Dog friendly Lodges Ayrshire

Set amidst the hills of the Southern Uplands, these beautifully restored, detached holiday cottages set on the banks of a rushing stream offer a relaxing getaway. They are accessed by a track and situated in 3000 acres of undisturbed woodland, wetland and other natural habitats, recognised for their importance by their designations as SSSIs. Wildlife is abundant including red squirrels, ospreys, golden eagles, roe deer and badgers. The estate offers fishing, pony trekking, riding, 27km of all terrain cycling, woodland walks, canoeing and kayaking (grade 3+). Golf available at the famed Royal Troon and Turnberry Golf Courses 20 miles. Ayr 15 miles, Castle Douglas 30 miles. Shops 2½ miles.

This spacious, detached farmhouse is situated in the village of Tarbolton and has a fabulous external games room. The property is decorated with a Christmas theme during the festive season. Set on a working sheep farm, it lies close to the pretty coastal towns of Ayr, Troon and Prestwick with their numerous shops, eateries and historical places of interest. The property also features a wood-fired pizza oven and a wood pellet BBQ/smoker. For walkers, the Ayrshire Coastal Path is easily accessed and has a fantastic panoramic coastline with views over the sea to the mountains of Arran. The River Ayr Way, a 40 mile ’Source to Sea’ walk is also easily accessed, making this an ideal location for the outdoor enthusiast.

The Galloway Forest Park is a short drive away and is Britain’s largest forest park with three hundred square miles of wild beauty waiting to be explored. The park boasts tranquil valleys, rugged rock faces, forest, moorland, lochs and ancient woodland, as well as a huge diversity of wildlife including red and roe deer, wild goats and many birds of prey. The park has also been awarded the status of one of only four Dark Sky Parks in the western world, and when the sun sets, enthusiasts come to wonder at the universe revealed above.

Dalmellington is home to the Scottish Dark Observatory, which is only a short drive from the property. Ayrshire offers many gardens and castles to visit, and activities such as riding, racing and golf, including the world famous Royal Troon and Turnberry courses which are both close to hand. Fishing can also be found nearby and there are plenty of opportunities for a round of golf. Culzean Castle and Dumfries House are both spectacular and it is well worth booking a tour.

The islands of Cumbrae, Arran and Bute are all easily reached for a day out, while day trips to Ireland can be taken from Cairnryan. There are very good rail links from Ayr for a trip to the cosmopolitan city of Glasgow and also historic Edinburgh. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is an hour’s drive and is well worth a visit. Beach 8 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.