Dog Friendly Holidays Argyll and Bute

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.

Surrounded by 150 acres of glorious wooded grounds, abundant in wildlife. Amidst a glorious landscape of unspoilt wooded glens, fragmented coastline, stunning sea lochs and breathtaking bays, the delightful cottages at Home Farm nestle in the peaceful wooded valley of the River Ruel. The steading and cottages, formerly the home farm to the estate, have been lovingly restored and are very comfortably furnished in contemporary Scottish style. Their spacious courtyard setting affords each of them a sense of privacy and they all boast access to 150 acres of wooded grounds, abundant in bird and wildlife, with free trout and salmon fishing on the Ruel beat owned by Home Farms - the fishing hut provides an ideal picnic spot. One of the most admired views in Scotland, The Kyles of Bute, awaits discovery just 6 miles away, as do the tranquil village of Tighnabruaich’s lovely natural bays, sandy beach, shops, restaurants and 9 hole golf course. Colintraive, 9 miles, offers a pub serving good food and there is a summer shop (limited opening hours) adjacent to Home Farm. Beach 5 miles. Shop 13 miles, pub and restaurant 7 miles.

This spacious ground floor apartment, underneath the owner’s home, overlooks Loch Shuna towards the South West and The Marina at Croabh Haven, with stunning views to both the south and west over the islands of Shuna, Scarba, Jura and Islay at the far end of the Sound of Jura. The decked area outside offers the most stunning views and amazing sunsets can be enjoyed here, whilst sipping a glass of bubbly.
Enjoy leisurely walks around the beautiful local area and be sure to keep an eye out for the abundance of wildlife that can be spotted here. Activities like sea fishing, water sports and golf can all be enjoyed nearby, whilst boat trips from Craobh Haven Marina to the famous Corryvreckan Whirlpool are also available. There are fascinating archaeological sites, beautiful castles and gardens all within easy reach, and they make for great days out. The town of Oban, 19 miles away, offers a plethora of shops, seafood restaurants, bars and ferries to the surrounding islands, including Mull, Staffa and Iona. Beach 20 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 4 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.

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.

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.

At the south end of the coastal road just outside Colintraive, hidden amongst the mature gardens, is Dunyvaig a well-appointed detached property sitting almost on the water’s edge of the Kyles of Bute. From the large feature windows one can enjoy the back and forth of boats that use the Kyles of Bute to get to Tighnabruaich and beyond to the north, and Rothesay and beyond to the south. You can sense the peacefulness of the water from the comfort of the sofa in the living room or from the garden. It is perfect for families, groups or even couples who want some extra space to go with the peace and quiet.
Outside there is a sitting-out area to take advantage of the good weather, and the lush vegetation all around ensures complete privacy. Inside, the property has a double bedroom, a bedroom with twin beds that can be made into a double (bed linen provided), and two single bedrooms. There is a main shower room with a large shower cubicle as well as a second shower room just off the utility room. The well-equipped kitchen has all that you would require to prepare lunches and dinners, and the separate dining room is able to accommodate all guests comfortably.
The surrounding area is perfect for walkers, cyclists and bird watchers. Rothesay can be reached in 10 minutes on the Colintraive to Rhubodach ferry, which is less than a 2-minute crossing to the Isle of Bute. Tighnabruaich is worth a visit, it’s a real draw in the summer months and only a 30-minute drive. The viewing point on the way provides the best view you can get of the Kyles of Bute and surrounding areas. A little further, another 30 minutes, and you can get the ferry from Portavadie to Tarbert, and to some of the freshest sea food from various local establishments. In Portvadie itself, you can enjoy the marina with its spa and restaurant, a wonderful place where you can relax. Beach 9½ miles. Shop and pub serving food ½ mile.

"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.