Dunoon & Cowal

Scotland's Adventure Coast

Dunoon and the Cowal peninsula is as beautiful as it is diverse, from the towering Munros of the north to the mellow scenery and sea lochs of the south. Paddle steamers used to bring throngs of Glaswegian holidaymakers ‘doon the water' to its shores.

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 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.

Cowal 01

Top reasons to visit

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

Explore Dunoon & Cowal

What are you looking for?
Background image - pxl_20211228_133357064.jpg
The Tartan Road

We create luxury Scottish holidays tailored exclusively for each client. Specialising in self-drive and chauffeured tours, we plan your route and select and...

Lora Villa, Connel, Oban
PA37 1PD

Discover more
Background image - rothesay_4.jpg
Waverley Excursions

Welcome aboard the famous Paddle Steamer Waverley to enjoy an unforgettable day at sea! Built in 1947, our magnificent steamship cruises the waters of the We...

36 Lancefield Quay,
Glasgow
G3 8HA

Discover more
Background image - mull-tobermory-lighthouse.jpg
McKinlay Kidd Ltd

At McKinlay Kidd, we like to get up close and personal with our customers' needs and with this wonderful, magical destination. We're here to make your holida...

McKinlay Kidd
6/1(front) The Hatrack
144 St Vincent St
G2 5LQ

Discover more
Background image - Dan Merman Argyll Hope Spot
Dan the Merman

Dan the Merman is a wild swim coach and guide, based in the awe-inspiring coastline of the heart of Argyll. He offers high quality professional open water co...

4 Heatherbank, Cairnbaan
PA31 8UP

Discover more
Background image - arran_from_kintyre_heathery_heights.jpg
Heathery Heights

Heathery Heights offers bespoke guided walks and tailored outdoor experiences for individuals and small groups. With so much on our doorstep there is plenty...

Heathery Heights
Upper Erskine
Manse Brae
PA31 8QZ

Discover more
Background image - happy_people_1.jpg
Wreckspeditions

Fancy a new and exciting way of exploring the historic Clyde and her beautiful coastlines? Maybe you would like to see some amazing wildlife and jump some wa...

Unit 2b
Holy Loch Marina
Dunoon
PA23 8FE

Discover more
Background image - loch_fyne_from_ardkinglas_house.jpg
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...

15 Arkland, Inveraray, Argyll
PA32 8UD

Discover more
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

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