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.

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Top reasons to visit

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Long distance walking trails
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9 medieval castles
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Artists & galleries
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2 glorious gardens
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Maritime Gateway to National Park
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UK's first forest park

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Auchgoyle Farm

A family run, organic, wildlife haven on the Cowal Peninsula offering eco-friendly farm stays & wild running retreats. Come & run, cycle, walk or jus...

Auchgoyle Farm
MILLHOUSE
TIGHNABRUAICH
PA21 2BS

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Fyne Sea Tours

Boat tours from Portavadie Marina to see wildlife, castles and scenery. Tours from Tarbert, Kintyre by arrangement

Portavadie Marina, Loch Fyne, Argyll
PA21 2DA

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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

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Ruskin Lodges

Ruskin Lodge South (formerly known as Puck’s Lodge) is a traditional three-bed log cabin located beside Puck’s Glen near Dunoon in Loch Lomond and The Trossa...

9 Lamont Lodges, Rashfield, near Dunoon
PA23 8QT

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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

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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
PA22 3AS

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Riverside Leisure Centre

Riverside is situated on the promenade of Dunoon, close to the town centre. A 25 metre, six lane swimming pool is available, and a teaching pool, ideal for c...

8 Moir Street, Dunoon, Argyll
PA23 8AA

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Queen’s Hall

A newly refurbished multipurpose building boasts our main event hall which can hold numbers up to 900 standing, 700 seated and standing and up to 450 seated...

Queen’s Hall,
9 Argyll Street,
Dunoon,
Argyll
PA23 7HH

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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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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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