Dog Friendly Holidays Argyll and Bute

With stunning views over the loch and the Paps of Jura this beautifully presented cottage provides a tranquil retreat from which to explore Kintyre and the islands. It is located within easy reach of Tarbert, the gateway to Kintyre, which offers local shops, pubs and restaurants. Local events include the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series Yacht Race, Tarbert Music Festival and Tarbert fair. The Kintyre Peninsula is renowned for its rugged beauty and beautiful beaches with The Kintyre Way, a series of walks criss-crossing the peninsula, stretching from Tarbert at the north end of the peninsula, to Machrihanish in the south.

It is an ideal location for exploring the local area including the the village of Skipness with its castle and seafood cabin, the village of Carradale, Campbeltown and Machrihanish with its world-famous golf course and the Mull of Kintyre. Ferries to the islands of Islay, Gigha, Jura and Arran are easily accessed as is the ferry to Ireland from Campbeltown. The ferry to Portavadie, with its stylish marina is only 11 miles away and gives access to the Cowal Peninsula and Dunoon. Wildlife is abundant with red squirrel, sika and roe deer, feral goats and a large variety of birdlife, including red grouse, hen harriers, buzzards and eagles. Machrihanish is also home to the Seabird and Wildlife Observatory. Seals and otters are seen regularly, and whale watching tours are available from Campbeltown in the summer months.

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.

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.

Perched on the edge of the crystal clear waters of Loch Etive, this luxury upper conversion enjoys breathtaking panoramic views towards the Falls of Lora, Mull and Morven. With the bustling fishing port of Oban close by, this property provides an ideal base from which to explore this beautiful part of the Northern Highlands and islands.
From the seaside town of Oban visit the Isle of Mull, just a short ferry trip away. Mull’s capital, Tobermory, is instantly recognisable by its famous brightly painted buildings. The island has a fascinating history, once being home to the chief of Clan MacLean, and the site of the clan’s ancient Duart Castle, which has spectacular views from its battlements.
Further south along the coast are the unspoilt glens and bays of Mid Argyll and Kintyre, and the islands of Islay and Jura which are reachable by ferry. Visit the whitewashed houses of Inveraray and the turreted Inveraray Castle, once home to the Duke of Argyll. Campbeltown in Kintyre has some lovely beaches nearby.
The captivating Isle of Bute lies at the heart of the Firth of Clyde. It is a place of tranquil relaxation with sheltered coves and sandy bays, ideal for leisurely hiking and easy-going cycling. Take in the grandeur of Rothesay Castle or Mount Stuart House and Gardens, where the Marquess of Bute once lived. You can also take a ferry to visit the beautiful islands of Iona, Staffa and the Treshnish Isles. The area is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, mountain bikers, mountain climbers and walkers with all the nearby glens, mountain ranges and coastal paths to explore. For the less energetic, sit back, relax and watch the ever changing scenery from the comfort of this lovely property. Beach 7¾ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

In a wonderful, secluded location, high above Carradale Harbour with stunning views to the Isle of Arran, Shorehills is a luxury modern holiday home, ideal for beach lovers and countryside enthusiasts, made cosy with oil-fired underfloor heating and a wood burner.
Enjoy your days watching the boats in the harbour, spotting wildlife in the bay below, and listening to the waves lap on the shore from the wrap-around decking. Relax in the living room with its wood burner, and watch the world go by through the large floor-to-ceiling windows with patio doors leading to the decking. The well-equipped kitchen and dining area is an ideal social space with patio doors opening onto the decking and views over the bay to Arran beyond. Perfect for socialising indoors, there’s a TV room with a 40” Smart TV and games room with a bar, pool table and darts. There’s a convenient twin bedroom downstairs with an adjacent walk-in shower room. Upstairs is a delightful, master en-suite double bedroom with uninterrupted views towards Arran. Two more spacious twin bedrooms are served by a luxurious family bathroom with a walk-in shower and free-standing bath.
Carradale is a small fishing village on the east of the Kintyre Peninsula, about 25 miles south of Tarbert. Offering peace and tranquillity, there is a well-stocked community shop and Post Office, tearoom and bar/restaurant, and a 9-hole golf course. Beautiful Carradale Bay is a long stretch of sandy beach, and there is plenty of walking in the woods and along the beaches. Locally, visit the old vitrified fort at Carradale Point, the nature reserve, or the gin distillery with a café. Salmon and trout can be fished on the Carradale River during the summer. Campbeltown is just 15 scenic miles distant, with shops, bars, cafés, a cinema, and three whisky distilleries.
There are ferries to Arran, Gigha, Islay, Jura and the Cowal Peninsula all within a short drive. There’s fantastic golfing at Machrihanish and another two local golf courses. Outdoor enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with great opportunities for wind and kite surfing, sea angling, scuba diving, cycling, and horseriding, all available locally.

Degnish Farmhouse sits proudly alone within a 1100-acre working hill farm at the western end of Loch Melfort and has spectacular panoramic sea and adjacent island views. Surrounded by abundant wildlife, including otters, seals and birdlife and with easy access to golf, horse riding, sea kayaking, fishing and sailing, this comfortable south-facing detached holiday property offers a perfect retreat in a glorious setting.
The house has been lovingly re-built to a very good standard, with underfloor heating, double glazing and an emphasis on the wonderful views.
Ideally based for exploring the west coast, there are plenty of ferry trips nearby to Mull, Arran, Gigha, Islay, Colonsay or Tiree. The bustling harbour town of Oban, known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’, is a scenic drive north and is home to an array of shops and restaurants. Inveraray Castle, historic Kilmartin Glen, and the Crinan Canal make for wonderful days out. Ardmaddy Castle and Gardens are 3½ miles over the hill, and can be accessed on foot, by 4-wheel drive or via the road to Seil Island. Guests enjoy free access to the gardens and are also welcome to use the estate’s tennis court. Small motor boats can be hired at Ardmaddy. Free fishing can also be arranged on the estate’s well-stocked hill loch.
There are plenty of hill and forest trails for mountain biking and leisurely walks, or visit one of the magnificent local gardens. Whilst there is the farm and miles of coastline to explore, there is also an enclosed garden and covered outdoor BBQ area ensuring the safety of younger children whilst allowing the grown-ups to enjoy an al-fresco lunch. Shop and pub 5 miles.

A beautiful detached cottage overlooking Loch Linnhe on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Port Appin, Ardtur Croft enjoys complete privacy set in its own enclosed garden accessed via a private driveway. There are magnificent views from the cottage over surrounding farmland and the sea, towards the Island of Lismore and beyond to the Morven Peninsula. A comfortable and spacious cottage, you will find yourselves gathering in the bright open-plan kitchen/diner, chatting round the kitchen table or on the comfy seating in front of the cosy wood burner, enjoying the views to the sea over the field. Port Appin is also home to two of Scotland’s most prestigious eating places, so you can walk along, sample local seafood and a drink without taking the car. There’s a licensed community run store and gift shop in the village too. Within a few miles of the cottage, there is an excellent choice of cafes and inns, all offering breath-taking views and delicious local food a renowned garden centre and a garage. A short ten minute walk down the road is Aird’s Bay, a horseshoe shape and peaceful shore being shallow some way out so ideal for safe swimming. There is much to attract the historian in the region as the mysterious events surrounding The Red Fox, immortalised by Robert Louis Stevenson took place in this locale so you can explore some of the locations in Kidnapped. The hillwalking and mountaineering opportunities in the area are spectacular with Glencoe within easy reach and numerous opportunities to climb a Munro for those who are ambitious. There are gentler walks round the coast or inland, including a walk out to stunning and historic Castle Stalker at low tide. You can hire bikes locally and explore the area via the cycle path which runs from Oban to Fort William passing through Appin. Despite its tranquillity, Port Appin is conveniently located. Beach 1 mile.

This stunning, Victorian Manor House is located only 200 yards from the Firth of Clyde in the village of Cardross. There is plenty to explore in the area, and a good place to walk is 2 miles away at Ardmore Point with unique rock formations, sea cliffs, fishing and is a notable bird watching area. Also worth a visit is Dumbarton Castle and Rock, 5 miles away. Dumbarton Castle has a longer recorded history than any other castle in Britain!

Cardross is a conservation village and has its own golf course, established 120 years ago, as well as a bowling, tennis and football club, post office, newsagent and pharmacy, and a village pub who cater for meals etc. Cardross train station is a 5-minute walk along a shore tarmac path, with a frequent service to Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Highlands.

Local attractions include Ardardan Estate Working Farm with a nursery and tearoom, and nearby Geilston Garden. Looked after by the National Trust for Scotland, Geilston is a delightful garden and is typical of the small country estates on the banks of the Clyde, purchased by merchants and industrialists in the 18th and 19th centuries. Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is very close - it’s just 6 miles to Balloch on the south shore of the loch. This beautiful area has so much to offer with open spaces, sheltered bays and islands to explore. Its inland waters are famous as one of the finest water sports venues in Scotland. The area is ideal for walkers and cyclists of all abilities and boasts a magnificent diversity of scenery with dramatic peaks, waterfalls, hidden caves, and mysterious, forest-covered slopes. Ayrshire and Burns country lie to the south, and the Western Highlands are to the north. Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Stirling are all easily reached for a day out.

Dunmore Villa provides flexibility of space, suitable for extended families or large groups of friends, sleeping up to 13 guests, all in bedrooms with amazing sea views. The architecturally designed building compliments the stunning natural surroundings with internal furnishings and stone fireplace having been inspired by the beauty and colours of the Argyll countryside. The Villa has been extensively upgraded with eco features including solar panels, a wood burner, insulation and wood cladding. New bathrooms have been fitted throughout the house, and a glass-fronted dining room with terrace has been added giving magnificent views of the West Loch. There is a boat ramp and jetty for those who wish to bring their own boats, or for fishing and water activities.

Set in an area of Argyll known for its spectacular coastlines, Dunmore Villa is situated on the North side of West Loch Tarbert, seven miles from the village of Tarbert, Loch Fyne on the extensive Dunmore Estate which has 900 acres of land and over two miles of coastline; much of the land is protected by Scottish Natural Heritage.

With beautiful coastlines and grand scenery within walking distance, there is plenty to do during your stay at Dunmore Villa, from stunning nature walks to a more relaxed day at a local coastal spa boasting a heated outdoor infinity pool, just a 20-minute ferry away. Just a 7-mile scenic drive along the coast is the bustling fishing village of Tarbert. From craft shops and galleries, to souvenir shops, there are plenty of places to browse. Tarbert also has a several dog-friendly pubs, restaurants and cafés to enjoy a meal. or grab yourself some local fish and chips and enjoy eating on one of the many picnic benches surrounding the Tarbert Harbour.

The area around Kilberry has lots of forest and coastal walks and is close to many beautiful beaches with stunning views over the Atlantic. The relatively flat landscape and easy access affords many opportunities to enjoy coastal walking and exploring. The area is packed with history and some sights not to be missed include Tarbert Castle, Skipness Castle and Saddell Castle & Abbey. With ferries to Arran, Gigha, Islay, Jura and the Cowal peninsula all within a short drive, there is plenty to explore. Kintyre has miles of unspoilt coastline with fantastic white sandy beaches and rolling countryside.
Dunmore Villa can be booked together with Anchor Cottage (UK36497) to accommodate up to 16 guests.

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.