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?
Kozy Cottages - Fyne Byre
Fyne Byre Cottage - Barn Conversion with Hot Tub 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 4 Beds 2 Bathrooms A beautiful and stylish open planned, barn conversion, renovated by t...
Leanach Farm
Strathlachlan
PA27 8DB
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
Ardkinglas Woodland Garden
Situated on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll, against a spectacular background of mountain and forest, Ardkinglas Estate covers about 4800 hectares.
Ardking...
Ardkinglas Estate Office
The Square, Cairndow
Argyll
PA26 8BG
Tel: 01499 600261
Holiday Cottages West Coast - The Cottage
The Cottage on the shores of Loch Fyne is just steps from the water, sit at the window and look out on the ever-changing loch. You might spot jumping fish, s...
Leachd, Argyll
PA27 8DA
Tel: 07585709992
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 Colintraive
Family run restaurant with rooms focusing on local produce cooked simply. Fresh langoustines and fish from Tarbet, Isle of Bute lamb and beef, local venison,...
Kyles of Bute
Argyll
PA22 3AS
Tel: 01700 841207
Carrick Farm (Self Catering & Aires)
Carrick Farm is a small farm on the edge of Loch Goil 200 metres from Carrick Castle. Situated at the end of the road you can enjoy the quiet, peace and subl...
Carrick Farm
Carrick Castle
Lochgoilhead
PA24 8AF
Tel: 01301703646
Coast Coffee
We are a small take Away coffee shop based in Dunoon Town Centre. We sell a variety of coffees and speciality drinks as well as wraps, toasties and bagels. E...
4 Argyll Street
Dunoon Pier
Argyll
PA23 7HU
Tel: 07788 208673
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.
