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 - Tossing Caber Cowal Highland Game
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

Discover more
Background image - liveargyll.dunoon.64.jpg
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

Discover more
Background image - Tossing Caber Cowal Highland Game
Holiday Cottages West Coast - An Airigh

Situated in the quiet Loch side village of Newton, this brand-new contemporary and beautifully decorated cottage sleeps up to 4 people. It is just outside St...

Newton, Cairndow
PA27 8DB

Tel: 07585709992

Discover more
Background image - P1130794
The Butlers Quarter

The garden is the perfect setting for your marquee, tipi or whatever you decide to have for your special day.  We can accommodate from two to two hundred gue...

Ardkinglas Estate
Cairndow
PA26 8BN

Tel: 01499600261

Discover more
Background image - 20230317_173301_20300_.jpeg
Fyne Byre with Hot Tub

A beautiful and stylish open planned, one level Barn conversion. Hot tub, patio and spacious garden with outdoor furniture, bbq and firepit. Sunroom leading...

Fyne Byre
Leanach Farm
Strathlachlan
CAIRNDOW
PA27 8DB

Tel: 07747000597

Discover more
Background image - coldbackie_beachwaa.jpg
The Wild Scot

Failte - My name is Perri Hopkinson and I am a Scottish Blue Badge Tourist Guide offering private luxury tours around Scotland. I have boundless energy and e...

Head Office, Portsonachan
Dalmally
Argyll
PA33 1BJ

Tel: +44 7943613334

Discover more
Background image - front_showing_parking.jpg
Historic Kilmun

At Historic Kilmun we have some unique experiences we want to share with you. Historic Kilmun, a former church, with the Argyll Mausoleum at its side, overlo...

Historic Kilmun
Kilmun
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 8SD

Tel: 07887 856514

Discover more
Background image - pup_photo_2.jpg
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

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