• Get around
• See
• Do
• Buy
• Eat
• Drink
• Get out

Dunoon is the seaboard gateway to the Scottish Highlands in Argyll and Bute.

[edit] Get in

Dunoon is tricky to get to at times, hence why tourism has not blossomed so much here, but it is definitely worth it in the end!

[edit] Car

By car it is simple using roads out of Glasgow. Travel west on the M8 motorway in the direction of Greenock and Gourock. The motorway eventually ends and becomes the A8 highway. Follow for approximately 1 hour through Greenock and to Gourock. There are two ferry companies; Western Ferries and Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries. Western Ferries is clearly marked once you leave Gourock on the seafront and has big red ferries. Caledonian MacBrayne, or CalMac for short, has their ferry terminal approximately 6 miles before Western Ferries terminal next to the Gourock train station. Of the two ferries, Western Ferries has better prices and frequency (every 20 mins at peak times)vs CalMac which offers service hourly. Another difference is that CalMac has their Dunoon terminal in the main part of the downtown area while Western Ferries is out of the main part of town midway between Dunoon and Sandbank. If you are leaving the Dunoon area than Western Ferries will get you there a little quicker.

[edit] Train

First Scotrail Leaves Glasgow Central (which is well connected to the whole of Britain) bound for Gourock frequently. Buy tickets before boarding. Takes 40 minutes. The last stop on this line is Gourock and the CalMac ferry terminal is located next to the station.

[edit] Bus

Scottish CityLink Glasgow's Buchanan Street Bus Station has bus service twice an hour through the day till evening to both ferry terminals. The bus ride takes just over an hour. Notify the driver of which ferry terminal you wish to be dropped off at.

[edit] Get around

West Coast Motors provides service throughout the area highly dependant on where you want to go. It serves the main routes and even goes to Inveraray to meet up with Citylink bus service to Campbeltown and Oban. There is also service to Portavedie where there is ferry service to Tarbert as well as service to the Isle of Bute. Expensive and irregular, it can be a pleasure if you have a friendly bus driver. There are plenty of overpriced taxi's vieing for your trade in Dunoon and numbers are always available.

A best bet for a visit is to take a car, as this is necescary to get to the best walking spots and off the beaten track.

[edit] See

• <see name="Benmore Botanic Gardens" alt="" address="Dunoon

Argyll" directions="" phone="+44 (0)1369 706261" email="benmore@rbge.org.uk" fax="" url="http://www.rbge.org.uk/the-gardens/benmore" hours="Open daily 1 March to 31 October from 10am " price="Adults £4.00, Children £1.00, Families £9.00"></see>Site of one of the finest collections of conifers as well as rhododendrons in the world, Benmore Botanic Gardens, managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, offers a 130 acre estate filled with trees and plants from around the world. For dramatic views, big plants and gardening on a massive scale, Benmore cannot be beaten. Bring a sturdy pair of walking shoes. First ScotRail offers an all-inclusive Benmore Botanic Garden Day Out ticket.

[edit] Do

[edit] Buy

Mugs! Dunoon is well known for its ceramics and a shop can be found in Argyll Street. The region also specialises in fantastic Venison (deer) foods, such as burgers and joints.

Dunoon has had a demise in its classifacation as a 'seaside resort' but in the summer it is still nice to pick up a stick of Rock and Rhubarb Ice Cream from the Swallow Cafe and wonder down the front promenade.

[edit] Eat

Dunoon is not a food heaven to be fair. However some very nice places do exist.

There are various places through town however they don't really warrent a mention.

If you have a car there are much nicer places to get to. On Loch Eck (A815) There are two popular Inns;

If you really fancy an adventure ask about for 'Inver Cottage' which is about 40 minutes drive, but well worth it for its beautiful location on Loch Fyne, fresh food and modern, yet comfortable feel.

Many visitors get guided into purchasing Loch Fyne Oysters, which have lots of hype about them being better and fresher. Food Critic Ron Mackenna reviewed this practice and found that it left an unpleasant taste in his mouth; overpriced and not worth all the hype.

[edit] Drink

Argyll Street in the downtown area hosts many places to drink, some of the best being MacLures (a busy-at-weekends spot for a good dance on the dance floor, commonly known among youth as'McNasties') and DiMarcos (which was a pizzeria, but is now a bit confused and is an American Food bar that features live bands on Thursday).

Out of town, The Whistlefield is the best for a traditional Scottish pub atmosphere, while on a cold wet day, head to the Coylet for their cozy log fire place. There are many other little pubs generally based in villages e.g Strone and Strachur.

[edit] Sleep

[edit] budget

There are currently no hostels in Dunoon, but 7 miles out into the National Park there is a bunkhouse at The Whistlefield, mentioned above, which provides cosy beds and has a traditional bar next door.

[edit] midrange

[edit] splurge

Hotels are generally fine in the area but many accommodate coach loads so the best bet would be to use a Bed and Breakfast. The Anchorage, Holy Loch is a good alternative and newly opened with modern facilities, on the Shore Road next to the Holy Loch and features great views and a family run feel.

[edit] Get out