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.

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.

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.

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 beautifully renovated and extended cottage enjoys an idyllic, rural location just a hundred yards or so from the crystal clear waters of the Lyne of Lorne, and has wonderful sea views. Located at the head of Airds Bay at the end of a private track approximately 1 mile long, Cliff Cottage stands detached and makes a wonderful retreat from which to explore this scenic area and to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside.
An easy walk away is the pretty fishing village of Port Appin, which overlooks Loch Linnhe with its several islands and backdrop of mountains. From here ferries to the Isle of Lismore can be taken, where several places of interest can be visited. Apart from the fortified Tirefour Broch, there are the ruins of the 12th-century Castle Coeffin and the abandoned quarry village of Sailean with its disused kilns, as well as the ruins of Achanduin Castle and the island’s highest point Barr Mor. To the north of Port Appin, the romantic Castle Stalker can be found - much loved by photographers. Appin is a destination for food-lovers with several very highly rated restaurants in the immediate area.
Within easy reach, the Victorian resort of Oban is the second largest town in Argyll. It has the McCaig’s Folly as its landmark, which was built in imitation of Rome’s Colosseum. A tour of the Oban Distillery is a popular experience for whisky lovers whilst boat trips to Mull, Iona, Staffa, Seal Island and the Treshnish Isles can be made from the harbour at Oban. A short ferry ride from Oban takes visitors to the Isle of Kerrera - a small easily explored island from where panoramic views of Mull, the Slate Islands, Lismore and beyond can be admired.
In the opposite direction lies Fort William, with Ben Nevis - Britain’s highest summit - rising up in the background. One of the Highland’s most impressive glens, Glen Nevis, can be found just a further 10-minute drive away and apart from being the starting point for the ascent of Scotland’s highest peak, has been the location for several films, including Rob Roy and Braveheart.
The area is superb for walking, fishing and boat trips, which are all close by, whilst further afield are the fabulous mountains of Glencoe (with skiing in winter). Shop ⅓ mile. Pub ½ mile.

Perfectly located for easy access to Loch Lomond National Park and west coast of Scotland you can steep yourself in history as you enjoy the character and ambiance of the fabulously presented holiday accommodation in The Old Wing at Drumhead House, Cardross.

The 18th-century Old Wing was built on the site of a fortified towerhouse and may have been the home of Robert The Bruce, King of Scotland in the 14th century. The surrounding gardens and woodlands ensure peace and tranquillity. There’s a wild paddock where the owners keep free range chickens and bees, and a pretty burn runs through the land. The spacious accommodation is over three floors, and the character of the Tower House runs through its entirety with a wide stair to the first floor. The living room on the first floor has views over the garden and an open fire to create a cosy atmosphere on a winter’s evening for sitting and relaxing after a day out exploring this part of Scotland. The owners will set the open fire ready for your arrival, and provide all you might need including a pint of milk from the local dairy, butter, tea and locally roasted coffee beans, fresh free range eggs (when available) from their rare breed hens, salt and pepper, handwash and shower gel, and under the sink supplies - as well as a welcome gift of a bottle of champagne.

The Old Wing is perfectly located for easy access to the great outdoor attractions of the west coast of Scotland and Loch Lomond National Park, and for city visits to both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Locally the Gare Loch has walking trails with The John Muir long distance trail close to the house and providing a walk with beautiful views of Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond beyond - as well as a walking route over to the loch for the fit and hardy. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is just a short drive away 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. There are some great wild swimming spots and a vast choice of lochs and waterways locally to choose from.

Guests at The Old Wing can take advantage of exclusive offers with 4x4 Adventures and luxury Loch Lomond day cruises. There’s also fishing, clay pigeon shooting, hill walking and cycling along with birdwatching, beaches, spa treatments and golf among the many activities available nearby. The village of Cardross has good local facilities and a mini supermarket. Cardross Golf Course is an excellent 18-hole, parkland course with spectacular views over the River Clyde. Helensburgh is just a 15-minute drive and has a good range of eateries, supermarkets, cinema and a swimming pool and sports centre. There are several great restaurants locally including a Michelin starred restaurant on Loch Lomond. The choice of activities and days out are too many to mention but it is well worth taking the time to visit Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Hill House along with the beautiful walled gardens in the area, such as those found at Geilston House. Beach 1 mile.