Dog Friendly Lodges Argyll and Bute

Situated on a working sheep hill farm, high above the Kintyre Coastline, Ballygroggan Farmhouse is at the end of a long and winding road up into the back of beyond countryside, next to Machrihanish beaches and golf course. The farmhouse also overlooks Gauldrons Bay, a stony beach with volcanic sill outcrops that also play host to a resident seal colony. This lovely Victorian property offers uninterrupted views out across the Sound of Kintyre. As well as seeing the islands of Islay, Jura and Gigha, on exceptionally clear days the coastline of Northern Ireland is also visible, 14 miles away. The longest and hardest part of the Kintyre Way walk goes through the back of the farmyard onto the higher hill with Cnoc Moy dominating the skyline. As well as birdwatching, the dynamic changing views of the sea and skies provide a peace and tranquillity from a place where you can sit and ponder on the slower pace of life.
The farmhouse is warm, dry and big enough to snuggle up on wet days reading, watching a movie, or enjoying hobbies. With satellite broadband throughout the property, which can be weather dependent, streaming from your own Sky go account should mean you can keep up with your downloads and pre-records. Recent additions include a tall freezer in the boot room and a tall overflow fridge in the utility room. In Machrihanish village, the beaches have soft white sand decorated with an abundance of shells, there is a children’s play park and a pub in Machrihanish which is open for food and drink all day, plus has it’s world-renowned golf course. Within a 20 mile radius of this area are five top quality golf courses, open come rain or shine. Close by is the town of Campbeltown, famous for its whiskey shops, but also served by two supermarkets, many lovely independently owned shops, and some excellent restaurants. There are ferry services and Campbeltown also has an airport with multiple flights daily in and out. Pub 2 miles down the hill in Machrihanish village.

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 is 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!

Cardross is a conservation village and has its own golf course, established 120 years ago, as well as a bowling, tennis and football club, post office, newsagent and pharmacy, and a village pub who cater for meals etc. Cardross train station is a 5-minute walk along a shore tarmac path, with a 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 and is 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 is 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.