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
What are you looking for?
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
Loch Riddon Bothy
Located on the east side of Loch Riddon, 3 miles north of Colintraive on Argyll’s Secret Coast, Loch Riddon Bothy is an architect designed modern bothy. It i...
Springfield
Colintraive
Argyll
PA22 3AH
Tel: 07821 259700
Carrick Farm (Self Catering & Aires)
Carrick Farm is a small farm on the edge of Loch Goil 200 metres from Carrick Castle. Situated at the end of the road you can enjoy the quiet, peace and subl...
Carrick Farm
Carrick Castle
Lochgoilhead
PA24 8AF
Tel: 01301703646
McKinlay Kidd Ltd
Award-winning specialist tour operator making holidays differently throughout Argyll and the Isles. At McKinlay Kidd, we like to get up close and personal wi...
Head Office, McKinlay Kidd
6/1 (front) The Hatrack
144 St Vincent St
Glasgow
G2 5LQ
Tel: 0141 260 9260
Argyll - Holidays Hunters Quay Holiday Village
Perfect for families, Hunters Quay is an award-winning holiday village in Dunoon only an hour or so's drive from Glasgow and just outside the Loch Lomond and...
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 8HP
Tel: 01369 707772
Argyll Holidays
Just a short drive from Glasgow or Oban and you can find yourself in your own piece of paradise in beautiful Argyll, in the west coast of Scotland.
With 8 st...
Drimsynie Estate Office
Lochgoilhead
Argyll
PA24 8AD
Tel: 0345 459 9772
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
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
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.
