For those eager to experience the highlights of the West Highlands without an extended journey, Cowal offers the perfect escape. The start of the Cowal peninsula is just 15-minutes by bus or car from Inveraray, an hour from Glasgow or an even quicker ferry ride from Gourock to Dunoon, this re- gion delivers breathtaking landscapes that feel worlds away from the city. Cowal’s accessibility made it a be- loved steamer trip destination in the early 1900s, shaping Dunoon into the charming seaside town it is today. Visitors can still take in the timeless appeal of the waterfront promenade, where the statue of Highland Mary gazes south toward Robert Burns’ Ayrshire home. Stroll through town to explore independent shops offering local produce and gifts, or step back in time at Castle House Museum, which tells the story of Dunoon’s rich heritage. Just beyond the town, Benmore Botanic Garden is a must-visit. Nestled in the lush mountainside, this 120- acre wonderland welcomes visitors
with an awe-inspiring avenue of giant redwoods. As you wander through themed plantings - from the Tasmani- an Ridge to a Bhutanese Glade - you’ll encounter a vibrant display of flora, particularly in spring when azaleas and rhododendrons burst into color. Nature lovers are drawn to Cowal’s dramatic landscape, where craggy coastlines meet dense forests and towering mountains. Hikers and cyclists can explore scenic trails that range from gentle paths to more rug- ged backcountry routes. The region’s coastal waters also offer unforgettable experiences, whether you’re setting sail from one of Cowal’s marinas, kayaking along its shores, or diving into thrilling rib-boat adventures. For sailing enthusiasts, the area hosts a variety of yachting events, adding to its maritime charm. Bring history to life at Historic Kilmun. This is a venue that holds so many sto- ries on the spectacular banks of Holy Loch. Discover the history and burial places of Argyll’s Campbell Clan chiefs and Dukes dating back hundreds of
Benmore Botanic Gardens Photo: © Graeme / Adobe Stock
Scotland’s most renowned peaks for climbers and hikers alike. Dunoon is also a thriving events hub, hosting everything from Punk on the Peninsula and the Argyll Rally to endurance races like the 52K Ultra Marathon and the 10K Coastal Road Race. The town’s festival calendar wouldn’t be complete without the Cowal Highland Gathering, one of the world’s premier Highland games. Plan your trip and discover what’s on at www.dunoonpresents.co.uk
years and take a peek at one of the UK’s only fully restored water-pow- ered organs and the stunning stained glass windows designed by Stephen Adam and much more. www.historick- ilmun.org Cowal’s forests are just as defining as its coastline. The Argyll Forest Park, stretching from the Holy Loch to the Arrochar Alps, showcases dramatic landscapes shaped by the Highland Boundary Fault. Its network of trails leads through enchanting woodland, past shimmering lochs and cascading waterfalls, making it an ideal destina- tion for walkers of all abilities. For breathtaking hill-walking, head to Glen Croe, home to the iconic Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint, where soldiers carved their gratitude into stone after building a military road in the 18th century. Nearby, Arrochar serves as a gateway to the Arrochar Alps, featuring The Cobbler, one of
Looking towards Gourock Photo: © espy3008 / Adobe Stock
Pucks Glen Photo: © espy3008 / Adobe Stock
Jubilee Point looking onto Loch Eck Photo: © Fencewood studio / Adobe Stock
Castle House Museum Photo: © andreaskoch02 / Adobe Stock
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