Our Tours & Visiting Us – Scottish Laird
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Our Tours & Visiting Us

Dunans is open by appointment only, between April–October inclusive, Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm for tours and visits.

  • The Lairds & Ladies tours are at middays on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
  • We have Special Tours as well if you prefer different times and / or days - Special tours can also be booked for Saturday mornings, between February and November inclusive.
  • Because we open by appointment only you will need to book if you prefer just a visit without a tour.
  • We are not open at the weekends, except for special events.
  • Please note - all bookings must be made at least 4-7 days in advance, depending on the tour or accommodation chosen!

BOOK YOUR TOUR OR VISIT

 

General Information

The Tour: The focus of your visit to Dunans will usually be a tour in the grounds with a member of the ScottishLaird team – booking is essential (visit events.scottishlaird.com).

The tour takes in the history of the site, the plans we have for the future, the work we have already done, as well as a visit to the A-listed bridge and your square foot of land.

Safety & Access: You will have access to the grounds, but as the castle is still a ruin, not to the building itself. All access is granted only after your have been briefed on health and safety matters.

Facilities: Because we are a building site we do not have any facilities for visitors save a WC and the paths at the moment. We recommend places for refreshments below.

Disabled access is limited, but possible. Our policy is to ensure that those who cannot participate in the full tour are able to least to visit the exterior of the castle and bridge - comprising about 70% of the guided walk.

For further details about your visit and how it works please see information at the bottom of this page

Places to Stay Near Dunans

Hotels
The Kames Hotel, The Colintraive Hotel, The Creggans Inn

B&Bs
The Watermill, Waulk Mill

Self-Catering Accommodation
Ardachearnbeg cottages, Maymore and Tighnariddon Cottages

Caravan & Camping
Glendaruel Caravan Park

For much larger parties, there is also Ormidale House

In all case, please mention you have been recommended to contact them by Charles at Dunans and you will be looked after!

How to get to Dunans

By Air

Dunans is approximately one and a half hours by road from both Glasgow andPrestwick International Airports.

By Road

Putting our postcode into satnav will always get you here: “PA223AD” On Google maps the red arrow drops right on top of the castle!

Via Road:

M8 then Over Erskine Bridge
Follow Loch Lomond shores to Tarbert and on to the Rest and Be Thankful. Just before Cairndow turn left toward Dunoon, Cowal, Tighnabruaich. When you reach Strachur turn left (just past ‘the famous Creggans Inn’) signposted Tighnabruaich & Glendaruel (A886). (You'll pass village shop/post office on Lochside 200 meters later. If you get to the garage in Strachur on right you have gone too far)! 2 miles out of Strachur the road (A886) you will start climbing a steep hill and veering to left away from the loch. Approx. 4 miles later you'll see a sign for Glendaruel Clachan 8 miles. (Our gate is 2.3-2.5 miles later on the left). The first house you pass after the Glendaruel sign is a small cottage on your right, slow down. Approx. 100 yards on your left is a lay-by and another hundred yards on the left is our turning. On either side of the entrance are two aged standing stones and inset with a sign ‘Dunans Castle’  (If you find yourself heading down hill and reaching a sign post to west Glendaruel on right you have overshot). Follow drive down hill, across the bridge and follow the drive round to the left towards the ruined castle. Take it slow – the road is very rough.
Via ferry
M8 to Gourock, follow road through Port Glasgow, Greenock and on to Gourock. Follow signs to Dunoon Ferry:  As you see water on your right (Clyde) you see parades of shop’s: Look for the ‘wee chippy’ just after that is a spa grocers: These guys sell ferry tickets: You have to buy a return, but this is cheaper, than buying a single on the boat: Follow road on and you will you see Gourock railway on your right, carry on – road bears left through a small parade of shops.  About half mile you will see ferry on your right.  This is Western Ferries. Off ferry at Hunters quay – turn right, follow coast rd to T-junction, and turn right. Follow road out of Dunoon & Sandbank, just as you hit national speed limit signs (couple of miles) you will see a left turn to Tighnabruaich/Cowal  - take this left turn.  Keep on going long windy road about 15-20mins eventually you reach T-junction, turn Right on A886. Drive on about 5 miles, just past the West Glendaruel turnoff, the road starts to climb a hill look through trees and you will see Dunans, our drive is on your right between two standing stones.

 

By Taxi

We recommend the following taxi drivers:

  • Taxi George: provides a great tour for a good price from Dunoon – 07913 601442
  • David Morrison: provides a great taxi service from Dunoon – 07974597564

Please note: Taxi charges to and from Dunoon should be no more than £70

Driving from Prestwick Airport

If flying into Prestwick and hiring a car, join the A78 and travel North along the coast taking Western Ferries from McInroys Point just before Gourock over to Hunters Quay. See above for further directions from the ferry.

By Rail & Ferry (from Glasgow)

Depart from Glasgow Central Station on a train to Gourock. Caledonian MacBrayne Ferry Terminal is beside Gourock train station, take ferry to Dunoon. A taxi from Dunoon ferry terminal will take around 40 minutes to take you to Glendaruel. It is advisable to negotiate a price before setting off.

Other attractions locally are listed here

Some notes on your visit:

Trailers, Caravans and Campervans are strictly prohibited over the A listed Bridge. All vehicles of this nature MUST be left at the top of the drive. Standard vehicles can be parked onsite, follow the drive to marked parking bays.

  • Please observe the speed limit
  • Please stay to the front of the Castle during your visit (the right side as you approach and where the information boards are located).
  • Please do not go around the back of the Castle or house (the left side as you approach).
  • The back of the Castle is more dangerous and also, the family rooms of the house look onto the back garden.
  • You will find a map of the Woodland Walk at the car park. Please stay to the paths provided.
  • Please do wear suitable footwear & clothing. We are an outdoor site and really can experience all 4 seasons in one day.
  • At present, there are no catering facilities on site.
  • Dogs are not allowed around the Castle or site office, well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome on the woodland walk. We are surrounded by livestock.
  • Please collect and remove all dog waste.
  • If you would like to find the location of your Plot then please check with us before you arrive as there may not be anyone available to show you on the day.
  • For restricted access requirements please contact us.
  • Dunans is a no smoking site.

BOOK YOUR TOUR OR VISIT