Dog Friendly Holidays Argyll and Bute

Midcraigs is in a wonderful location just off the A83, 3 miles from Campbeltown, a pretty harbour town at the very southern end of the Kintyre Peninsula. Recently renovated in 2019 to a very good standard with a galleried living room with wooden floor and wood burner, there are many thoughtful touches which would make this an ideal family holiday base. There’s a separate cinema area on the gallery with a 55" TV, Playstation, table football, games and sports equipment to borrow. Flexible sleeping arrangements include a double bedroom on the ground floor, a charming bedroom on the first floor with three single beds, and a sofa bed on the gallery.
There are stunning beaches to explore close by, and with loads of outdoor sports and three golf courses, you’ll always have plenty to do! This warm and charming cottage makes a fantastic base for couples, friends or families to relax and enjoy beautiful Kintyre and the Southern Hebrides. The town centre, with its variety of pubs, restaurants, shops and museums, is just a 5-minute drive away. The property is very quiet and private, and is in an elevated location with a south westerly facing aspect. It has a contemporary décor with a family focus and is pet friendly, with an enclosed garden, outdoor hose and pet welcome pack, along with private parking.
Midcraigs is located close to the peaceful, little coastal town of Campbeltown on the beautiful Kintyre Peninsula. Enjoying a better than average climate, due to the warming Gulf Stream, as the palm trees on the sea front demonstrate, it is an ideal base for exploring the many attractions of the southern Kintyre peninsula and the Southern Hebrides. Davaar Island in the bay can be visited to discover the world-famous cave painting. It also has several fine period buildings, including the oldest purpose-built retro cinema. Campbeltown is home to three whisky distilleries, Springbank, Glen Scotia and Kilkerran, which produce world renowned malt whiskies and offer distillery tours. Beach 2 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles.

Overlooking the Crinan Canal, described as the ’most beautiful shortcut in Britain’, Printmakers Cottage has been converted from an old barn, attached to Braeface House at the Bellanoch Basin section of the canal. A Grade II listed stone building, it is believed to have been built to house the engineers involved in the construction of the canal which began in 1794. The cottage boasts amazing views over the canal to the estuary of the River Add, which is a protected area, and further to Loch Crinan and Duntrune Castle and gardens.

This lovely property has all the modern facilities you need, and also provides great accommodation for those who may have limited mobility. There is a double bedroom with fantastic views and a wet room on the ground floor. The main living area is double height with a gallery to the study area and exposed beams. The upper floor contains a double bedroom and a bunk bedroom, plus a further bathroom as well as a chill out /study area. The cottage has been sympathetically furnished by the owner, who is an artist, and her daughter, who both have a history in interior design and furniture restoration. Shop 5 miles, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

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.

This warm, charming, detached bungalow with a homely atmosphere, thoughtfully presented by the owners, provides everything you’ll need on your coastal holiday. Ar Deireadh enjoys a sunny sheltered position only a few minutes’ walk from Tayvallich village centre. Enjoy the countryside views and stunning west coast sunsets through the large patio doors leading onto the garden from the open plan living space. Offering two good-sized bedrooms, and an enclosed garden with a lockable shed for bike storage, Ar Deireadh is perfectly suited for families looking for a holiday close to a beach.
Tayvallich is a charming harbour village situated on the Knapdale Peninsula, with an excellent seafood restaurant, inn, coffee shop, shop and post office. Enjoying an enviable sheltered position on the shores of Loch Sween in a horseshoe bay surrounded by woodland, it’s a popular village for boating and sea kayaking, with public slipway and pontoons. There’s so much to do, with an all-purpose sports court next to the village hall, where ceilidhs are regularly held. A 10-minute walk takes you to the opposite side of the peninsula, to Carsaig Bay where you can enjoy views across Jura Sound and spectacular sunsets over the Isle of Jura, with fast ferries travelling across the sound so you can easily explore the island.
There’s plenty to see and do on the Knapdale Peninsula, close to Ar Deireadh. Visit the medieval Chapel of Keills and admire its display of carved stones, as well as its beautiful view of the MacCormaig Islands. You can also explore the National Nature Reserve on the Taynish Peninsula, which is home to one of the oldest oak forests in Britain, or explore the Scottish beaver trail in Knapdale Forest. The 12th-century Castle Sween sits on the opposite side of the loch, and Kilmory beach is easy to reach and a lovely destination for an afternoon stroll and picnic. Crinan harbour is 8 miles away through an attractive winding single track road or a walk/cycle along the canal towpath. Boats can be chartered from Crinan harbour and there are trips around the islands where it is possible to see whales, porpoise, seals, many sea birds including golden and white-tailed eagles, and the spectacular Corryvreckan Whirlpools. The Crinan Canal is one of the most beautiful waterways in Britain, and enjoys uninterrupted views of some of Scotland’s breathtaking and rugged natural landscape.
Within a 12-miles drive 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 almost 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. Just a short 12-mile drive takes you to the local town of Lochgilphead, which has a variety of specialist shops, cafés, restaurants, a swimming pool, golf course and sports centre. Further afield but offering a great day out are the towns of Oban, the Gateway to the Isles to the north, Inveraray, the capital of Argyll, to the east, and Campbeltown, with its world-class golf courses and stunning beaches, to the far south on the Kintyre Peninsula.

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.

Situated only a short walk from the sea, West Burnside provides a tranquil retreat from which to explore the surrounding area. This detached cottage is located along Kintyre’s stunning west coast and boasts unrivalled views across to the Isle of Gigha with the Paps of Jura in the distance. The cottage is surrounded by an abundance of natural wildlife, the clean environment and clear waters are home to all sorts of interesting wildlife. Relax in the enclosed viewing/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 as well as a museum, heritage centre and a harbour, with 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 surrounding area is well-known for its fine beaches, unspoilt countryside and scenic walks, with the addition of the Kintyre Way, making this an ideal location from which to explore the Kintyre Peninsula.
Lying just off the west coast of Kintyre, the Isle of Gigha offers a pleasant day trip. Within a short distance, there are many quiet and sandy beaches to explore and 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 is walking, cycling, fishing and water sports. Beach 200 yards.

Nestled within the breathtaking beauty of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, our luxury lodge offers a sublime retreat amidst the serene landscapes of Scotland’s iconic countryside. Situated directly opposite Loch Eck, this enchanting haven provides unparalleled views of the tranquil waters and surrounding mountains, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the natural splendour of their surroundings.
As you approach the lodge, you’ll be captivated by its picturesque setting. Step inside, and you’ll discover a sanctuary of comfort and style, where modern amenities blend seamlessly with traditional Scottish craftsmanship to create an atmosphere of relaxed luxury. The focal point of the lodge is the spacious living area, where floor-to-ceiling sliding doors open onto a raised deck with a sunken hot tub offering panoramic views of Loch Eck and the surrounding wilderness. Curl up by the wood burner and watch the flames dance as you sip a glass of wine, or step outside and soak in the bubbling hot tub, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. The lodge features five beautifully appointed bedrooms, each offering a peaceful haven for rest and relaxation. Three of the bedrooms boast their own en-suite bathrooms, while the additional bedrooms provide flexible accommodation options.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park offers a wealth of opportunities to explore. Lace up your hiking boots and set out to discover the stunning landscapes of the Argyll Forest Park, where rugged mountains, pristine lochs, and ancient woodlands await. Alternatively, embark on a scenic drive along the Argyll Coastal Route, known as Argyll’s Secret Coast, and uncover hidden gems such as the villages of Tighnabruaich and Colintraive or explore Inveraray and Dunoon, with their historic landmarks, charming shops, and cultural attractions. For those looking to venture further afield, day trips to the nearby Isle of Bute offer the chance to explore historic landmarks such as Mount Stuart House and enjoy leisurely walks along the rugged coastline. Alternatively, a visit to Portavadie Marina provides the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind, with its luxury spa facilities and scenic waterfront setting. Take a ferry across the shimmering waters to the Kintyre Peninsula, where you can explore quaint villages, sample delicious local seafood, and soak up the laid-back atmosphere of this charming coastal region.
For those seeking adventure on the water, paddle board hire is available from the Coylet Inn adjacent to the lodge, allowing you to explore Loch Eck at your own pace. After a day of exploration, return to the lodge and dine al fresco on the deck, enjoying a delicious meal prepared in the fully equipped kitchen or served at the local inn, where hearty Scottish cuisine and refreshing drinks await. Alternatively, simply unwind in the warmth of the lodge, as you watch the sun set over the loch and listen to the gentle rustle of the trees. With its stunning location, luxurious amenities, and proximity to some of Scotland’s most iconic attractions, our luxury lodge offers the perfect retreat for an unforgettable Scottish getaway.

Holly Tree Cottage is tucked away in charming, historic Tain in the Scottish Highlands. Granted its first royal charter in 1066, Tain is the oldest royal burgh in the Scotland and you will find many interesting buildings throughout that you’ll enjoy wandering around and inspecting, especially since many host nice bars, cafés and restaurants. Holly Tree Cottage is a 19th-century, detached cottage set on a quiet street with the centre an easy walk away. The cottage itself is spacious and the owners have tastefully finished it to a very good standard. The kitchen/dining room is a lovely space where you will spend a lot of time, with its enormous wood burner taking centre stage. This room spills out to the garden, which is perfect for children and dogs to let off some steam. The garage is accessible from the garden and contains the washing machine and tumble dryer, as well as enough space to store kayaks, surfboards, golf clubs, bicycles and motorbikes. Back in the cottage there’s a great living room with another wood burner, a family bathroom and also a small double bedroom. Up on the first floor are two bedrooms, a double and twin, and a reading snug on the landing.
Tain has much to offer, including the Glenmorangie Distillery and the fantastic Old Tom Morris Golf Links. There is no beach in Tain, but the coastline, dunes and some tidal stretches of sand are great to explore on foot and footpaths through the golf course afford amazing views across the Dornoch Firth. Nearby Dornoch, Portmahomack and Shandwick all have spectacular stretches of golden sandy beaches to enjoy, and each place is worth a visit, too. Popular Dornoch has some great places to eat and drink in as well stunning historical buildings and Royal Dornoch Golf Links.
Tain also has the NC500 touring route skirting round it, so you can explore some of the best places in the whole of the UK. Head north via Golspie, Brora and Helmsdale to reach John O’Groats, Duncansby, the ferry to Orkney, Dunnet Head and many amazing beaches along the far north coast. The interior roads are also spectacular and worth exploring via Bonar Bridge and Lairg as well as Altnaharra. You can get across to Assynt and the west coast for a day surprisingly easily. Fly fishing is available on nearby salmon and trout rivers, as well as lochs on estates. Rest assured that a week’s stay won’t be long enough; you’ll love the accommodation and the surrounding area, and will want more time here. Beach 9 miles.

Innish Beag is a cosy escape for two on the Isle of Seil, connected by road bridge to the mainland, making it the most accessible island of the Inner Hebrides. Cross the bridge and enter an island idyll, surrounded by beautiful countryside, friendly folk and lovely sea views over the Bridge. An ideal romantic couple’s retreat, with a loft bedroom and stunning sea views, Innish Beag will not disappoint! There is a warm and welcoming open plan kitchen, dining and living areas with stunning sea views towards the Bridge. Wooden stairs climb up to the wood-lined loft bedroom with cosy double bed, where the views only get better!! Served by a spacious bathroom on the ground floor, there is everything a couple will need for an island break! Outside, you have access to a large lawned front garden, where you can sit and immerse yourself in the views. The rear hillside garden is lawned with mature shrubs and features a hidden barbeque area.
Innish Beag is within just a few yards of an excellent pub and eatery, and although rural, the island is really well served for amenities. With an excellent local store at Balvicar, plus several shops, pubs and restaurants on the island, you will not have to travel far to find a place to eat out or find something to do or explore. The Isle of Seil is one of the Slate Islands, known as the “Islands which roofed the World” and has been linked to the mainland by the Clachan Bridge (Bridge Over The Atlantic) since the late 18th century. An abundance of wild life in the area; eagles, buzzards, kestrels, otters, deer, badgers, and a friendly local community, makes it an ideal place to get away from the bustle of city life and unwind.
There are several fantastic boat trip operators nearby offering a chance to see the amazing wildlife including a high speed Rib Boat trip through the Corryvreckan whirlpools. There is a nine hole golf course on the island, charters, kayaking, diving and numerous walks. The bridge which connects the Isle of Seil to the mainland enables easy access for exploring the Oban area and mid-Argyll as well as Glencoe and Fort William. Beach 14½ miles. Pub and restaurant 85 yards.
Innish Beag (ref UK38782) can be booked together with Innish (ref UK38783) to accommodate up to 10 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.