Cowal known as the "Rest and Be Thankful". In Victorian times tourism began to take hold on the Clyde coast. Steam propulsion started in 1812 and by the end of the 19th century, paddle steamers ferried thousands of Glaswegians "doon the watter" from Broomielaw in the city centre to holiday resorts including Dunoon on the Cowal. The Cowal Way stretches for over 57 miles through Cowal, from Portavadie on the southeastern shore of Loch Fyne leading to Inveruglas on Loch Lomond, in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The Cowal Highland Gathering, the annual highland games, are held annually
Glasgow Highland Games full Scottish regalia with bagpipes. But a full-fledged formal celebration of all things Scottish did not take place until 1986, when the first Glasgow Highland Games was held. Since that time, the event has expanded greatly to include the traditional highland games in professional and amateur competitions, a Ceilidh, bagpipe and highland dancing contests, parades, displays by dozens of Scottish clans, vendors of Scottish merchandise, and much more. The festival grounds has expanded to include two separate competition fields. The games are held on the weekend following Memorial Day each year. The Glasgow Highland Games are one of three highland