Dog Friendly Holidays Argyll and Bute

Situated within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Willow Lodge is the perfect location from which to explore this magnificent region. There are some beautiful walks direct from the door such as Pucks Glen and Benmore Botanical Gardens is within walking distance too. This stunningly beautiful area has a wide range of activities on offer, with Dunoon, close by, offering 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. Walkers should seek out the newly opened Cowal Way; a long-distance walk running from Portavadie to Arrochar. Explore Argylls 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. Several public gardens are 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. At Colintraive there is a short ferry crossing over to the picturesque Isle of Bute and a visit to the fabulous Victorian Gothic Mount Stuart House is a must. Tighnabruaich has a RYA sailing school and a selection of small shops. Inveraray is also a great day out with the Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll and the 19th century Inveraray Jail, both well worth a visit.

This charming cottage is situated in the quiet village of Kilberry, surrounded by wonderful views across the sea towards Islay, Jura and the island of Gigha. It is a tranquil haven, a cosy place to unwind and to take a breath of clean sea air.
It is the perfect place to relax and escape the city but don’t worry, there is plenty to explore including Templar gravestones, a fabulous coastline where seals, otters and a variety of birds can be seen. In the hills, deer roam and golden eagles soar. There are many activities available nearby including whirlpool watching, sea fishing, bird watching, art trails, horse trekking, mountain biking and island hopping. There’s even a small art gallery next door!
The village of Tarbert can be reached within 30 minutes drive and offers a supermarket, shops, restaurants, coffee shops and a nine hole golf course. Ferries are close by for trips to Islay, Jura and Gigha to the west and to the east, Arran. Further South lies the beautiful sands of Westport Beach, great for surfers. In Campbeltown you will find several famous distilleries and the category A listed Glasgow school Art Nouveau style picture house. Kintyre is home to five golf courses, the most famous of which is the championship course at Macrihanish, with its infamous first hole. Further south is the beautiful Southend and the wild Mull of Kintyre.
From Tarbert, cross Loch Fyne to Portavadie with its swimming pool, spa and restaurant facilities and from there you can explore Tighnabruaich and the Cowal Peninsula, Argyll’s Secret Coast. To the north you will find the town of Lochgilphead, the historic and mystical Kilmartin Glen, Knapdale forest and the Scottish Beaver trail. Walk or cycle the beautiful Crinan Canal or take a trip to Coryvreckan, the third largest whirlpools on the planet. Oban, the gateway to the isles, is also worth a visit. Beach 1 mile. Shop and café (seasonal Easter to October) 1 mile. Pub 1 mile. Shop and restaurant 13 miles.

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.

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.

This homely, pet-friendly lodge rests on the bay in Craobh Haven near Ardfern, Argyll and Bute. Family-friendly. Rural location. Beautiful views. Off-road parking. Ground-floor living. Lochgilphead 17.9 miles; Oban 22.4 miles.

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.

With beautiful views over the water, this detached, cottage is located within the owner’s grounds with access to the expansive gardens. Situated in the village of Innellan, it is within walking distance of a local shop and two pubs serving fine food. There is also a golf course and tennis courts within the village. Innellan serves as an excellent base to begin walking or cycling along the coast and around the peninsula to Loch Striven. Alternatively, you can trek up through the forest above, which provides wonderful views of the Isles of Arran, Bute and Cumbrae.

Close by is Dunoon, the main town on the Cowal Peninsula and also the south-western gateway to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Local attractions include Castle House Museum and Gardens, Bishops Glen, Dunoon Ceramics and Morag’s Fairy Glen. There is a swimming pool and leisure centre within the town, as well as a cinema, a range of restaurants and pubs, and an extensive scenic promenade.

Cowal, the area between Loch Long and Loch Fyne, boasts excellent opportunities for walking and cycling. The Kyles of Bute, Tighnabruaich and the beautiful sandy beach at nearby Kilbride Bay all make for fantastic days out. The Arrochar Alps in northern Cowal offer some of the finest hill walking in the southern Highlands, which include the Cowal Way known as ‘Scotland in 57 miles’, Kilmun Arboretum and Loch Eckside to name but a few. The highly popular walking festival of CowalFest is now firmly established as a highlight of the year in the Cowal calendar, with a variety of graded and numbered walks to suit all ages and abilities. There are also cultural and social events to accompany this event, which usually last about 10 days around the middle of October a must for keen walking enthusiasts.

Excursions on the famous Waverley paddle steamer are available direct from Dunoon’s pier, up to five days each week in season. The wonderful Benmore Botanic Gardens near Loch Eck provide an idyllic setting for a fascinating day out. The nearest train station is Gourock, just 6 miles away, which can be reached by taking the bus, which is just a short walk away. Dunoon is also well known for the Cowal Highland Gathering, the biggest and most spectacular Highland games in the world, which is held the last weekend of August. Beach 100 yards.

Ideal for a romantic couple’s getaway, or an active sea-based adventure, Eider Cottage is a recently refurbished cottage, beautifully decorated to a high standard, set close to the shores of Loch Craignish in the village of Ardfern and only 25 minutes from Oban with all its shops, bars and ferry terminal linking to the Outer and Inner Hebrides and the mystical Island of Iona. Close to the shore, surrounded by nature, yet close to the village amenities, Eider Cottage is an ideal location for a nature lover’s relaxing break or an active land/water-based holiday.
Completed in 2021, the open plan living space with well equipped kitchen provides the perfect setting for a great holiday complemented by a spacious bedroom with cosy kingsize bed and a contemporary bathroom with large walk-in shower. Dining outside will be a delight on the south-facing decking overlooking Loch Craignish. The shores of Loch Craignish are a stone’s throw from the cottage, where you will enjoy exploring the peaceful sheltered waters of the Lagoon. A very popular area for kayakers and canoeists, Loch Craignish is the ideal base for touring Argyll and the surrounding Islands. Perfect for hillwalkers and nature lovers and a short distance from the famous Kintyre Way Walk. As Loch Craignish is a sea loch, there is an abundance of wildlife in the surrounding area including an array of sea birds and seals.
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 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.

Ivy Cottage is a charming one bedroom cottage located on a quiet residential road close to the town of Dunoon. Totally refurbished in 2020, this charming detached property is well appointed and decorated to a high standard and is fully insulated and double glazed.
The cottage is situated in the West Bay less than 400 yards to the beach and only 5-minutes’ walk in to the Kilbride Forest and Bishops Glen. The surrounding area offers a broad range of tourist attractions and activities throughout the year to suit all tastes. With the town centre within a 15-minute walk one can explore all that Dunoon has to offer on foot, from the Castle House Museum, a walk along the promenade with a visit to the Victorian Pier, or a stroll through the town to browse the many craft shops and galleries.
For the more active there are various cycling tracks, and walks through the Argyll Forest which includes Puck’s Glen and the Benmore Botanic Gardens, or enjoy sailing or charter boat trips on the Firth of Clyde. Nearby Fishing at Dunoon Reservoir is excellent, producing double figure Rainbow Trout.
At various times of the year there are popular events and music festivals that draw tourists from all over the world. One such event is the Cowal Gathering at the end of August which claims to be the largest and most spectacular Highland Games in the world. There is a leisure centre with pool and Golf at Cowal Golf Club and Innellan Golf Club. Dunoon is the Firth of Clyde’s most popular tourist resort and Ivy Cottage is well located to enjoy all that the town and surrounding area has to offer. Beach 400 yards. Shops 1 mile, pub and restaurant ¾ mile.