Dog Friendly Holidays Argyll and Bute

Welcome to the epitome of holiday indulgence on the shores of Loch Lomond, situated in the Loch Lomond Castle Estate. This charming cosy chalet, which forms Loch Lomond Sanctuary Lodges, is a gem nestled within the Lomond Castle Estate and promises an unforgettable escape for discerning families and groups in search of a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A row of four lodges, one bedroom lodge, three two-bedroom lodges and the Kingfisher sleeping six guests. Book all four lodges great for groups of friends or family get-togethers.
Step into this haven of comfort, and you are greeted by a carefully curated space that seamlessly blends elegance with modern amenities. The chalet boasts a cosy living room, two separate bedrooms, and a bathroom adorned with a shower and complimentary toiletries. The fully-equipped kitchen is a culinary haven, offering a stovetop, refrigerator, kitchenware, and an oven for those inspired to create memorable meals. Picture yourself on the decking, or down on the shores of Loch Lomond, where you can unwind and soak in the serenity of your surroundings.
Enjoy the breathtaking views or hire a boat to take you over to the other side of the Loch where you can go hiking and explore The Trossachs. Inside your lodge, a flat-screen Smart TV beckons for cosy evenings, while the chalet’s private entrance ensures a sense of exclusivity throughout your stay. Loch Lomond Sanctuary Lodges stand as a testament to a new era of elegant self-catering accommodation, where the manicured lawns of the Lomond Castle Estate meet the picturesque banks of Loch Lomond.
These purpose-built lodges have been recently refurbished to perfection, promising a holiday experience that transcends the ordinary. Conveniently located just a few minutes walk from the shores of Loch Lomond, the lodges provide easy access to the enchanting waters and are within strolling distance of the acclaimed Duck Bay Restaurant and Cameron House. Whether you seek adventure on the loch, fine dining, or simply a serene retreat, these lodges offer an ideal base to explore the wonders of this famous Scottish landscape.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 16 guests.

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.

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.

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.

Welcome to the epitome of holiday indulgence on the shores of Loch Lomond, situated in the Loch Lomond Castle Estate. This charming cosy chalet, which forms Loch Lomond Sanctuary Lodges, is a gem nestled within the Lomond Castle Estate and promises an unforgettable escape for discerning families and groups in search of a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A row of four lodges, one bedroom lodge, three two-bedroom lodges and the Kingfisher sleeping six guests. Book all four lodges great for groups of friends or family get-togethers.
Step into this haven of comfort, and you are greeted by a carefully curated space that seamlessly blends elegance with modern amenities. The chalet boasts a cosy living room, two separate bedrooms, and a bathroom adorned with a shower and complimentary toiletries. The fully-equipped kitchen is a culinary haven, offering a stovetop, refrigerator, kitchenware, and an oven for those inspired to create memorable meals. Picture yourself on the decking, or down on the shores of Loch Lomond, where you can unwind and soak in the serenity of your surroundings.
Enjoy the breathtaking views or hire a boat to take you over to the other side of the Loch where you can go hiking and explore The Trossachs. Inside your lodge, a flat-screen Smart TV beckons for cosy evenings, while the chalet’s private entrance ensures a sense of exclusivity throughout your stay. Loch Lomond Sanctuary Lodges stand as a testament to a new era of elegant self-catering accommodation, where the manicured lawns of the Lomond Castle Estate meet the picturesque banks of Loch Lomond.
These purpose-built lodges have been recently refurbished to perfection, promising a holiday experience that transcends the ordinary. Conveniently located just a few minutes walk from the shores of Loch Lomond, the lodges provide easy access to the enchanting waters and are within strolling distance of the acclaimed Duck Bay Restaurant and Cameron House. Whether you seek adventure on the loch, fine dining, or simply a serene retreat, these lodges offer an ideal base to explore the wonders of this famous Scottish landscape.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 16 guests.

This Grand, 1860 Victorian Villa features a living room with wood burner, two sofas, a baby grand piano and TV with Netflix & Prime TV. Also on the ground floor is a private office and separate dining room with table and chairs for eight people. The large kitchen with table and seating for six people is well-equipped with everything you could need during your stay, including a beer/juice fridge and wine fridge. Leading off the kitchen is the utility area with storage, sink, dishwasher, washing machine & tumble dryer. A separate door leads off the utility area to the Spa & Wellness centre.
On the first floor are three bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room and one large bathroom with bath big enough for two (the jets do not work, but with the addition of bubbles and candles, you will have a relaxing time). The second bedroom has a superking bed and the master bedroom has an Emperor bed. On the second floor is a top landing with open sky glass view platform. Up here you will find a further two double bedrooms and one twin bedroom and a shower room.
Spa & Wellness Centre: On entering there is a comfortable seating area. You then move into the large open plan area housing a table tennis table, A seven-foot pool table, a computerised soft-tip dart board and an 18’ (5.5m) Wellis Amazonas Swim-Spa for the perfect workout. After your fun in the Swim Spa, why not then try the Smart Sauna?
Please note that the owners are currently adding a new shower & separate toilet facility to this area, which will not interrupt your fun and relaxation. The owners are also creating two separate mezzanine areas with small cocktail bar, along with a games area. These areas are not yet ready and will not interfere with any of the other facilities currently on offer.
A spacious enclosed rear garden area provides ample opportunity to relax. There is a fire pit, barbecue and garden furniture, from where you will see yachts sailing past on the Clyde Estuary.
Island Seaview Villa with Swim Spa & Sauna is ideally situated to explore the island of Bute for it’s fantastic, sheltered beaches and the famous grand architecture of Mount Stuart. Drive out to the ruined chapel of St Blanes from the 12th-century and a Bronze Age stone circle. The island is also famous for its birdwatching, where you may be lucky enough to spot the Osprey’s around Loch Fad or even a white-tailed sea Eagle at Etterick Bay. There are basking sharks, humpback whales, dolphins and seals aplenty.
There are many walks around the island, including the popular West Island Way. Bute is a superb destination for cyclists. Fishing is available on the island and around it’s coastal waters, as well as loch Fad where boat hire is available to fish for rainbow and brown trout or pike. There are three golf courses on the island, along with a putting green in Rothesay town.

Situated within the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Fern Cottage is located in the quiet hamlet of Ardentinny, near Dunoon. Fern Cottage is situated next to the Argyll Forest, which offers numerous forest tracks, marked walks and cycleways, all easily accessible, and right on your doorstep. Fern Cottage has listed building status, and retains many of its period features, such as stone walls, wooden panelling and the original cast iron and wood staircase. These have been tastefully blended with a mix of modern and antique furniture and fittings, to provide a cottage that guests feel offers something special. A guitar is also supplied for those budding musicians! Fern Cottage has the additional benefit of being only 15 yards from Loch Long, where you can make use of the private mooring or just relax by the shore, and enjoy the ever changing views and sounds. Fishing is also available from the shore or on the loch.
Nearby, the magnificent woodland gardens at Benmore Botanic Gardens are well worth a visit while the town of Dunoon is within easy reach and has a good selection of shops, pubs and restaurants.
Take a steamer cruise and explore the hills and lochs of the Cowal Peninsula. Known as Argyll’s secret coast the Cowal Peninsula is tucked away in a small corner of Argyll on the west coast of Scotland. Bordered by Loch Fyne and the Kyles of Bute, it’s an area of stunning natural beauty, with hills, glens, rugged coastlines, white beaches, clear waters and ancient forests.
Argyll’s secret coast, is packed with places to visit and things to do, and sailors, walkers, cyclists and artists are all drawn to this area for its natural beauty. Explore the forests and coastline by foot, bike, kayak or boat. Abundant with wildlife with deer, buzzards, otters, golden eagles, red squirrels and even, if you’re very lucky, basking sharks while you are out and about. The whole area is steeped in Highland history and dotted with ruins, castles and ancient sites. A short drive takes you to Portavadie with its marina and the ferry to Tarbert where you can explore the Kintyre Peninsula with ferries to the islands of Islay, Jura and Arran.

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.

This spacious house is set in a delightful position in the coastal town of Rothesay, on the beautiful Isle of Bute. One of the most accessible Scottish islands, the Isle of Bute is just a short ferry ride across the Firth of Clyde. Here you will find the Victoriana meets art deco-style resort of Rothesay with its palm trees and promenade. Bute has some extraordinarily varied landscapes considering it is only 15 miles long and 4 miles wide.
Set over three floors with a main house and annex, Argyle House is a wonderful base for families and friends to come together for a special occasion or family catch-up. The well-equipped kitchen is perfect for rustling up a holiday feast to enjoy together in the impressive dining room, means there is plenty of space to spread out and relax after a busy day.

When you’re ready to explore, the captivating town of Rothesay offers plenty of amenities from independent shops to pubs, bars and restaurants, not to mention the impressive castle ruins and Mount Stuart House. To the north of Rothesay, through the small community of Porth Bannatyne, lies Ettrick Bay, Bute’s most accessible beach, which is a haven for able swimmers· Bute is perfect for cycling, and the circuit of the island on the quiet roads is about 21 miles with none of the hills being too taxing· There are plenty of lovely beaches for a seaside stroll, and there is sea fishing off the piers if you want to try for mackerel and inland there are lochs to catch rainbow trout and pike· The Firth of Clyde is a sailing paradise, and golf enthusiasts are well catered for on the Isle of Bute· This quaint island even has its own gin distillery, definitely worth a visit! Exploring the rest of Scotland could not be easier; simply catch a ferry across to Glasgow and make the most of the fabulous attractions and amenities on offer. Beach 50 yards.

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 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!
There is a small completely self-contained owners-only studio/garden cottage with its entrance, shuttered/screened windows, and a tiny self-contained garden adjoining the main house at Springvale. The owner uses this studio/garden cottage intermittently.
Cardross is a conservation village and has its golf course, established 120 years ago, as well as a bowling, tennis and football club, post office, newsagent and pharmacy, and a village pub that caters for meals. Cardross train station is a 5-minute walk along a shore tarmac path, with 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 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 are 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.