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

Explore Dunoon & Cowal

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Fire & Rain

Inspiring self-care retreats for those of us who have lost their life partner. Space to just be....connect with nature and enjoy delicious food and wine....w...

1 Craigard
North Campbell Road
Innellan
Dunoon
PA23 7SB

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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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Winston Churchill Venison

Winston Churchill Venison was established in a very small building, in early 1990 . Winston taught himself butchery in order to sell to friends and family an...

Balagowan
Glen Lean
Sandbank
Dunoon
PA23 8RD

Tel: 01369 705319

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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

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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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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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Coast Coffee

We are a small takeaway coffee shop in Dunoon Town Centre. We sell a variety of coffees and speciality drinks, as well as wraps, toasties, and bagels. Every...

4 Argyll Street
Dunoon Pier
Argyll
PA23 7HU

Tel: 07788 208673

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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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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!

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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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