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

Explore Dunoon & Cowal

What are you looking for?
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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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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

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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

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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

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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
PA22 3AH

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The Whistlefield Inn

If you are looking for a quintessential Scottish inn, look no further. From Rosie, the Heilan Coo, above the fire, panoramic views of Loch Eck with our own s...

Loch Eck, Dunoon
PA23 8SG

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Ardkinglas Estate

Situated on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll, against a spectacular background of mountain and forest, Ardkinglas Estate covers about 4800 hectares. Ardking...

Ardkinglas Estate Office, The Square, Cairndow, Argyll
PA26 8BG

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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

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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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