Dog Friendly Holidays Argyll and Bute

Completely renovated in 2021, this beautiful detached, single-storey holiday cottage enjoys an idyllic location, with Loch Etive to the front and the River Awe directly behind. Extremely well furnished and equipped the property has direct access onto the beach. It boasts stunning views across the sea loch to the mountains beyond from some of the rooms, and lovely views over the garden from the others. There is a well-equipped kitchen and a dining area seating eight guests. The house enjoys significant privacy with its only neighbours being seals, otters and yachts. Point Park is one of the very few properties to truly have a sea frontage, located just 5 metres from Loch Etive’s shore with direct beach access. In all rooms the bed can be made into double beds in all bedrooms if required.
The lovely little town of Taynuilt has a friendly community and offers a village grocery store, a post office, butchers, tea room, hairdressers, doctor’s surgery and a restaurant serving good food. There is also a train station, the line through Taynuilt runs from Glasgow to Oban so you can have a day in the city or head to the islands. Taynuilt’s golf course is just a few minutes’ walk from the cottage and offers 9 holes.
The bustling Victorian town of Oban known as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’ is just 20 minutes away by carand offers shops, bars, seafood restaurants, a cinema and leisure centre. Whisky lovers can visit the Oban Distillery to learn how it’s all made. Regular boat trips leave the busy harbour bound for the Inner Hebridean Islands, including Mull, Iona and the Treshnish Isles with their comical puffins.
Enjoy leisurely forest walks, horseriding, fishing, sailing, diving and golf, or for the more adventurous, Glen Nevis, one of the Highland’s most famous glens and the location of scenes from Harry Potter and Braveheart, is only a short drive and offers stunning scenery and bracing walks. Explore famous castles, historical sites and mature gardens. Visit Bonawe Iron Works, Cruachan Hollow Mountain or the Inveraray Jail. The abundant wildlife includes porpoises, dolphins, basking sharks, otters, deer and a wealth of seabirds. Glencoe and Fort William are easily accessible by car and offer popular climbing, skiing and mountain biking. All in all this is an ideal base for enjoying the pleasures of the great outdoors or just savouring the spectacular scenery of the Western Highlands. Shop and pub 1 mile.

Right on the water’s edge with an enclosed sun-deck, 4 Dolphins offers a luxurious water’s edge holiday experience with seals, otters and seabirds, so close you can almost touch them! The experience of being so close to the sea is something quite exceptional and you will never tire of the ever-changing views and sounds whilst you sit looking out, either from the sun-deck or the comfort of the glass fronted living room. 4 Dolphins is situated on the coastal outskirts of Connel, 6 miles north of Oban on the shores of Loch Etive, and is the ground level luxury apartment created by the owners who live in the house next door.
With exceptional attention to detail and with the comfort of guests paramount, all rooms are luxuriously decorated with comfort and convenience in mind. Within walking distance of 4 Dolphins are three restaurants and three bars, a convenience store, and a railway station. You are feet away from the beautiful Loch Etive and just 5 minutes from the amazing natural attraction of the Falls of Lora, a tidal race underneath the Connel Bridge. Nearby attractions within a 5-minute drive are Dunstaffnage Castle and the Ocean Explorer Centre in the village of Dunbeg which also has a very popular Garden Centre with a café.
Across the Connel Bridge, a 10-minute drive takes you to the village of Benderloch, with its famous Pink Shop, grocery store, cafés, Tralee Beach, Ben Lora woodland walks and easy access onto national Cycle Route 78 which stretches all the way from Oban to Fort William. Oban, just 10 minutes drive, is a bustling west coast harbour town, and has lots going on for the visitor at any time of the year. Known as the ’Gateway to the Isles’, with ferries leaving daily to many islands, such as Mull, Iona, Staffa and Lismore. In keeping with its reputation as the Seafood Capital of Scotland, there are some excellent restaurants, cafés and pubs.
The area is a paradise for golfers, water sports enthusiasts, mountain bikers, mountain climbers and walkers with all the nearby glens, mountain ranges and coastal paths to explore. Inveraray, the ancient capital of Argyll, with its Castle and Jail, is a fun day out for the family. For any guests with young children, there is pony trekking available in the area. A trip to the Isle of Seil, over the Bridge over the Atlantic and a fast fun boat trip viewing whirlpools and wildlife, is another day out for family fun! Further afield, but within an hour’s drive, visitors can enjoy the scenery of Glencoe, take a trip to Fort William to see Ben Nevis or catch the Harry Potter train. Beach 8 miles, shop ½ mile, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Rhunahaorine Cottage, built around 1880, has been thoughtfully and lovingly restored by the owners and provides a luxurious, well-equipped, stylish, holiday home with space for guests to relax and enjoy their surroundings. The cottage is surrounded by an abundance of natural wildlife, the clean environment and clear waters are home to all sorts of interesting wildlife. Guests can relax on the sitting area by the wildlife pond and watch the wildlife come and go. The Machrihanish Seabird/Wildlife Observatory is located nearby at Gauldrons Beach and is fantastic for watching migratory birds.
Campbeltown is one of a handful of areas in Scotland categorised as a whisky producing region, and is home to the Campbeltown Single Malt, at one point having 34 distilleries and proclaiming itself the whisky capital of the world. The town boasts two distilleries, museum, heritage centre, harbour, cinema, leisure centre and an annual regatta and music festival.
The town is well-served with supermarkets, independently owned shops, and excellent hotels and restaurants offering the finest local produce.
The lovely village of Tarbert with its harbour, marina and ancient castle is another opportunity to explore.
The Kintyre area is well-known for its fine, white sandy beaches including Westport surfing beach, Macrihanish, Point Sands, A’Cleit, Peninver and Carradale beaches as well as the stunning beach of Dunaverty at Southend.
Unspoilt countryside abounds and whether cycling or walking there are scenic views on East and West coasts of the peninsula.
Lying just off the west coast of Kintyre, the Isle of Gigha offers a pleasant day trip. There is easy access to the Isles of Islay, Arran and Jura. Jura is one of the wildest and most mountainous of the Inner Hebrides. Islay is great for wildlife enthusiasts as it boasts a large RSPB reserve, a wintering population of barnacle and white-fronted geese, and a wildlife information centre.
For the outdoor enthusiast, there are three golf courses, walking along the Kintyre Way, cycling, fishing and water sports. Beach 1 mile. Shop 5 miles, pub and restaurant 4 miles.

Sunset View is a spectacular barn conversion located on the South Cowal Peninsula, when it comes to scenery and surroundings this property doesn’t disappoint. Each room has fantastic views either overlooking the beautiful Isle of Bute, the Arran hills or over Loch Striven.

This holiday accommodation is finished to the highest standard with beautiful oak doors and a bespoke oak and glass staircase is set off by the lovely Amtico flooring throughout. The living area has a smart curved TV and comfortable leather sofas. The sun room has a superb panoramic view over the water ideal for relaxing or reading a book.

The modern and stylish open plan living area blends into a beautifully finished kitchen with a stone topped island that takes centre stage, with modern appliances on hand and a large solid wooden table to gather around at meal times.

The bedrooms are fully furnished with solid oak furniture, hairdryers, kingsize beds and Smart TVs. The family room also has two single beds, and both upstairs bedrooms are en-suite. The ground floor bedroom has a bathroom adjacent to it, and all have underfloor heating.

Access to the shoreline is only 300 yards away, ideal for kayaks, canoes and fishing, or you can just relax and watch the boats as they sail past and take in the wildlife, which includes grey seals, birds of prey, swans, otters, dolphins and the occasional Orca has been spotted in the Cowal waters. However, if the water is not for you, there is some amazing forest walks and cycling and mountain bike tracks. Or why not explore the local area, with its botanic gardens, Puck’s Glen, local crafts, museums and shopping? Beach 300 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 5 miles.

Situated within the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Benmore Drimfern is a fantastic bungalow with an open plan living space as well as a second living room with panoramic views. It makes an ideal base from which to explore this stunningly beautiful area with Benmore Botanic Gardens on the doorstep as is the fantastic Pucks Glen with amazing walks and waterfalls. The surrounding area is known as Argyll’s Secret Coast with its sparkling sea lochs, romantic ruins, ancient forests and stunning scenery. This coastal route takes you through some of the most stunning parts of Argyll’s Secret Coast; a magical undiscovered corner of Cowal. A number of public gardens are located in the area, such as Ardkinglas, Crarae and Benmore Botanic Gardens with its avenue of giant redwood trees. There are three golf courses available locally and many opportunities for a spot of fishing.
The town of Dunoon is nearby and offers a good centre for shopping, leisure facilities and a small cinema. The Argyll Forest, part of the simply gorgeous Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, is on the doorstep and has numerous forest tracks, marked walks, cycle ways and wonderful waterfalls to explore. For those a bit more adventurous, the ferry at Colintraive to Rhubodach takes only three minutes to cross the sea loch and arrive on the Isle of Bute, a famous tourist destination over the years with many attractions such as Mount Stuart House and Gardens as well as the Victorian seaside resort of Rothesay. From this luxurious home, guests can explore many small villages such as Tighnabruaich and Kames with a spectacular viewing point en-route which looks out over the Kyles of Bute. Loch Fyne with its famous restaurant and oyster bar is not far away as is Inveraray; both great for a day trip.
Benmore Drimfern (UK38742) and Benmore Formentor Cottage (UK38743) can be booked together to accommodate up to 12 guests.

Holly Tree Cottage is tucked away in charming, historic Tain in the Scottish Highlands. Granted its first royal charter in 1066, Tain is the oldest royal burgh in the Scotland and you will find many interesting buildings throughout that you’ll enjoy wandering around and inspecting, especially since many host nice bars, cafés and restaurants. Holly Tree Cottage is a 19th-century, detached cottage set on a quiet street with the centre an easy walk away. The cottage itself is spacious and the owners have tastefully finished it to a very good standard. The kitchen/dining room is a lovely space where you will spend a lot of time, with its enormous wood burner taking centre stage. This room spills out to the garden, which is perfect for children and dogs to let off some steam. The garage is accessible from the garden and contains the washing machine and tumble dryer, as well as enough space to store kayaks, surfboards, golf clubs, bicycles and motorbikes. Back in the cottage there’s a great living room with another wood burner, a family bathroom and also a small double bedroom. Up on the first floor are two bedrooms, a double and twin, and a reading snug on the landing.
Tain has much to offer, including the Glenmorangie Distillery and the fantastic Old Tom Morris Golf Links. There is no beach in Tain, but the coastline, dunes and some tidal stretches of sand are great to explore on foot and footpaths through the golf course afford amazing views across the Dornoch Firth. Nearby Dornoch, Portmahomack and Shandwick all have spectacular stretches of golden sandy beaches to enjoy, and each place is worth a visit, too. Popular Dornoch has some great places to eat and drink in as well stunning historical buildings and Royal Dornoch Golf Links.
Tain also has the NC500 touring route skirting round it, so you can explore some of the best places in the whole of the UK. Head north via Golspie, Brora and Helmsdale to reach John O’Groats, Duncansby, the ferry to Orkney, Dunnet Head and many amazing beaches along the far north coast. The interior roads are also spectacular and worth exploring via Bonar Bridge and Lairg as well as Altnaharra. You can get across to Assynt and the west coast for a day surprisingly easily. Fly fishing is available on nearby salmon and trout rivers, as well as lochs on estates. Rest assured that a week’s stay won’t be long enough; you’ll love the accommodation and the surrounding area, and will want more time here. Beach 9 miles.

Situated on a working sheep hill farm, high above the Kintyre Coastline, Ballygroggan Farmhouse is at the end of a long and winding road up into the back of beyond countryside, next to Machrihanish beaches and golf course. The farmhouse also overlooks Gauldrons Bay, a stony beach with volcanic sill outcrops that also play host to a resident seal colony. This lovely Victorian property offers uninterrupted views out across the Sound of Kintyre. As well as seeing the islands of Islay, Jura and Gigha, on exceptionally clear days the coastline of Northern Ireland is also visible, 14 miles away. The longest and hardest part of the Kintyre Way walk goes through the back of the farmyard onto the higher hill with Cnoc Moy dominating the skyline. As well as birdwatching, the dynamic changing views of the sea and skies provide a peace and tranquillity from a place where you can sit and ponder on the slower pace of life.
The farmhouse is warm, dry and big enough to snuggle up on wet days reading, watching a movie, or enjoying hobbies. With satellite broadband throughout the property, which can be weather dependent, streaming from your own Sky go account should mean you can keep up with your downloads and pre-records. Recent additions include a tall freezer in the boot room and a tall overflow fridge in the utility room. In Machrihanish village, the beaches have soft white sand decorated with an abundance of shells, there is a children’s play park and a pub in Machrihanish which is open for food and drink all day, plus has it’s world-renowned golf course. Within a 20 mile radius of this area are five top quality golf courses, open come rain or shine. Close by is the town of Campbeltown, famous for its whiskey shops, but also served by two supermarkets, many lovely independently owned shops, and some excellent restaurants. There are ferry services and Campbeltown also has an airport with multiple flights daily in and out. Pub 2 miles down the hill in Machrihanish village.

Comfortably accommodating an adventurous family or equally ideal for a romantic couple’s getaway, Barrach is a unique, architect-designed Scottish home, close to the owner’s house, with loads of creative unique features. Its proximity to Loch Craignish, set in hills and surrounded by nature and it’s rural location roughly 1.5 miles from Ardfern, makes Barrach an ideal location for a nature lover’s relaxing break or an active land/water-based holiday.

Completed in 2021 and meticulously planned for relaxed sociable living, the open plan galleried living space with well equipped kitchen provide the perfect setting for a great holiday, whether breakfasting outside in the south-facing garden or snuggling up in front of the wood-burning stove. The stunning, soaring cathedral ceiling and contemporary décor is stylish yet cosy, warmed by a roaring wood burner and intelligent electric heating. Large patio doors lead into the garden where you can sit for evening drinks, soaking up the tranquil rural ambience. The spacious ground floor bedroom can be made up as either a king-size or twin beds. In the galleried bedroom upstairs, there’s a comfy king-size bed, as well as two bespoke cabin beds built into the eaves. There’s a family bathroom on the ground floor which has a bath with shower over, as well as a separate shower room.

The shores of Loch Craignish are only a short stroll away from Barrach, where you will enjoy exploring the peaceful sheltered waters of the Lagoon. A 15-minute walk up the track to Barr Mor hill offers spectacular panoramic views of the Sound of Jura, Crinan and the entire Craignish Peninsula. Close by, in Ardfern village, there is a friendly village pub and restaurant, café and takeaway, gift shop, marina with chandlery, well-stocked village shop and post office. Locally within a few minutes’ drive or walk, many activities are offered including riding, sailing, canoeing, fresh water and sea fishing, as well as walks and boat excursions.

Right on your doorstep and within 7 miles of Ardfern, is the renowned Kilmartin Glen and its impressive offering of pre-historic sites, including castles, standing stones, burial cairns, hill forts and Kilmartin Museum. Also, right next door is the Moine Mhor, a lowland raised bog of international importance, a rugged and beautiful landscape that is the wild heartland of Kilmartin Glen with the ancient hill fort of Dunadd, is just a short distance further towards Lochgilphead. Wildlife includes many woodland birds and birds of prey, beavers, red squirrels, red and roe deer, seals, otters and pine martins. Fresh Seafood abounds in the many delightful eating places scattered around the area, where local produce proudly served and deliciously presented.

A 16-mile drive takes you to the local country town of Lochgilphead, which has a variety of specialist shops, cafés and restaurants, a swimming pool, golf course and sports centre. Offering a great day out after a scenic 25-mile drive north is the bustling port town of Oban, the Gateway to the Isles, with plenty to do also in Inveraray, the capital of Argyll further to the East and Campbeltown to the far South on the Kintyre Peninsula.

Situated on the most accessible of the west coast islands and straddling the Highland Line, this spacious apartment boasts stunning views over the open water and lies in a rural location, just a few yards from the shoreline. A popular destination for fishing, the inland lochs are popular with anglers for coarse and game fishing. Loch Fad offers the opportunity to fish for rainbow trout and is only 3 miles away. Relax as you explore the gently undulating hills, catch glimpses of the wildlife and marvel at the vistas.
Seaview Cottage (UK4769) is perfect for a couple’s getaway, offering a comfortable double bedroom with an additional sofa bed for flexible sleeping. The cottage also boasts a private garden with enclosed seaview patio and bubbling hot tub for cosy evenings under the stars.
For such a compact island, Bute offers varied landscapes from the lush, fertile and rolling hills of the island’s heart to the craggy, heather-covered moorlands of the north and the delightful sandy beaches around the coastline. A haven for walkers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, Bute has a wealth of wildlife including wild goats, buzzards and roe deer. Scalpsie Bay, set against the magnificent backdrop of Arran, is home to a large colony of seals.
There are many historical sites to visit including the standing stones at Ettrick Bay, the ancient chapel of St Blane, and the vitrified Iron Age Fort at Dunagoil. Visit the Victorian Gothic mansion of Mount Stuart, open to the public along with its beautiful gardens, Bute Museum, Rothesay Castle and the fabulous gardens of Ascog Hall and Ardencraig. There are many events held throughout the year, including the famous annual Jazz Festival, the spectacular Highland Games, traditional agricultural shows, concerts and art festivals; whatever your interest it can be found on the Isle of Bute. Catch the ferry for the 5-minute trip to Colintraive on the Cowal Peninsula and explore Argyll’s Secret Coast where you have easy access to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, or head north to Inverary and beyond. Take the ferry from Portavadie over to Jura and Islay, and Tarbert where you can explore Kintyre. Beach 50 yards.