Zip lines, gondolas, and a mountaintop restaurant: the sleepy Scottish coastal town, once a thriving Victorian holiday destination for Glaswegians, is set for a world-class makeover!
Dunoon, the sleepy town tucked into the Cowal Peninsula of Argyll and Bute in Scotland, is about to get a major wake-up. Plans are underway to transform the coastal hub into a world-class adventure resort, and locals are bracing themselves for the adrenaline-fuelled future.
The ambitious multi-million-pound project will see the development of a top-tier adventure destination featuring a gondola system, a brand new hotel, mountaintop restaurants, and a range of pulse-raising activities from zip lines to guided hikes.
If the proposals move forward as planned, Dunoon could soon rival the likes of Fort William and Aviemore for outdoor tourism.
What’s on the Cards?
At the heart of the proposal for Scotland’s newest adventure capital is a state-of-the-art mountain gondola – the first of its kind in the region – designed to whisk visitors from the town centre up to the surrounding hills.
Once at the summit, adventurers can take in panoramic views of the Firth of Clyde before flinging themselves down a high-speed zip line or settling in for a local whisky at the mountaintop restaurant.
The resort will also feature:
- A luxury hotel with eco-friendly credentials
- Adventure zones for zip lining, bouldering and ropes courses
- Family-friendly nature walks and interpretive trails
- Access to mountain biking and kayaking facilities
- A visitor centre celebrating the area’s rich heritage and wildlife
Economic Boost with Green Intentions
Developers promise the resort won’t just be geared towards thrill-seekers though. Sustainability is central to the design, with green building principles, local employment initiatives, and low-impact tourism forming key pillars of the project. The goal is to boost the local economy without compromising the natural beauty that makes Dunoon so special.
Early estimates suggest hundreds of new jobs could be created, with local businesses likely to see an uptick in trade. Hospitality, retail, and outdoor guiding services are expected to flourish alongside the resort, offering new opportunities for the town’s younger population.
A Town Ready for Change
Once a bustling holiday spot for Glaswegians escaping the city via the paddle steamers, Dunoon’s tourism has quietened in recent decades. This new development is being hailed as a chance to re-establish the town on the adventure map.
Local reaction has been cautiously optimistic. Long-time resident Fiona MacIntyre said, “We’ve always had the scenery. It’s about time we made more of it. If this means jobs and more visitors, I’m all for it – so long as it respects the land.“
Not everyone is on board just yet. Some concerns have been raised over increased footfall and the potential strain on local infrastructure. However, developers insist that community consultation will guide the next stages.
Tapping into Scotland’s Outdoor Surge
Scotland’s appetite for outdoor adventure has boomed in recent years. From Munro bagging to wild swimming, Brits are heading for the hills like never before. Dunoon’s makeover aims to capture that momentum and offer a gateway to adventure without the crowds of the Highlands.
Proximity is a big plus: just a short ferry ride from Gourock, Dunoon is more accessible than many of Scotland’s better-known adventure towns. It’s hoped that improved transport links and marketing will make it a year-round destination.
What’s Next?
The planning phase is in motion, with feasibility studies and community consultations ongoing. While funding details are still being finalised, early signals from investors and tourism bodies are encouraging.
If green-lit, construction could begin within the next 18 months, with a phased opening beginning as early as 2027.
For now: watch this space. Dunoon is ready to trade quiet for quality, and maybe even a little chaos – of the zip-lining, trail-scrambling, heart-pounding kind.
Stay tuned for more updates on the UK’s outdoor and adventure scene here at Adventure Brits.