Glenfinart Caravan Park provides a great base for exploring the natural beauty and adventure of the Cowal Peninsula. Whether you’re seeking serene landscapes, thrilling activities, or family-friendly attractions, the area surrounding our park offers something for everyone.
A must visit during your stay has to be Loch Lomond. Located 70 miles from our park, it makes a great day visit being Scotland’s largest freshwater loch and a true gem of the Scottish Highlands.
With its vast, sparkling waters and dramatic mountain backdrop, Loch Lomond is a haven for nature lovers. The loch stretches over 39 kilometers and is surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and charming villages, offering breathtaking views in every direction.
The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including red deer, ospreys, and even the elusive Scottish wildcat. Whether you’re walking the trails or cruising the loch, keep your eyes peeled for these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat.
Dunoon, our closest town, is charming and overlooks the Firth of Clyde. Once a popular Victorian resort town, it retains its historic charm while offering modern attractions, from picturesque walks along the promenade to outdoor adventures in the nearby Argyll Forest Park. Visitors can explore the historic Castle House Museum, take in the views from Bishop’s Glen, or enjoy the annual Cowal Highland Gathering, one of the largest Highland games in the world.
The Kyles of Bute is a stunningly scenic stretch of water that separates the Isle of Bute from the Cowal Peninsula, offering some of the most breathtaking coastal views in Scotland. This narrow sea channel, with its winding coastline, sheltered bays, and lush green hills, is a paradise for sailors, kayakers, and nature lovers alike. The area is rich in wildlife, with seals, otters, and a variety of seabirds frequently spotted along the shores.
The Cowal Peninsula boasts a variety of walking trails suitable for all ages and abilities. Experience the enchanting atmosphere of Puck's Glen, a 1.5-mile trail that winds through a gorge adorned with cascading waterfalls, moss-covered rocks, and lush vegetation. This magical walk is a favourite among visitors.
Benmore Botanic Garden offers 120 acres of diverse plant life from around the world. The garden features a majestic avenue of 150-year-old Redwood trees, a Victorian fernery, and stunning views from its 137-meter-high viewpoint. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including red squirrels and sparrowhawks.
Ardkinglas Woodland Garden features the Gruffalo Trail, where children can discover sculptures and excerpts from the beloved book hidden throughout the woodland.
Cycling enthusiasts will find numerous routes to explore:
Road Cycling: Enjoy quiet roads with smooth tarmac, offering routes like the 60-mile ride from Dunoon to Loch Striven and back, providing scenic views and a satisfying challenge.
Mountain Biking: For off-road adventures, the area around Dunoon offers a network of mountain bike trails through forests and along lochs. The Corlarach Forest features a 20km loop suitable for families, while more challenging trails can be found in Bishop’s Glen.
Dunoon’s Holy Loch Marina is surrounded by exceptional scenery. The Marina is a great place if you love your watersports – it provides an on-site chandler and coffee shop, a laundry and showers to freshen up after you’ve been on the water.
The coastline around Dunoon is a paradise for sea kayakers and there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of the wonderfully clear water for both beginner and advanced level kayakers.
There are numerous places to fish and clearly the places where no cost is involved are the best. Fishing off the rocks at Ardentinny beach must be the top of the list. Coming a close second, however, is fishing off Blairmore Pier, just 2 miles away. You may not catch anything, but we are sure you will see Sammy, the resident seal, snatch a fish from some unexpectant fisherman’s hook, possibly yours.
Relax and play on the beautiful beaches nearby:
Ardentinny Beach: The largest beach in the area, Ardentinny Beach is just ½ mile from our park and offers a shallow sandy shore and a gentle stream, making it ideal for families. Facilities include picnic benches and restrooms. This is also a dog-friendly beach.
Ostel Bay: A bit further afield, Ostel Bay rewards visitors with expansive sands and stunning views, especially at low tide. Be sure to check tide times before visiting.
The area offers a range of attractions suitable for families:
Benmore Botanic Garden: Beyond its natural beauty, the garden often hosts family-oriented events and has open spaces perfect for picnics.
Quadmania: For thrill-seekers, Quadmania offers activities such as quad biking, clay shooting, and archery, with discounts available for family groups.
Wreckspeditions: Explore the coastline with powerboat tours and discover marine life, shipwrecks, and stunning scenery.
The Blairmore Café is located just 2 miles away from the Park across from Blairmore Pier, and everything they serve tastes absolutely wonderful! The Ardentinny Inn, situated less than a mile away from the park, therefore in walking distance, provides a convenient option for a drink and a relaxing walk back. It boasts a decking area with scenic and offers a very varied menu.
With so many town centres offering the same high street shops these days, you’ll be impressed with the variety that Dunoon provides. The town’s vibrant centre boasts many independent shops that you will not see elsewhere.
You won't be short of something to do!
Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or quality time with loved ones (including pets), the area surrounding Glenfinart Caravan Park offers a wealth of activities and attractions to make your stay memorable.
