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A trip to Cowal or Dunoon is a chance to connect with an oft-overlooked section of Scotland, one that has it all in terms of landscape, nature and facilities.
Nature & wildlife
History & heritage
Walking
Food & drink
Cowal has everything an adventurous traveller could ask. Nestled between the beautiful Loch Long and Loch Fyne, Cowal boasts several must-see villages, and don't miss the classic seaside town of Dunoon. Once the destination for pleasure-seeking tourists, heading ‘doon the watter’ was a highlight of Glasgow’s industrial past.
Dunoon has seen a cultural renaissance of late, becoming a hub for the arts as well as great pubs and restaurants. Further along the coast, the picturesque villages of Colintraive, Tighnabruaich and Portavadie add their own flavour to your Cowal exploration. Each adds its own unique vibe to this wonderful corner of Scotland.
Dunoon’s grand promenade once echoed to throngs of tourists escaping the overcrowded city. While the architectural flourishes of a Victorian seaside town remain, Dunoon has reinvented itself as a hub for the arts and a thriving destination for a new generation. Two top class venues – The Queen’s Hall and Dunoon Burgh Hall – host world class events including gigs, comedy shows and art exhibitions, and while Dunoon today may be a cultural destination of note, heritage is never forgotten. Each August, Dunoon is home to a huge celebration of Scottish culture – The Cowal Highland Gathering – the world's largest highland games.
The villages of Tighnabruaich and Portavadie lie just 12 minutes apart on the Cowal peninsula. The difference in their characters is testament to the variety of experiences to be had along Argyll’s ‘secret coast’. Sitting on the shore of the romantic Kyles of Bute, Tighnabruaich retains a traditional village feel with its coastal architecture and rich sailing history. Tighnabruaich is also famous for Shinty, the ancient Scottish sport played to this day by the local team. Along the road in Portavadie, luxury dominates the landscape. There's a range of excellent accommodations and a spa with infinity pool. Portavadie's marina brims with yachts, underlining the indulgent atmosphere.
Just minutes from the bustle of Dunoon's Argyll Street, the natural beauty of Cowal unfolds. Benmore Botanic Gardens is a 120-acre retreat with a rich diversity of plants and trees. While wandering through a spectacular display of 300 species of Rhododendron, or strolling down an avenue of 150-year-old Redwoods, Benmore offers a feast for the senses. Just across the road things get a little wilder with a visit to Puck’s Glen. This walking trail runs parallel to a magical woodland gorge and takes in several glorious waterfalls. Watch out though: the woods are said to be home to many mischievous spirits, including the legendary fairy, the Ghillie Dhu!
