Notes On Visiting Dunans

Whether you intend to visit Dunans on a tour, a picnic or for an event, here are some notes for your visit.

First, you must book a tour, picnic or an event. We cannot accept 'walk-ups' given the terms of our public liability insurance as well as our relatively isolated location.  

HOW TO GET TO DUNANS

By Car

The Cowal Peninsula, and Dunans, can be reached by road and by ferry. If travelling from Glasgow directly to the castle we prefer the A82/A83 route via Loch Lomond and the Rest and Be Thankful. As long as we haven't had heavy rain / snow then this road is generally open. The other route, which can take slightly longer, depending on the timing of the ferries, uses the Western Ferries route between Gourock and Dunoon. On a fine day crossing the Clyde can be spectacular, but inclement weather can make the ferry trip less than comfortable.

By Public Transport

We do not recommend visiting Dunans by Public transport. It is of course very possible to get to Dunoon using the Argyll Ferry service from the Gourock railhead. However, bus services to Glendaruel and Dunans are infrequent and for day trips, inconvenient. Far better to hire a taxi in Dunoon if hiring your own car in Glasgow is not an option.

For more advice, email help@scottishlaird.com

ON ARRIVAL

Tours

If you are booked on a tour, please park at the drivehead, by the two standing stones (where Charles is circling in the video below), and await instructions from your tour guide. You will be walking from the drivehead onto site.

Meetings & Other Events

Charles will offer instructions on what to do and where to park when you arrive at Dunans, and will ensure he or his representative is available to greet you on arrival.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Facilities

For tour participants we do offer welface facilities, but do not have refreshments onsite, nor is there a gift shop. If you are more than 20 minutes early it might be worth driving north to Strachur and having a cup of coffee / tea at the Post Office. Their bacon butties are particularly good!

The Tour

Lasts between 45-60 minutes and is conducted by Gordon our tour guide. If Gordon is not available Charles will step in, however, all tours finish with a short Q&A with the Laird in front of the castle!

Walking boots or robust shoes are recommended, and wet-weather gear is necessary if the weather is forecast to be inclement.

Mobility

Do let us know beforehand if you or a member of your party experience mobility issues as we do have ways of ensuring we include everyone in the majority of the tour.

Midge

We always recommend visiting Dunans before the third week of May, or after the last week of July. In-so-doing you will be avoiding the midge-season. Now, while those who are used to the black fly in North America or Scandinavia, might find the midge tolerable, most do not and Charles has produced a video making some recommendations if your visit falls in the season.