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?
Baileyfield
Baileyfield is a gorgeous house with landscaped gardens sitting at the water’s edge of the Holy Loch with fantastic views of the Firth of Clyde and the hills...
Ashburn
Strone
Argyll
PA23 8RX
Tel: 07740860331
Heathery Heights
Heathery Heights offers bespoke guided walks and tailored outdoor experiences for individuals and small groups across Argyll & the Isles. With so much on...
Head Office, Heathery Heights
Upper Erskine
Manse Brae
PA31 8QZ
Tel: 07899 765240
The Tartan Road
Working all over Argyll & the Isles, we create luxury Scottish holidays tailored exclusively for each client. Specialising in self-drive and chauffeured...
Head Office, Lora Villa
Connel
Oban
PA37 1PD
Tel: +44 (0)1631 402 066
Wild at Art Ltd
Our immersive creative experiences combine art workshops with handpicked accommodation and eateries, visits to galleries and exhibitions, and more. Develop y...
Wild at Art Ltd
1 Craigard, North Campbell Road
Innellan
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 7SB
The 51st State & La Cantina
Well established family run business split over two levels and situated in the heart of Dunoon on Argyll Street. The 51st Bar and Grill situated on the groun...
200-202 Argyll St
Dunoon
PA23 7HA
Tel: 01369 705550
Ruskin Lodges
Ruskin Lodges are traditional three-bed log cabins located beside Pucks Glen near Dunoon in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Ruskin Lodge North (...
6 & 9 Lamont Lodges
Rashfield
near Dunoon
PA23 8QT
Tel: (0044) 07751 195561
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
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
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.
