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
Highland games also includes other forms, such as fiddling, harp circles and Celtic bands, usually spiced with a large amount of bagpipe music. The Cowal Highland Gathering hosts the annual World Highland Dancing Championship. This event gathers the best competitive dancers from around the world who compete for the SOBHD sanctioned World Championship title. At modern-day Highland Games events, a wide variety of other activities and events are generally available. Foremost among these are the clan tents and vendors of Scottish related goods. The various clan societies make the Highland games one of the main focus of their seasonal activities, usually making