at fascinating local attr...
Head Office - Dunmar
Tighnabruaich
Argyll
PA21 2EA
Adventure Zone at The Fyne Den
Indoors, there is an abundance of invitations to play, the natural wood frame that includes platforms, a bridge, climbing structures and ‘birds’ nest’ all ne...
The Fyne Den
Clachan
Cairndow
PA26 8BL
Woodside Lodge - Weddings
Our commitment to creating unforgettable moments begins with understanding your unique vision. We recognize the significance of your special day and invite y...
Woodside Lodge on Loch Goil
Argyll
Scotland
PA24 8AE
Tel: 01301 703 173
Holiday Cottages West Coast - An Airigh
Situated in the quiet Lochside village of Newton, this brand-new contemporary and beautifully decorated cottage sleeps up to 4 people. It is just outside Str...
Newton
Cairndow
PA27 8DB
Tel: 07585709992
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
TIGHNABRUAICH
Sitting on the shore of the beautiful Kyles of Bute, this little village lies on the rural west coast of Cowal.
CAIRNDOW
Lying in an idyllic setting at the head of Loch Fyne, near Inveraray and 'The Rest & Be Thankful'
TARBET & ARROCHAR
Villages located in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National and gateway to the Argyll Forest Park.
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.
4 Places for Wild Swimming in Cowal | Argyll & the Isles
Wild Swimming along Cowal Pennisula is a fantastic way to embrace the open waters of Argyll & the Isles. Here are our top 4 places to wild swim in Cowal.
Where to go walking on the Cowal Peninsula | Argyll & the Isles
Whether you fancy a hill climb, a woodland walk, a coastal amble or a loch side stroll – or all four – Cowal is your perfect Scottish walking destination.
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!
Your destination for a magical wedding
Tie the knot in Argyll & the IslesWhether 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.
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.
