natural wonder
Loch Lomond
Britain's largest freshwater lake by surface area, where Highland mountains meet Lowland shores in a landscape immortalised in song.
24 km · about 30 min drive
Scotland, United Kingdom · Europe
Dunoon is worth a stop: 5 minutes from Sandbank, 24km from Loch Lomond.
Dunoon is a town located in Scotland, United Kingdom. With a population of 8,160, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Dunoon sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Dunoon to your route.
Dunoon (; Scottish Gaelic: Dùn Omhain [t̪un ˈo.ɪɲ]) is the main town on the Cowal peninsula in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It is located on the western shore of the upper Firth of Clyde, to the south of the Holy Loch and to the north of Innellan. The town had a population of 7,994 in 2022.
As well as forming part ofRead more
the council area of Argyll and Bute, Dunoon also has its own community council. It was a burgh until 1976.
The early history of Dunoon often revolves around two feuding clans: the Lamonts and the Campbells. The town was a popular destination when travel by steamships was common around the Firth of Clyde; Glaswegians described this as going doon the watter. This diminished, and many holidaymakers started to go elsewhere as roads and railways improved and the popularity of overseas travel increased.
In 1961, during the height of the Cold War, Dunoon became a garrison town to the United States Navy. In 1992, shortly after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, they closed their Holy Loch base in Sandbank, and neighbouring Dunoon suffered an economic downturn. Since the base's closure, the town and surrounding area are again turning to tourism, marketing to outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, as well as promoting festivals and competitions. The largest annual event held in the town is the Cowal Highland Gathering, which has been held since 1894. The Royal National Mòd has also been held in the town.
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Dunoon offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Dunoon is located in Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 55.9503 latitude, -4.9273 longitude.
Dunoon has a population of approximately 8,160 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.
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Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United Kingdom8 notable places within an hour's drive.
natural wonder
Britain's largest freshwater lake by surface area, where Highland mountains meet Lowland shores in a landscape immortalised in song.
24 km · about 30 min drive
cafe
A popular stopping point on the A82 beside Loch Lomond, where road trippers heading to the Scottish Highlands pause to take in one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs.
28 km · about 35 min drive
famous road
The famous climb out of Glen Croe in Argyll with the old military road beside it; landslide-prone but a spectacular gateway to the west coast.
30 km · about 35 min drive
scenic viewpoint
A famous viewpoint at the top of Glen Croe where 18th-century soldiers carved the name into a stone after completing the military road.
31 km · about 35 min drive
castle
The turreted seat of the Dukes of Argyll on Loch Fyne, with state rooms, an armoury hall and gardens open in season.
33 km · about 40 min drive
landmark
A nine-mile canal across Knapdale linking Loch Fyne to the Sound of Jura, its sea lock and basin at Crinan a popular stop.
37 km · about 40 min drive
museum
Glasgow's Zaha Hadid-designed transport museum on the Clyde, packed with classic cars, a recreated cobbled street of vintage vehicles, and the tall ship Glenlee moored outside.
40 km · about 45 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Arran's highest peak at 874m, climbed from Brodick, with views over the Firth of Clyde and to Ireland on clear days.
40 km · about 45 min drive
May to September
Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.
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