Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights & Activities
The town's main attraction is still, as it was in the 1950s, strolling along the
promenade
,
licking an ice-cream cone and watching the yachts at play in the Firth of Clyde. On a
small hill above the seafront is a
statue of Highland Mary
(1763-86), who was one of
the great loves of Robert Burns' life. She was born near Dunoon, but died tragically
young; her statue gazes longingly across the firth to Burns' home territory in Ayrshire.
Benmore Botanic Garden
(
www.rbge.org.uk
;
adult/child £5.50/1; 10am-6pm Apr-Sep, to 5pm Mar & Oct)
This
garden, 7 miles north of Dunoon, was originally planted in the 19th and early 20th centur-
ies. It contains the country's finest collection of flowering trees and shrubs, including im-
pressive displays of rhododendrons and azaleas, and is entered along a spectacular avenue
of giant Californian redwoods planted in 1863. A highlight is the restored Victorian fern-
ery, which is nestled in an unlikely fold in the crags. The cafe here (which stays open all
year) is a nice place for lunch or a coffee.
GARDENS
Festivals & Events
HIGHLAND GAMES
Cowal Highland Gathering
(
www.cowalgathering.com
;
adult/child £13/2)
Held in Dunoon in mid-August. The spec-
tacular finale traditionally features 3000 bagpipers playing en masse.
Cowalfest
(
www.cowalfest.org
)
A 10-day arts and walking festival featuring art exhibitions, film
screenings, guided walks and bicycle rides throughout the Cowal peninsula.
ARTS, OUTDOORS
Sleeping & Eating
Dhailling Lodge££
(
01369-701253;
www.dhaillinglodge.com
; 155 Alexandra Pde; s/d £45/85; )
You can experience some of Dunoon's former elegance at this large Victorian villa over-
looking the bay about 0.75 miles north of the CalMac ferry pier. The owners are the es-
sence of Scottish hospitality, and can provide excellent evening meals (per person £22).
B&B
