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This picturesque round trip through Argyll’s Cowal peninsula is approximately 50 miles and takes you from Old Castle Lachlan and Kilmorie Chapel on Loch Fyne, to Loch Eck, and ends at Historic Kilmun on Holy Loch near Dunoon. It contains several stopping places worth devoting plenty of time to. We recommend a whole day to see everything with an additional day if you would like to explore the many forestry tracks by mountain bike or on foot. A downloadable document describing the route is included below.
Or, if you would prefer to start from Kilmun and make your way north to Old Castle Lachlan, click below.
Situated on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll, against a spectacular background of mountain and forest, Ardkinglas House is an architectural gem. Ardkinglas Woodland Gardens are open all the year round with an outstanding collection of plants and trees, including the tallest tree in Scotland. There are several lovely walks throughout the Gardens and the wider estate. The Woodland Garden is open dawn to dusk every day.
Argyll’s Secret Coast is tucked away in a small corner of Argyll on the west coast of Scotland. Bordered by Loch Fyne and the Kyles of Bute, it’s an area of stunning natural beauty, with hills, glens, rugged coastlines, white beaches, clear waters and ancient forests. You won’t find crowds of tourists here. What you will find is fantastic seafood, welcoming pubs, a wide range of holiday accommodation, a vibrant arts scene, breathtaking scenery, ancient sites and loads of outdoor activities. It may feel wild and remote, but it’s only a two hour drive from Glasgow. Come and enjoy the peace, tranquillity and scenery of Argyll’s Secret Coast … but don’t tell everyone.
The Castle House Museum, which has been open since 1998, is one of Dunoon’s most historic locations. Dunoon became a holiday resort when Lord Provost Ewing of Glasgow bought the land around the ruined medieval castle and built himself a holiday home. This was in 1824 and many other wealthy businessmen followed his example. Later a trip "doon the watter" at the Glasgow Fair became a tradition. His handsome home, set in beautiful gardens and with fine views of the Firth of Clyde, now houses the Museum on its upper floors.
Scottish census records, Scottish wills, birth certificates and death certificates
The organ at Historic Kilmun is one of the few remaining hydraulic driven organs left working in Scotland. Made by Norman & Beard in 1909 and refurbished in 2006, the organ can be seen and heard in all its glory in this video. With views of the bellows, the water engine and the unique placement of the organ console.
Craigieburn Guest House - Bed and Breakfast in Dunoon, within walking distance of the town centre. Only 10 minutes by car from Kilmun.
Bay House Hotel - Victorian Retreat on the picturesque West Bay, Dunoon. 15 minutes from Kilmun by car.