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

Cowal 01

Top reasons to visit

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

Explore Dunoon & Cowal

What are you looking for?
Background image - ballochyle_banner.jpg
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

Discover more
Background image - dbh_image.jpg
Dunoon Burgh Hall

Our mission for Dunoon Burgh Hall is to be an arts and cultural centre for Dunoon, Cowal and Scotland, rooted in the heart of the local community. By bringin...

195 Argyll Street
Dunoon
PA23 7DD

Discover more
Background image - Castle House Museum 1
Castle House Museum

Situated in Castle Gardens, Castle House Museum is at the heart of the history of Dunoon.

From our windows there are picturesque views of the Victorian Pier,...

Castle House Museum
Castle Gardens
3 Argyll Street
Dunoon
PA23 7HH

Discover more
Background image - the_snug_dunoonb.jpg
The Innellan Cottages

The Innellan Cottages are The Snug and Coach House Cottage. Cosy, detached holiday cottages next door to each other, tucked up a quiet lane in the small vill...

The Innellan Cottages
Trinity Lane
Innellan
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 7TS

Discover more
Background image - portavadie-555.jpg
Portavadie Loch Fyne - Marina Restaurant and Bar

Floor-to-ceiling glass awaits you where every table offers a view of the marina and beyond. This is shore-side dining at its best. Sample a wide selection of...

Portavadie Estates Ltd
Portavadie Marina
PA21 2DA

Tel: 01700 811075

Discover more
Background image - fyne_den.jpg
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

Discover more
Background image - hotel_image.jpg
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

Discover more
Background image - bookpoint.jpg
Bookpoint

Is there anything better than spending some quiet time browsing through bookshelves to find that next book to read? If that sounds as perfect to you as it do...

Bookpoint
2A Ferry Brae
Dunoon
Argyll PA23 7DJ

Tel: 01369 702 377

Discover more
< Prev
Page 1 2 3 10

Book direct for your stay in Dunoon & Cowal

Hotels, B&Bs, Cottages & Self Catering
Book your accommodation direct
Browse and book now
loch_melfort_hotel_coast.jpg
Self Catering
Book your accommodation direct
Browse and book now
4.7_living_room.jpg

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.

Explore
Visitscotland Tighnabruaich
CAIRNDOW

Lying in an idyllic setting at the head of Loch Fyne, near Inveraray and 'The Rest & Be Thankful'

Explore
Fresh Seafood
TARBET & ARROCHAR

Villages located in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National and gateway to the Argyll Forest Park.

Explore
Rest And Be Thankful Road Cycling
Background image - Waa Background
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!

Watch YouTube
Background image - Youtube Screen

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.

Explore
Background image - Entry 85 Ronald Sinclair

Getting here

Background image - Waa Single Letter Outline
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.

Background image - rest and be thankful.jpg

Explore more of Argyll & the Isles

Stay Icon
STAY
Explore
See Do Icon
SEE & DO
Explore
Food Drink Icon
EAT & DRINK
Explore
WHATS ON 01
WHAT'S ON
Explore