Local places to see, visit, eat and do
Sightseeing
Toward Point Lighthouse
Short drive south for good views south.
Toward Seasports Club SCIO
Nice spot for water activities, picnics, swimming and watching sunsets.
Although private, access can be had to the old Toward Castle Ruin and a walk up the hill to the Chinese Ponds which were the water supply to the Castle. Further up is Toward Hill with a good panoramic view.
Toward Castle - Lamont Castle
Although private, access can be had to the old Toward Castle Ruin and a walk up the hill to the Chinese Ponds which were the water supply to the Castle. Further up is Toward Hill with a good panoramic view.
Longer drive south to Loch Striven where there is a nice shore side walk. Also NATO fuel jetty which can have interesting ships visiting. This is also the site where the bouncing bombs were once tested during the war. Much more information can be found in line.
Loch Striven
Longer drive south to Loch Striven where there is a nice shore side walk. Also NATO fuel jetty which can have interesting ships visiting. This is also the site where the bouncing bombs were once tested during the war. Much more information can be found in line.
Wreckspeditions
Rankin's BraeLocal diving company and RIB boat trips
The circuit combines most of the three way marked trails that explore the arboretum, providing a short tour through nearly 160 different tree species. There are shorter, easier trails which can be followed from the same start point.
Kilmun Arboretum
The circuit combines most of the three way marked trails that explore the arboretum, providing a short tour through nearly 160 different tree species. There are shorter, easier trails which can be followed from the same start point.
Great walk and views. See website for all local walks.
https://forestryandland.gov.scot/
33 locals recommend
Pucks Glen
Great walk and views. See website for all local walks.
https://forestryandland.gov.scot/
Great walks in the botanical gardens.
Full info and opening times online at
https://www.rbge.org.uk/visit/benmore-botanic-garden/
66 locals recommend
Benmore Botanic Garden
4 UigGreat walks in the botanical gardens.
Full info and opening times online at
https://www.rbge.org.uk/visit/benmore-botanic-garden/
Caol Ruadh Sculpture Park
http://www.scottishsculpturepark.com/ for further details.
Kyles of Bute
Tighnabruaich
Small village with nice views and places to eat
Portavadie
Great pool, marina, restaurant and cafe.
https://portavadie.com/
Bute
Short 10 minute ferry can be taken from Colintraive to explore Bute.
Ardkinglas Woodland Garden
Oban
Inveraray Castle
Nice castle and grounds, good viewpoint up hill.
Inveraray Jail
Visitor centre with guided tours into the mountain to see pumped hydro storage power plant
31 locals recommend
Cruachan Visitor Centre
Visitor centre with guided tours into the mountain to see pumped hydro storage power plant
Castle House Museum
Castle Gardens
Glenbranter Forest
Forest walks.
Ardentinny beach
Loch Lomond
Glengoyne Distillery station
Crinan Canal
Barrandaimh: Argyll Beaver & Wildlife Visitor Centre
Loch Lomond Sea Life Aquarium
Ben Lomond WayKilmartin Museum
A 19th-century mansion with extravagant interiors and expansive landscaped and wild gardens.
17 locals recommend
Mount Stuart
A 19th-century mansion with extravagant interiors and expansive landscaped and wild gardens.
The Clydeside Distillery
100 Stobcross RdThe Burrell Collection
The Glasgow Art Club
185 Bath StVery interesting local museum. Opens seasonally.
https://www.castlehousemuseum.org.uk/
12 locals recommend
Castle House Museum
Castle GardensVery interesting local museum. Opens seasonally.
https://www.castlehousemuseum.org.uk/
A forestry commission maintained site with a few walks of mixed length but all with good views. If you search online for Argyll Forest Park > Ardyne you should find details of Toward Hill Walk, Chinese Ponds, Corlarach Loop
Ardyne is 2 miles west of Toward Point. From Dunoon, head south to Toward and follow the main road as it curves round the bottom of the peninsula. The road then heads inland past Castle Toward. Ardyne car park is a ½ mile beyond this on the right.
The full drive from Dunoon is about 9 miles and should take 15-20 minutes
PA23 7UH is the nearest postcode
Ardyne Point, United Kingdom
A forestry commission maintained site with a few walks of mixed length but all with good views. If you search online for Argyll Forest Park > Ardyne you should find details of Toward Hill Walk, Chinese Ponds, Corlarach Loop
Ardyne is 2 miles west of Toward Point. From Dunoon, head south to Toward and follow the main road as it curves round the bottom of the peninsula. The road then heads inland past Castle Toward. Ardyne car park is a ½ mile beyond this on the right.
The full drive from Dunoon is about 9 miles and should take 15-20 minutes
PA23 7UH is the nearest postcode
Venue
Great recently renovated arts and community venue. See website for latest info.
https://www.dunoonburghhall.org.uk/
6 locals recommend
Dunoon Burgh Hall
195 Argyll StGreat recently renovated arts and community venue. See website for latest info.
https://www.dunoonburghhall.org.uk/
Studio Cinema Dunoon
41 John StLocal cinema.
The Queens Hall
9 Argyll StVenue, cafe, library and gym.
Cowal Highland Gathering
Hillfoot StreetFood scene
The Osborne
44 Shore RdLocal food and drinks
The Villagers Royal
4 Pier RdLocal Bar and food
The Boat House
72 Victoria ParadeFood and drinks
The Lorne Dunoon
249 Argyll StGood food and drinks
Swallow Cafe
172-176 Argyll StIce cream and light snacks
Whistlefield Inn
Coylet Inn
A815Good food and lovely setting on Loch Eck
The Ardentinny Bar and Restaurant
Shore RoadFyne Ales Brewery Tap & Shop
Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd
The George Hotel
1 Main St EGreat food in an old traditional setting.
The Colintraive Hotel
Food and drinks
Inver Restaurant & Rooms
Good food
Helmi’s
26 E Princes StAmazing food
Blairmore
Pier can be fished from and nearby cafe
Skipness Seafood Cabin
Jax Snax
East Hamilton StreetInteresting street food, check online (facebook) for opening times.
Sports
Innellan Bowling and Tennis Club
Shore Roadhttp://www.innellanbowlingandtennisclub.org.uk/
Swimming Pool and fitness suite.
Further details can be had online
https://liveargyll.co.uk/
6 locals recommend
Riverside Leisure Centre
8 Moir StSwimming Pool and fitness suite.
Further details can be had online
https://liveargyll.co.uk/
Hunters Quay Holiday Village
Argyll HolidaysRange of leisure activities can be booked here.
Quadmania
Local quad biking, archery and clay pigeon shooting
Innellan Golf Club
Local 9 hole golf club.
https://www.innellangolfclub.co.uk/
Holy Loch Marina
2 A815Blairmore Golf Club
High RoadCowal Golf Club
Ardenslate RoadLocal sailing school, see website for availability, usually is booked well in advance.
https://www.tssargyll.co.uk/
Tighnabruaich Sailing School
Local sailing school, see website for availability, usually is booked well in advance.
https://www.tssargyll.co.uk/
Various horse riding activities for children and adults of all ages and abilities, ranging from a 20 minute lead rein ride along the shores of Loch Fyne, a one or two hour scenic trek suitable for beginners to a two hour off-road 'fast ride' aimed at the experienced and advanced riders.
https://www.argylladventure.com/
Argyll Adventure
Various horse riding activities for children and adults of all ages and abilities, ranging from a 20 minute lead rein ride along the shores of Loch Fyne, a one or two hour scenic trek suitable for beginners to a two hour off-road 'fast ride' aimed at the experienced and advanced riders.
https://www.argylladventure.com/
Loch Fad
Fishing on Bute by Permit
https://www.lochfad.co.uk/
Loch Loskin
Fishing by permit see website for info.
https://dunoonangling.com/
Fishing by permit see website for info.
https://dunoonangling.com/
11 locals recommend
Bishop's Glen Reservoir
Fishing by permit see website for info.
https://dunoonangling.com/
Bishop's Seat
Great walk with panoramic views. Check online for further info.
Shops
Lido Community Shop and Post Office
43 Shore RdHeal & Glen
All things outdoors, wet suits, fishing permits and trail bike hire.
City advice
Don't miss
A trip on the Paddle Steamer Waverley.
https://waverleyexcursions.co.uk/
Trips can be joined from various locations including Dunoon Pier.
Ways to save
Western Ferry Tickets
You may wish to check Western Ferries website to purchase discounted ferry tickets. Just go to their website and choose Tickets and Fares > Ticket Agents, where it lists the location of ticket agents you can walk in and buy your discounted tickets from. Just ask in the store at the counter and pay there. You will also find timetable info. Alternatively you can just turn up and pay full price on board the ferry.
Don't miss
List of Cowal Walks
We cannot place a direct link in here, but if you search a common search engine with these words ''walkhighlands cowal and dunoon'' you should find a website showing around 18 walks in the Cowal area of varied difficulty. There is also a view on map option so you can see the location of them.