Stay connected with our environment...

South Cowal is a small but beautiful part of Argyll. The area stretches from the Bullwood south of Dunoon to the tiny clachan of Inverchaolain taking in the villages of Toward and Innellan. Although at first glance it may look as if there nothing here but a long line of houses stretching along the coastline the area is bigger than it seems for there are many more buildings hidden above the shore road. Best views of the area are to be had from a boat on the beautiful Firth of Clyde or from the forestry tracks on the hills above.

Within the South Cowal area many kinds of sport can be enjoyed. These include golf, sailing, kayaking, bowling (indoor and out), tennis, and badminton. Groups enjoying art and yoga meet on Thursdays 2-4 pm in the well-used Innellan Village Hall which also hosts the Masons and SWRI. No one needs to be bored here and a friendly welcome is given to anyone wishing to participate in any of the activities available. Toward Memorial Hall has recently been refurbished and is a venue for bowling, badminton and children’s parties.

There are also two primary schools, a nursery/family centre and one church to meet the needs of the population. Good meals and activities such as pool, darts and dominoes can be enjoyed in the Osborne Hotel and The Royal Innellan conveniently situated in the centre of Innellan whilst the village store and post office provides a great selection of items within its (seemingly elastic) walls!

Forest walks provide opportunities to enjoy the terrific views over the Firth of Clyde and to take in the wildlife of the area which includes pine martens and red squirrels. Otters, seals and dolphins can be seen on the water and an interesting selection of bird life is plentiful on the shore and surrounding hills. Historians can view the ruins of two castles – Knockamillie and Toward. A very thorough archive project about the village of Innellan has recently been completed. It runs to four fascinating volumes, details of which can be found on the website for Innellan Village Hall.

A regular bus service serves the area and easy access to more urban areas such as Glasgow is by road via the Rest and Be Thankful or by one of two ferry links.