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

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Top reasons to visit

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Long distance walking trails
CASTLE 01
9 medieval castles
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Artists & galleries
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Royal botanical garden
WATERBODY 01
Maritime Gateway to National Park
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UK's first forest park

Explore Dunoon & Cowal

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CHARTS (Culture Heritage & Arts Assembly, Argyll & Isles)

CHARTS is a growing network of artists, makers, producers and spaces, who value creativity and the impact it has on individuals, communities and visitors to...

c/o Mackay & Co CA
120 George Street
Oban
PA34 5NT

Tel: 01499 305 055

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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

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The Hayshed Gallery

The Hayshed Gallery is a space for exhibiting textiles and ceramics made at Carry Farm by a family of award winning and contemporary artists and makers. Fion...

Ardlamont
Tighnabruaich
Argyll
PA21 2AH

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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

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Argyll Holidays - Drimsynie Holiday Village

Whether you stay in one of our iconic A-frame holiday lodges, caravans or hot tub lodges, there's so much to fill your days with at Drimsynie Holiday Village...

Lochgoilhead
Argyll
PA24 8AD

Tel: 01301 703344

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Argyll Coffee Roasters

We’re speciality coffee roasters based in Tighnabruaich on Argyll's Secret Coast. We love coffee and we source the finest beans from around the world and roa...

Unit 1 Kames Industrial Estate
Kames
Tighnabruaich
PA212AB

Tel: 01700 385538

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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

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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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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
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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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