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
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Portavadie Loch Fyne - Spa and Leisure
The Leisure Experience features a 16 metre indoor pool, toddlers’ pool with water features, outdoor spa pools, Scandinavian sauna and we think the largest he...
Portavadie Estates Ltd
Portavadie Marina
PA21 2DA
Tel: 01700 811075
Portavadie Loch Fyne - Marina
Our Five Gold Anchor award-winning marina is a gateway to some of the best sailing waters on the west coast of Scotland. Highland landscapes and vistas, isla...
Portavadie Estates Ltd
Portavadie Marina
PA21 2DA
Tel: 01700 811075
Northern Lights Cakery
Northern Lights Cakery is an independent boutique bakery set in the forested hills of Argyll, overlooking the Isle of Bute. We specialise in high-end, locall...
Calabeag Cottage
Stronafian
Colintraive
PA22 3AJ
Tel: +44 (0)7447 450724
Argyll Holidays - Stratheck Holiday Park
Nestled between Benmore and Loch Eck, Stratheck Holiday Park is set in a stunning mountainside location, just a short distance from Dunoon, on the Cowal Peni...
Stratheck Holiday Park
Loch Eck
Dunoon
Argyll & Bute
PA23 8SG
Tel: 01369 858523
Tighnariddon Cottages Ltd
Teal and Shelduck Cottages, built in 2010, are in a magnificent position overlooking Loch Riddon. They are fully equipped with everything needed for a great...
Andrew & Sheila Barker
Tighnaruel
Glendaruel
Argyll
PA22 3AF
Tel: 07500661328
Holiday Cottages West Coast, Hazelbank on the shores of Loch Fyne
Hazelbank is a stunning family home in an equally stunning location, St Catherines, just outside Strachur, on the shores of Loch Fyne.
Sleeping 10 people,...
St Catherines
PA25 8BA
Tel: 07585709992
The Hollies
The Hollies is a beautiful Victorian villa. It has been meticulously refurbished to combine sumptuous luxury with contemporary flair while celebrating the or...
Shore Road,
Tighnabruaich,
Argyll & Bute
PA21 2BE
Live Argyll - Riverside Swim and Health Centre, Dunoon
Riverside Swim and Health Centre is situated on the promenade of Dunoon, close to the town centre. It is within easy walking distance of the local ferry term...
8 Moir Street
Dunoon
PA23 8AA
Tel: 01369 701170
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.
