Dog Friendly Holidays Argyll and Bute

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.

"Stunning cottages in the heart of Loch Lomond National Park..."


Situated in the heart of Loch Lomond National Park, these stunning holiday properties have been lovingly restored and furnished to provide wonderful retreats.
Auchendennan Farm Cottage (SLLX) is a single-storey holiday cottage; within the house there is a large family sauna which can be used as an ideal way to unwind. Outside on the sun decking, there is a sunken hot tub which is large enough for all the family and powerful enough to give tired muscles a proper massage. Rose Cottage (SRRG) is a single-storey conversion adjoining the owner’s farmhouse. Combining modern and traditional furnishings, the property boasts a superb hot tub and external sun decked area for relaxing and unwinding. Burnbeag (SVVE) is a stunning, detached cottage to the rear of the steadings and has a stream running through its private enclosed garden, which has a decked area and hot tub. Courtyard Studio (SVVD) is a single-storey barn conversion set in the courtyard, behind the main house. Chestnut Cottage (SXXO), Willow Cottage (SXXP), Primrose Cottage (SXXQ) and Ivy Cottage (SXXR) are all pretty single-storey, semi-detached holiday cottages, with open-plan living areas and a cosy, wood-burning stove.
In summer, Loch Lomond’s ancient oak woods ring with birdsong. Look out for redstarts, pied flycatchers and wood warblers. Ospreys are summer visitors to the loch and nearby Lake of Menteith. In the high country of Breadalbane, golden eagles may be seen soaring over mountain slopes richly carpeted in alpine plants. Watch out for porpoises and seals and glimpse Loch Lomond’s herd of fallow deer as they bound through the trees. Loch Lomond and Loch Earn are some of Scotland’s prime venues for sailing and water-skiing, while the rivers Balvaig and Teith are popular with canoeists. The Teith is also a great salmon river and one of many places popular with anglers. For golfing enthusiasts, the famous courses of Loch Lomond are just a short distance from the property, with an abundance of courses for all standards within easy reach.
Walking is a popular pursuit, from gentle low-level strolls to strenuous mountain climbs. Ben Lomond, Ben Lui, Ben Ime and Ben Vorlich are among the 21 Munros (mountains over 3000 feet). The West Highland Way stretches from the edge of Glasgow to Fort William, hugging the banks of Loch Lomond and passing through the spectacular mountain scenery of Strathfillan. There are great opportunities for cycling on and off road on National Cycle Network Route 7, which passes through the National Park from Balloch to Killin. Cameron House, the 5 star golf/spa resort is just minutes from the property where one can enjoy fine dining, day spa packages and championship golf. Lomond Shores, again a short distance from the property, offers designer shopping, loch cruises and an aquarium. The cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh are easily accessible by car boasting award winning restaurants, theatres, galleries and concert venues, designer shopping as well as many tourist attractions including the breath-taking Edinburgh Castle. Shops 2 miles, pub ¼ mile.

Auchendennan Farm Cottage (SLLX) can be booked together with Rose Cottage (SRRG) to accommodate up to 10 guests.

This holiday property is beside the owner’s home in the middle of Kilmartin Glen in the heart of Mid Argyll, an area of beautiful scenery, steeped in history and rich in wildlife. The Glen is one of the most important prehistoric sites on the Scottish mainland, and there are a wealth of standing stones, stone circles, cairns and rock carvings to explore, dating from the Neolithic and early Bronze Age, with the remains of Dunadd Fort, home of the ancient kings of Scotland, just four miles away. This is an ideal base to explore the varied coastline of Argyll and Bute and discover its unspoilt beaches, or to walk or cycle along miles of forest tracks looking out for birds and wildlife. 8 miles north of Lochgilphead, and 30 miles south of the busy ferry port of Oban, with easy access to ferries to Islay, Jura, Arran, Gigha, Mull and Iona. Explore the Mull of Kintyre, walk along the banks of the Crinan Canal, or take a cruise to see the famous Corryvreckan whirlpool. Try sailing, fishing or riding or explore some of the famous gardens and castles nearby. This property offers a comfortable base for a relaxing holiday. Shop and pub 1 mile.

"Stunning locations in breathtaking scenery..."

In a magnificent setting by the sea, Ardmaddy Castle sits in its own bay with unrivalled views over Seil Sound and the world famous local Slate Islands, designated one of Scotland’s National Scenic Areas. Graded ‘4 Star’ by the Scottish Tourist Board, these four cottages (SBZ, SRW and SRY) and Caddleton Farmhouse( UNP) are set in secluded, peaceful locations around the estate and offer an ideal base for exploring this stunning part of the West Coast of Scotland.
Caddleton Farmhouse (UNP) has a large carport providing dry, level access to a large games room/cloakroom which leads through to a spacious living room and well-equipped farmhouse-style kitchen with low level hob and worktops, dining and sitting areas with open fire and leading to a large conservatory overlooking the garden and sea.
The castle’s spectacular gardens are open all year round through Scotland’s Gardens Scheme and are a delight for gardening enthusiasts. The area is renowned for its abundant wildlife with porpoise, dolphins, basking sharks, otters, deer, eagles and wealth of seabirds often seen. Sailing, rowing and motor boats are all available for guests to hire, and there is free fishing on Ardmaddy’s stocked hill loch. There is also a central games room with table tennis and a pool table, whilst Caddleton Farmhouse (UNP) and The Stables (SBZ) have their own games room. Guests can also use the castle’s tennis court.
The bustling harbour town of Oban known as the ‘Gateway to the Islands’ is only 12 miles away and has wonderful seafood restaurants, shops and bars. From Oban there are boat trips to the Inner Hebridean Isles, including Mull, Iona, Staffa, Colonsay and Tiree. For the outdoor enthusiast, local activities include horse riding, coasteering, canyoning, canoeing, sailing, diving and golf. Fort William and Glencoe are a short drive away offering very popular climbing and skiing. Explore beautiful gardens and ruined castles in an area rich in historical legacy or take a leisurely walk or cycle along one of the many forest tracks. Visit Bonawe Iron Works, Cruachan Hollow Mountain, the Sealife Centre and Inveraray Jail. Or relax and enjoy the unspoilt natural beauty surrounding the cottages at Ardmaddy. Shops 12 miles, pub/restaurant 2½ miles.

Situated on the most accessible of the west coast islands and straddling the Highland Line, this spacious, detached, country house with large deck and its own hot tub, boasts stunning views over the open water and lies in a rural location, just a few yards from the shoreline. Most rooms enjoy sea views, the 6 bedrooms each have a TV, and some have a DVD player. Chandlers is full of elegance and charm and enjoys a cosy snug area with comfy sofas and a bar, which can be stocked to your requirements. The music room has a grand piano, guitars and amps for budding musicians, while the impressive dining room can easily seat 20.
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. 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 to spot including feral goats, buzzards and roe deer. Scalpsie Bay which is set against the magnificent backdrop of Arran, is the home of 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, the ancestral home of the Marquesses of Bute, and is 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 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. The house is licensed for weddings and many extras can be arranged such as catering, prior to arrival direct with the owner. Beach 40 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.There is also a loch/sea just 40 yards from the property.

Fircliff - The House on Bute is a superb waterside, B-listed Georgian property sitting within a large and enclosed walled garden. The accommodation is over three floors with unobstructed sea views from all main rooms over Loch Striven, the Firth of Clyde and the surrounding hills. It is a fabulous setting for groups or large families to get together in the exquisitely presented rooms with many unique items of furniture and design features. The kitchen and dining area is the focal point of the house and can easily accommodate all fourteen guests round the large bespoke dining table. There are four en-suite bedrooms with showers, the master bedroom having an additional cast iron roll-top bath, one family bathroom and one cloakroom. The younger party members can be accommodated in a room with twin beds and a bunk bed. In addition a dual purpose room with twin beds can double up as a games room. The boot/utility room offers space for outdoor wear, a drying rack, a washing machine and dog bed and crate. The adjacent shoreline offers easy access to launch kayaks and other water craft. Larger boats can also be launched locally.

There is plenty to do on the Isle of Bute, from adventure experiences to watching wildlife to visiting historical sites. There are many popular walks around the island, including the West Island Way. Recommendations are given and the boot room comes into its own for wet coats, muddy boats and mucky dogs! The quiet roads lends to excellent cycling, and the house in on the route of the 5 Ferry Challenge. Fishing is available on the inland and coastal waters. Loch Fad is 3½ miles away where you can rent a boat to fish for rainbow and brown trout or pike. The loch was also the location used for the first run of the recently restored Bluebird. There are three golf courses (9, 13 and 18 holes) on the island along with a putting green in Rothesay. There are sandy beaches galore where, if lucky, you can spy ospreys, terns, basking sharks, humpback whales, dolphins and seals. The Isle of Bute has been an important island historically, with marks left on the island that can be visited, from standing stones, to the location of a Viking parliament and more recently Rothesay Castle. Mount Stuart House and Gardens offers a fantastic day visit and the St Blane’s Chapel is situated in a tranquil corner of the island. The Discovery Centre houses a 97 seater cinema with weekly showings. In the summer you can book tickets to take a trip on the famous paddle steamer The Waverley.
The nearby Port Bannantyne offers a marina, pubs, restaurant, post office/shop and petanque club. The main ferry crossing from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay takes approximately 35 minutes and for access to the Cowal Peninsula the ferry from Rhubodach to Colintraive (only a 10-minute drive away) takes only 3 minutes, both do not need to be booked in advance. There is an excellent bus service on the island. Beach 3 miles. Shop ½ mile, pub 550 yards and restaurant ¼ mile.

Situated in the small community of Lunga midway between Oban and Lochgilphead, with stunning views of the inner islands of the Firth of Lorn, on the Northern shore of the Craignish peninsula, The Dancing Fox enjoys a hill-top location in one of the most scenic areas of Scotland. Just 3 minutes’ walk from the pristine waters of Lunga Bay with its ancient pier, it’s a natural adventure playground, surrounded by trees with magnificent sea views towards the magical Islands of Jura, Scarba and Shuna.

Artistically decorated with an eclectic mixture of vintage, antique and contemporary furniture and stunning art works, you will find yourself captivated by this amazing house. Downstairs, there is a sociable split-level, open plan living area, bespoke vintage kitchen and dining area with a patio door opening out onto the garden, as well as a separate comfortable spacious sitting room with a relaxing window seating area enjoying views over the gardens. The four bedrooms offer flexible sleeping arrangements to suit larger families. There are two large, tranquil bedrooms downstairs with leafy views over the gardens which are served by a delicious bathroom featuring an enormous rockpool stone bath, watched over by two stone seals. Upstairs, the spacious master bedroom with dressing room has a Juliet balcony with amazing sea views, a large, thoughtfully furnished dormer bedroom sleeping 4, both served by a magical bathroom with roll top bath and shower which enjoys secret views over the tree tops. There is a large, convenient utility room downstairs and a large lean-to shed, ideal for storing bikes/kayaks/skis with outside tap and sink and plentiful parking.

The large, creative garden is filled shrubs, artwork, secret seating areas and viewing spots. Following a track 150m downhill, takes you to Lunga pier and the horse-shoe shaped Lunga Bay with sandy, pebbly beach where you can swim in the pristine clear waters or launch small boats and kayaks. You can roam freely across the wilderness of the Craignish Peninsula and enjoy spotting wildlife along the coastline. There’s also a riding centre just 100m from The Dancing Fox where instruction and trekking is available. The Dancing Fox is well served for amenities within walking distance, with Craobh Haven marina and village just a mile away by single track road, which has a grocery shop, a craft and coffee shop, a launderette and a ship’s chandlery.

Arduaine, is just a 3-mile walk, where there is another hotel and bar and National Trust gardens. You can also walk or cycle three miles across the hill track to Ardfern with village shop, café, pub and hotel as well as sailing, canoeing, fresh water, sea fishing and boat excursions. Ardfern can also be reached by a 5 mile drive by road. The Ardfern road continues along the peninsula to within a mile of Craignish point, with views of the Corryvreckan whirlpool. Right on your doorstep and within 9 miles is the renowned prehistoric Kilmartin Glen, the Moine Mhor, a lowland raised bog of international importance, and the ancient hill fort of Dunadd. A 20-mile drive north takes you to the town of Oban, the Gateway to the Isles, also known as the Seafood Capital of Scotland, with huge variety of cafés, shops, restaurants, golf course, cinema and leisure centre. The county town of Lochgilphead, 20 miles south, has a variety of specialist shops, cafés and restaurants, a swimming pool, golf course and sports centre.

Ardrhu Cottage is a cosy cottage situated within walking distance of the town of Dunoon, with its many facilities, and is a great base from which to explore The Cowal Peninsula. This stunningly beautiful area has a wide range of activities on offer, with Dunoon 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 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. 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. Beach 400 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 400 yards.

Bay Apartment is located on the second floor of an impressive red sandstone building, with the most fabulous elevated views over Rothesay Bay. A beautiful building, it has retained a host of original features, including a beautiful painted glass door and high ceilings. There are amazing views from all the main rooms where you can spend hours watching the ferries come in and out as well as different sized sail boats, yachts and fishing boats arriving and departing from the harbour.
Bay Apartment is centrally located in Rothesay, yet far away enough from the town for guests to savour the peacefulness that Bute has to offer. The spacious comfortable living room is tastefully furnished with a spectacular bay window boasting stunning views over Rothesay Bay and up Loch Striven. The front facing master bedroom is spacious with sea views and a king sized bed. The apartment is a great base for couples who are keen to explore everything the island has to offer. There’s easy access to Rothesay town centre and all its shops, bar, bistros and cafes, and to the Bute shoreline, directly below the apartment.
Rothesay is a charming little coastal town on the Isle of Bute and boasts many interesting shops and attractions. Rothesay is Bute’s main town, and there is an excellent tourist office in the Discovery Centre, which also houses an exhibition about the Isle of Bute. Rothesay is the perfect base for exploring the Isle of Bute and it is also the main ferry port and transport hub.
The best way to explore the island at your own pace is by car, however there is a reliable bus service which travels from Kilchattan Bay at the south of the island up to Rhubodach in the north. There are also buses which will take you to Ettrick Bay where you can enjoy lunch or coffee at the café. During the summer season the bus service also runs to Mount Stuart house. The summer season also brings a city sightseeing bus, which is a hop on - hop off service that tours around the island frequently.
Bute is only 33 miles from Glasgow and is one of the most accessible of the westerly islands from the Scottish Central Belt. Fifteen miles long and five miles across at its widest point, the island is home to many historical sites including Rothesay Castle and Mount Stuart House, with beautiful gardens and walks for all abilities. Beach 4 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 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.