The Cowal Peninsula is accessible, only two hours from Glasgow, but at the same time is completely rural and offers a highland getaway with low population, much less traffic and access to quaint and tranquil villages and coastline.

Dunoon

Dunoon is Cowal's busiest town and not only has a good selection of shops but also has many different attractions.

Kames

Kames, once more, is a quaint place with the two attractions being a nice hotel - Kames Hotel - and a rewarding golf course - Cowal Golf Club - which overlooks the Firth Of Clyde.

Millhouse

Millcroft Lavender, grows fields of lavender and turns the the flowers and oils into various products available from their small craft shop. Products such as dried flowers and herbs, scented petals, herbal bags, hearts and wands, and a selection of soaps. There are also a selection of unusual chutneys available to buy.

Millcroft Lavender at Millhouse is just a few minutes drive from Portavadie Marina.

Tarbert

Tarbert is but a 20 minute ferry journey across Loch Fyne, has a great selection of shops, hotels, and places to eat and drink. The harbour has a small active fishing fleet, and also pontoons for berthing in case you want to to-and-fro privately across the loch. Tarbert has a small castle that overlooks the harbour and the loch and is the starting point for the great Kintyre Way.

Tighnabruaich

Tighnabruaich is one of the stops for the paddle steamer, the Waverley which no longer stops in Tarbert due to the poorly maintained wooden east pier. With a small selection of shops, and several places to eat, Tighnabruaich is an ideal lunch time stop, and particularly on a beautiful day the tranquil nature of the village and the views are much admired.