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
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 - 5Elopment Couple Images 2023 53251083395 O
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

Discover more
Background image - portavadie-555.jpg
Portavadie Loch Fyne - Marina Restaurant and Bar

Floor-to-ceiling glass awaits you where every table offers a view of the marina and beyond. This is shore-side dining at its best. Sample a wide selection of...

Portavadie Estates Ltd
Portavadie Marina
PA21 2DA

Tel: 01700 811075

Discover more
Background image - 20230317_173301_20300_.jpeg
Fyne Byre with Hot Tub

A beautiful and stylish open planned, one level Barn conversion. Hot tub, patio and spacious garden with outdoor furniture, bbq and firepit. Sunroom leading...

Fyne Byre
Leanach Farm
Strathlachlan
CAIRNDOW
PA27 8DB

Tel: 07747000597

Discover more
Background image - _dsc6083.jpg
Holiday Cottages West Coast - Tanamuir

The open plan cosy sitting /dining room has a wood-burning stove at its heart, with comfy seating to curl up on around it whilst enjoying the gorgeous views...

Strachur
PA27 8DE

Tel: 07585709992

Discover more
Background image - Argyll Botany 2
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

Discover more
Background image - 272A5453 5Cc8 40E2 86Df 5B18265c5d33
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

Discover more
Background image - fyne_den.jpg
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

Discover more
Background image - Winston Churchill
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

Discover more

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

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.

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