Cowal Peninsula Road Trip
Cowal Gateway to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
A Scenic Road Trip Through the Cowal Peninsula
Cowal Peninsula is one of my favourite areas within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, perfect for a peaceful day of exploration. This guide describes a road trip I took to take in the key highlights of Cowal, including charming villages, forest trails, and breathtaking lochside views. From Ardentinny to Puck’s Glen, this journey provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beauty of Argyll Forest. Best of all, compared to more popular parts of the national park, Cowal remains quieter and more serene, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds.
If you’re planning a visit, consider our detailed photo/guidebook, ‘101 Things to Do in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs’. It’s packed with inspiration, including many suggestions for things to see and do in Cowal.
Glenbranter and the Lauder Memorial
The road trip begins near Glenbranter, where you re-enter the national park after heading west from Loch Lomond. The first stop is the Lauder Memorial, a tranquil spot dedicated to Sir Harry Lauder’s son, who died in World War I. It’s a peaceful location surrounded by trees, perfect for a quick break and some photos before continuing along the scenic road.
Sir Harry Lauder (1870–1950) was a Scottish music hall entertainer, comedian, and singer celebrated for his distinctive style, witty performances, and signature songs like “Roamin’ in the Gloamin’” and “I Love a Lassie”. With his trademark kilt, twisted walking stick, and exaggerated Scottish brogue, Lauder became one of his era's most successful and highest-paid performers, earning international fame in Britain, America, and beyond.
Lauder’s immense popularity saw him tour extensively across the globe, drawing huge crowds and performing for royalty, including King George V and Queen Mary. He was also a close friend of some of the most famous figures of his time, including Sir Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin. His influence on the entertainment industry was profound, and he paved the way for future generations of performers.
A proud Scot, Lauder invested in various ventures in his homeland, including purchasing Glenbranter Estate in Argyll in 1905. He developed Glenbranter into a thriving hub, attracting tourists and hosting grand events. The estate symbolised Lauder’s connection to Scotland and his success. Following the tragic death of his only son, Captain John Lauder, during World War I, Harry sold Glenbranter in 1927, and the Forestry Commission later acquired it.
Distance to next stop: 8 miles (13 km)
Ardentinny
Ardentinny: Peaceful Lochside Views
A few miles on, take a left turn onto the five-mile single-track road leading to Ardentinny. This small village is on the shores of Loch Long, and when I passed through, it looked stunning in approach with the early morning light, calm waters and scenic views of the surrounding hills. Ardentinny is a great place to stop for a short walk along the beach or explore nearby forest paths. There are toilets in both the Forestry Land Scotland and village car parks. If you have more time, you can return another day to walk to Carrick Castle at the entrance to Loch Goil.
Now head south to Blairmore, alongside Loch Long.
Distance to next stop: 6 miles (9.5 km)
Blairmore, Loch Long
Blairmore: Historic Pier and Coastal Charm
Continuing along Shore Road, your next destination is Blairmore, a charming village overlooking Loch Long. It’s usually a great spot to admire the loch and watch for passing boats, popping into the Blairmore Café for lunch or a quick coffee break. On sunny days, you can sit outside and enjoy the stunning views across the loch.
Distance to next stop: 5 miles (8 km)
Kilmun
Kilmun: History Meets Nature
The drive from Blairmore to Kilmun offers spectacular views of Holy Loch, a broad and tranquil sea loch with deep historical roots, once serving as a naval base during World War II. As you approach Kilmun, the rich heritage of the area comes into focus, starting with St Munn’s Parish Church. This ancient church has stood for centuries, witnessing the local community’s history and spirituality. Its origins date back to the 6th century when St Munn, a follower of St Columba, founded a monastery on the site. Over the years, the church has evolved, with its present Gothic Revival structure dating to the 19th century. The churchyard is equally fascinating, serving as the final resting place for members of the Campbell clan, including several Dukes of Argyll.
Nearby, the Kilmun Arboretum offers a n impressive collection of over 150 tree species, including towering redwoods, cedars, and exotic firs. Established in the 1930s by the Forestry Commission, the arboretum was created as part of an experimental forestry program to test how different tree species worldwide would fare in Scotland’s climate. Visitors can stroll along peaceful woodland paths while admiring the variety of flora and enjoying the serene atmosphere. The arboretum is also a haven for wildlife—look out for red squirrels, often darting among the trees.
After soaking in the beauty of Kilmun, you can continue your journey toward Dunoon. This bustling town offers further opportunities to explore the natural and cultural heritage of the Cowal Peninsula.
Distance to next stop: 4 miles (6.5 km)
Dunoon: Explore the Main Town of Cowal
Dunoon, the main town of Cowal, offers plenty of options for lunch. Dunoon has several restaurants and cafés, as well as a lovely promenade where you can take a walk by the water. If you’re interested in local history, the Castle House Museum provides insights into the town’s past. This is a quick plug for my wider Argyll Visitor Guide, showcasing many wonderful places in this county.
Distance to next stop: 7 miles (11 km)
Puck’s Glen
Puck’s Glen: A Fairytale Forest Walk
No trip to Cowal is complete without a visit to Puck’s Glen, a magical woodland gorge with a Victorian walkway winding alongside waterfalls. I’ve marked it on the map, and from Dunoon, you will re-enter the National Park along the A885.
The trail through Puck’s Glen is moderately challenging, with steep sections and many photo-worthy stops. You’ll be surrounded by lush greenery, moss-covered rocks, and cascading streams. After climbing through the gorge, you can return via a gentler forest path. Allow at least an hour to explore this enchanting spot fully. I love visiting Puck’s Glen. This, for me, is typical of the Argyll forest environment, and on the warm day I was visiting, I practically had it to myself.
Distance to next stop: 2 miles (3 km)
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Benmore Botanic Garden: Towering Redwoods and Scenic Walks
A short drive from the enchanting woodland trails of Puck’s Glen brings you to the spectacular Benmore Botanic Garden, one of the jewels of the Cowal Peninsula. The impressive Golden Gates provide a grand welcome as you approach, hinting at the natural wonders within. The garden’s most iconic feature is its avenue of giant redwoods, planted in the mid-19th century. These towering trees, reaching over 150 feet, create a cathedral-like canopy that invites visitors to pause and marvel at their grandeur.
Benmore’s 120 acres of gardens are home to various plant species worldwide, including vibrant rhododendrons, azaleas, and exotic ferns. For those with time, a longer walk through the grounds reveals beautifully landscaped terraces, peaceful ponds, and spectacular views of the surrounding hills. Even if you’re short on time, a brief stroll around the entrance area offers a taste of the garden’s beauty. But if you have longer you will rack up some steps, but it’s worth it, a great place to visit.
Distance to next stop: 6 miles (9.5 km)
Loch Eck: Tranquil Lakeside Views and Scenic Laybys
Continuing your journey, the road winds along the serene shores of Loch Eck, a long freshwater loch nestled between forested hills. The drive offers multiple laybys where you can stop, stretch your legs, and enjoy the breathtaking views. One of the most popular spots is Jubilee Point, which was named to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Here, you can enjoy panoramic vistas across the tranquil waters of the loch, framed by lush green hills and dense woodlands.
Loch Eck is a haven for wildlife lovers. Keep an eye out for ospreys soaring above the water, herons fishing along the shoreline, and perhaps even an elusive otter if you’re lucky. I stopped to check out Loch Eck for a future kayak trip, and you can read the results here.
Distance to next stop: 4 miles (6.4 kilometres)
Glenbranter
Glenbranter: Waterfalls, Wildlife, and Forest Trails
Our journey culminates at Glenbranter, a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Argyll Forest Park. Once the estate of Sir Harry Lauder, Glenbranter is now managed by Forestry and Land Scotland, visitors will have a chance to explore various scenic trails. The yellow-marked waterfall trail is a favourite, winding through dense forest and past cascading waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll find a wildlife hide, where patient visitors might spot red squirrels, roe deer, and a variety of woodland birds.
Glenbranter is a fantastic base for cycling. The route along Loch Eck is popular among cyclists, offering a scenic and relatively flat ride with plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the views, and this is another reason for me to return!
I thoroughly enjoyed my Cowal Road Trip. You can also read about my A82 road trip, the 40-mile Trossachs Trail and a guide to some scenic drives in the National Park.
Glenbranter
Thanks for reading
Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.
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Buy our guidebook, 101 Things to Do in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, packed with attractions, views, and activities to enjoy.