Holidays in Isle of Bute, Dunoon And Cowal

The hills, glens and lochs of the Cowal Peninsula are renowned for their beauty, and the whole area is distinctly Highland, and yet Cowal is one of the Gateway's to the Highlands and can be reached in a one hour drive from Glasgow.

Cowal can be reached by ferry from Gourock, boats docking in the main town, Dunoon, or in Hunters Quay; or from the Tarbert (Kintyre) to Portavadie ferry. Alternatively, you can follow the A83 over Rest and Be Thankful before turning right down the east side of Loch Fyne.

North Cowal is wild and mountainous, South West Cowal has a beautiful coastline affording lovely views of Argyll, while South East Cowal is gentler and has a number of small communities dominated by Dunoon.

Dunoon is the largest town in Argyll and originally grew up around an early mediaeval castle. However, it was the growth of 19th Century Victorian tourism that really created the modern town. This was a time when Glasgow's rich industrialists and merchants sought out bolt-holes in the country to which they could periodically escape to live in peace and luxury and entertain their friends. They were followed by the middle classes and villas sprung up all around Dunoon. The 20th Century saw Glaswegians of all classes enjoying Dunoon and Cowal, though this died off when foreign packages holidays became the vogue in the 1970's. Today, Dunoon is a pretty town with lots going on and a very warm and welcoming population.

In addition to enjoying Cowal's scenery you can visit the Castle House Museum in Dunoon, Strachur Smiddy and Ardkinglas House. The ruins of some of the castles that once proliferated can also be visited, as can gardens such as Benmore Botanic Gardens, Ardkinglas Woodland Gardens and the Kilmun Arboretum.

Wildlife is also abundant, including red deer, red squirrels, otters and dolphins, and you can fish, golf, walk, cycle, ride, sail - or just sit back and relax.               

The Isle of Bute juts down into the Firth of Clyde from one of Cowal's sea lochs. Bute is only 30 miles across the sea from Glasgow but the crossing cuts it off from the hustle and bustle and makes it a peaceful place to visit. In addition to activities like  walking, fishing, cycling and golf, you can visit Mount Stuart, Rothesay Castle, Ardencraig Gardens, the Bute Museum and more.

Evanachan Farmhouse, Isle of Bute, Dunoon And Cowal

Evanachan is just the ticket for when you really want to get away from it all and truly relax – only a couple of hours drive from the Glasgow city, yet a whole world away.

Fourwinds, Isle of Bute, Dunoon And Cowal

Situated in a prominent yet peaceful position above the friendly shore-side village of Kames, Fourwinds enjoys spectacular views over the West Kyles to the Island of Bute.

Swallows Nest, Isle of Bute, Dunoon And Cowal

Ardmarnoch is a beautiful boutique coastal estate, with views over hills, loch and land. Less than 2 hours drive from Glasgow.

The Dairy, Ardachearnbeg, Isle of Bute, Dunoon And Cowal

Dairy Cottage is a charming traditional stone built cottage situated at the side of the main house with a private entrance directly from a courtyard and opposite The Steadings.

The Haven, Ardachearnbeg, Isle of Bute, Dunoon And Cowal

The Haven is a lovely spacious holiday home with a wonderfully welcoming and relaxed feel to it.

The Hayloft, Ardachearnbeg, Isle of Bute, Dunoon And Cowal

Stunning views across open land to mountains can be enjoyed from this warm and light first floor apartment.

The Stables, Ardachearnbeg, Isle of Bute, Dunoon And Cowal

The Stables is a delightful ground floor apartment, converted from the old farm steading. This compact holiday hideaway has wonderful thick stone walls and is comfortably furnished providing cosy accommodation for up to 4 guests.

Acharossan, Isle of Bute, Dunoon And Cowal

Perfectly positioned on a beautiful 1200 acre farm on the eastern shore of Loch Fyne, Acharossan is a wonderfully luxurious house and a striking example of old meeting new.

The Shieling, Isle of Bute, Dunoon And Cowal

This well presented, spacious holiday home enjoys a wonderful position with glorious views across Loch Fyne to the mountains of the Kintyre Peninsula.