From the Scottish Borders, to the Highlands & Islands, we’ve put together a collection of the very best wonderfully wild and remote dog-friendly cottages in Scotland – the perfect adventure ground for you and your best furry friend.
Some have loch side settings, others are in private forested estates, or in the grounds of a Castle. All have wonderful walks from the doorstep up glens, along lakes, close to breathtaking beaches and with dog-friendly castles to visit and islands to explore.
Each property on our hound picked list is 100% dog-welcoming, fully self-catering and still available to book in the upcoming months. Oh and did we way dogs stay free!
The Saw Mill at Glen Dye, Abderdeenshire
The Saw Mill at Glen Dye is a secluded sanctuary where you and your dog can reconnect with nature in a wonderful private estate surrounded by forest and wilderness. With room for two, plus your furry friends, Saw Mill makes for a magical night in the luxury of a giant bed.
The cabin itself is a cosy 1957 Airstream Safari caravan with access to a foresters seed store and kitchen,. wash House, your own private Swedish wood-fired hot tub, outdoor shower and barbecue.
Explore our full collection of dog-friendly cottages in Aberdeenshire here.
Loch Lomond Waterfront, Balmaha
Set within 18-acres of private grounds and along the banks of Loch Lomond, these five-star dog-friendly lodges and chalets have sprawling views of the lake and surrounding national park. Four-legged friends are welcomed and are free to roam the grounds. And after long walks in the wonderful country surroundings you can enjoy a spa treatment or relax in your private hot tub under the stars.
Whiskey tasting in a local distillery canoeing and paddle boarding are available and there is an abundance of wonderful walking routes from the door. Close to the Trossachs National Park and the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.
Kennel Cottage, Gordon Castle, Highland
Kennel Cottage is a three bedroom historic cottage – the perfect place for you and your dog to stay exploring the Moray area of Scotland and the gorgeous Moray Firth coastline. Nestled in the fabulous Gordon Castle estate on the edge of an expansive wooded area, with a delightful walled garden and cafe, you and your dog will love the surrounding scenery and nature.
The cottage is very charming and luxurious and has a very special story behind it. The kennels adjoining this property were the kennels that housed the very first Gordon Setters when they were developed in the late 18th century by Alexander Gordon, the 4th Duke of Gordon.
Although there is a fully equipped kitchen there are plenty of dog-friendly pubs and restaurants close by including the Craigellachie Hotel with its Copper Dog bar.
Explore our full collection of dog-friendly holidays in Highland here.
Portsonachan Hotel – Log Cabins, Dalmally
These lovely traditional log cabins in the grounds of the gorgeous Portsonachan Hotel in a lovely remote position on the Southside shores of Loch Awe. Your dog will have a wonderful playground with over 100 acres of natural woodland around the loch in beautiful rural surroundings. Stay in one of nine traditional wooden lodges which can accommodate up to six guests.
All the lodges have fabulous views and some have a built-in sauna! Dine with your dog at the hotel or in the fully equipped kitchen in your cabin. There are fabulous walks, running and cycle routes, and you can even take your four-legged friend on a 27-mile boat trip around the loch. You can also try your hand at fishing from the loch as well as a spot of birdwatching in this gorgeous natural habitat.
Explore our full collection of dog-friendly holidays in Argyll and Bute here.
Bearnock Lodge, Highlands
Enjoying a secluded position surrounded by woodland and private grounds, Bearnock Lodge is a magnificent luxury country lodge which sleeps up to 20 guests plus furry friends – perfect for a family gathering or party of friends.
Located in the Highlands of Scotland near Cannich it has eight bedrooms, open-plan living areas each with a kitchen, dining area and sitting areas, one with a woodburning stove, perfect for socialising together following a busy day of walking with your dog. Enjoy exploring the beautiful woodland grounds surrounding the property with patio areas for alfresco dining.
Dalbeathie Cottage, Perth
Situated within the grounds of the gorgeous Dalbeathie Estate, just 2½ miles east of the historical town of Dunkeld, this restored, detached villa for four with garden, offers an ideal getaway for you and your four legged friend to explore the secluded central Highlands.
The 8-acre estate sits high above the northern banks of the River Tay, and is surrounded by lawns, orchards, meadows, a sunken bowling lawn and mature woodland of the estate. Gates open onto the Murthy Estate where guests have direct access to the bank of the river. Dunkeld village is one of Perthshire’s hidden gems, with dog-friendly pubs close by.
Explore our full collection of dog-friendly holidays in Perth & Kinross here.
Dunultach Cottage, Tarbert
A luxurious, detached holiday property with wood burner, large enclosed lawned gardens and stunning views over the loch and the Isle of Jura makes the perfect dog-friendly escape.
The property includes a living room with a wood burner, TV, DVD player, CD player, iPod dock, loch views and French doors to the garden. There is a well equipped kitchen and two bedrooms this beautifully presented cottage provides a tranquil retreat from which to explore the Kintyre Peninsula renowned for its rugged beauty and beautiful beaches with The Kintyre Way, a series of walks criss-crossing the peninsula. There are also dog-friendly ferries to the islands of Islay, GigRiver Cottage, Perth and Kinross.
River Cottage, Highland
This stunning single-storey cottage in a wonderfully remote and has a gorgeous setting with a river in the garden for fishing, Loch Ness within easy reach and wonderful walks on the doorstep. There’s an open plan living area with 42 inch TV, fully fitted kitchen and kingsize bed.
The half acre of garden is perfect for your pet to play and the town of Drumnadrochit is just a mile away with a fabulous selection of restaurants and dog-friendly pubs. Loch Ness features a variety of forest,moorland and woodland walks your dog will love with waymarked trails and easy routes to follow.
MacNeils Croft, Argyll and Bute
Ideal for exploring the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, this delightful two bedroom detached cottage has an idyllic lochside setting, with spectacular views to islands of Eigg and Rhum. Set amidst some of the finest scenery in Scotland and surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, MacNeils Croft is a perfect base for you and your dog to explore the wonderful walks around the Ardnamurchan Peninsula.
There are also plenty of historic sites, castles and gardens to visit. Walk to the famous Singing Sands, take a short boat trip to one of the Inner Isles, or climb the Glenfinnan monument. Attractively decorated with wooden floors and wood burning stove it also has a lovely garden for dining al fresco with your dog.
Claypots, Blairgowrie
An 18th-century dog-friendly cottage positioned in a peaceful glen, with fishing available from the garden.. Set on a Highland estate spanning 4500 acres with hills rising to 2500ft, these four holiday properties are situated on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park with a wild flower reserve nearby, and an abundance of wildlife including ospreys and huge herds of deer.
There are fabulous walks from the door of each cottage and excellent golf courses at St Andrews, Carnoustie, Gleneagles and Rosemount. You can also visit dog-friendly Balmoral Estate and Gardens as well as Scone Palace which boasts acres of beautiful woodland gardens for dogs to run around in.
Feeling inspired?
It’s not too late to book your summer staycation! If none of the above cottages take your fancy, check out our collection of fabulous dog-friendly hotels in Scotland and find the perfect hound holiday for you and your pooch.
Alternatively, explore our most popular dog-friendly getaway collections…
