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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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
Ballochyle Cottage
Pet friendly Ballochyle Cottage sleeps up to 10 guests and is ideal for families and groups of friends. Located in a quiet private estate, this spacious, sem...
Cottage 3, South Courtyard
Ballochyle
Sandbank
Dunoon
PA23 8RD
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
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
Argyll Holidays - Loch Eck Holiday Park
Loch Awe Holiday Park is your gateway to the Highlands and islands. We have two great self-catering accommodation options: caravans and hot tub cabins. A sto...
Loch Eck
Dunoon
Argyll & Bute
PA23 8SG
Tighnabruaich Sailing School
Tighnabruaich Sailing School has been providing an unsurpassed sailing experience on the Kyles of Bute for over 50 years and is renowned on the west coast fo...
Carry Farm
Tighnabruaich
PA21 2AH
Tel: 07876 227021
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
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...
Carryfarm
Ardlamont
Tighnabruaich
Argyll
PA21 2AH
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.
