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

SEE & DO 01
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
RESERVE 01
UK's first forest park

Explore Dunoon & Cowal

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Portavadie Loch Fyne - Marina

Our Five Gold Anchor award-winning marina is a gateway to some of the best sailing waters on the west coast of Scotland. Highland landscapes and vistas, isla...

Portavadie Estates Ltd
Portavadie Marina
PA21 2DA

Tel: 01700 811075

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Inveraray Private Hire

Based in Inveraray but working all over Argyll. Private hire and taxi service. My vehicle is a 7 passenger vehicle with luggage space. I also work with major...

Head Office, 15 Arkland
Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8UD

Tel: 07775 691641

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Historic Kilmun

Historic Kilmun is a 19th century church building sited next to a Medieval tower. Now owned by a charity, the venue is available for exclusive hire. In addit...

Kilmun
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 8SE

Tel: 07887 856514

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Annie's Herb Kitchen

Annie’s Herb Kitchen is a small family run business based in rural Argyllshire on the West Coast of Scotland. We hand make seasoning salts using locally sour...

16A Unit
Kilmory Estate
Lochgilphead
PA31 8RR

Tel: +44 (0) 7423 595 768

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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

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Kozy Cottages - Beech Cottage

A gorgeous environmentally friendly country cottage in an idyllic situation. The property uses 100% renewable energy supplied by Octopus. Nestled in an area...

Leanach Farm
Strathlachlan
PA27 8DB

Tel: 07747000597

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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

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The Blairmore

We are a Cafe/Bistro on the shores of Loch Long across from Blairmore Pier. We offer locally sourced produce, full range of breakfast dishes, lots of home-ba...

The Blairmore
Shore Road
Blairmore
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 8TJ

Tel: 01369 760391

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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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