Dog Friendly Holidays Argyll and Bute

With stunning views over the loch and the Paps of Jura this beautifully presented cottage provides a tranquil retreat from which to explore Kintyre and the islands. It is located within easy reach of Tarbert, the gateway to Kintyre, which offers local shops, pubs and restaurants. Local events include the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series Yacht Race, Tarbert Music Festival and Tarbert fair. The Kintyre Peninsula is renowned for its rugged beauty and beautiful beaches with The Kintyre Way, a series of walks criss-crossing the peninsula, stretching from Tarbert at the north end of the peninsula, to Machrihanish in the south.

It is an ideal location for exploring the local area including the the village of Skipness with its castle and seafood cabin, the village of Carradale, Campbeltown and Machrihanish with its world-famous golf course and the Mull of Kintyre. Ferries to the islands of Islay, Gigha, Jura and Arran are easily accessed as is the ferry to Ireland from Campbeltown. The ferry to Portavadie, with its stylish marina is only 11 miles away and gives access to the Cowal Peninsula and Dunoon. Wildlife is abundant with red squirrel, sika and roe deer, feral goats and a large variety of birdlife, including red grouse, hen harriers, buzzards and eagles. Machrihanish is also home to the Seabird and Wildlife Observatory. Seals and otters are seen regularly, and whale watching tours are available from Campbeltown in the summer months.

Degnish Farmhouse sits proudly alone within a 1100-acre working hill farm at the western end of Loch Melfort and has spectacular panoramic sea and adjacent island views. Surrounded by abundant wildlife, including otters, seals and birdlife and with easy access to golf, horse riding, sea kayaking, fishing and sailing, this comfortable south-facing detached holiday property offers a perfect retreat in a glorious setting.
The house has been lovingly re-built to a very good standard, with underfloor heating, double glazing and an emphasis on the wonderful views.
Ideally based for exploring the west coast, there are plenty of ferry trips nearby to Mull, Arran, Gigha, Islay, Colonsay or Tiree. The bustling harbour town of Oban, known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’, is a scenic drive north and is home to an array of shops and restaurants. Inveraray Castle, historic Kilmartin Glen, and the Crinan Canal make for wonderful days out. Ardmaddy Castle and Gardens are 3½ miles over the hill, and can be accessed on foot, by 4-wheel drive or via the road to Seil Island. Guests enjoy free access to the gardens and are also welcome to use the estate’s tennis court. Small motor boats can be hired at Ardmaddy. Free fishing can also be arranged on the estate’s well-stocked hill loch.
There are plenty of hill and forest trails for mountain biking and leisurely walks, or visit one of the magnificent local gardens. Whilst there is the farm and miles of coastline to explore, there is also an enclosed garden and covered outdoor BBQ area ensuring the safety of younger children whilst allowing the grown-ups to enjoy an al-fresco lunch. Shop and pub 5 miles.

"Stunning locations in breathtaking scenery..."

In a magnificent setting by the sea, Ardmaddy Castle sits in its own bay with unrivalled views over Seil Sound and the world famous local Slate Islands, designated one of Scotland’s National Scenic Areas. Graded ‘4 Star’ by the Scottish Tourist Board, these four cottages (SBZ, SRW and SRY) and Caddleton Farmhouse( UNP) are set in secluded, peaceful locations around the estate and offer an ideal base for exploring this stunning part of the West Coast of Scotland.
Caddleton Farmhouse (UNP) has a large carport providing dry, level access to a large games room/cloakroom which leads through to a spacious living room and well-equipped farmhouse-style kitchen with low level hob and worktops, dining and sitting areas with open fire and leading to a large conservatory overlooking the garden and sea.
The castle’s spectacular gardens are open all year round through Scotland’s Gardens Scheme and are a delight for gardening enthusiasts. The area is renowned for its abundant wildlife with porpoise, dolphins, basking sharks, otters, deer, eagles and wealth of seabirds often seen. Sailing, rowing and motor boats are all available for guests to hire, and there is free fishing on Ardmaddy’s stocked hill loch. There is also a central games room with table tennis and a pool table, whilst Caddleton Farmhouse (UNP) and The Stables (SBZ) have their own games room. Guests can also use the castle’s tennis court.
The bustling harbour town of Oban known as the ‘Gateway to the Islands’ is only 12 miles away and has wonderful seafood restaurants, shops and bars. From Oban there are boat trips to the Inner Hebridean Isles, including Mull, Iona, Staffa, Colonsay and Tiree. For the outdoor enthusiast, local activities include horse riding, coasteering, canyoning, canoeing, sailing, diving and golf. Fort William and Glencoe are a short drive away offering very popular climbing and skiing. Explore beautiful gardens and ruined castles in an area rich in historical legacy or take a leisurely walk or cycle along one of the many forest tracks. Visit Bonawe Iron Works, Cruachan Hollow Mountain, the Sealife Centre and Inveraray Jail. Or relax and enjoy the unspoilt natural beauty surrounding the cottages at Ardmaddy. Shops 12 miles, pub/restaurant 2½ miles.

This stunning detached house with landscaped gardens, sits at the water’s edge and boasts fantastic views over Holy Loch and the Firth of Clyde to the hills beyond. The living room has floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views, and a wood burner to keep you warm on chilly nights. The spacious en-suite master bedroom boasts a private balcony, perfect for enjoying the far reaching views. This is the perfect tranquil location to relax in and escape from the trials of everyday life, and to explore the spectacular scenery and history of the area.
The deep glens and narrow sea lochs are typical of the west coast, and there you can find a huge selection of Scottish wildlife: red deer, roe deer, buzzards and golden eagles to name but a few. The area is also full of history, where standing stones, burial cairns and rock carvings abound.
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. There is an abundance of outdoor activities on offer with sailing, sea fishing, windsurfing, fast speed RIB boat tours, quad bikes, clay shooting and much more. Nearby, the magnificent woodland gardens at Benmore Botanic Gardens are well worth a visit. Located within the Loch Lomond National Park, 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. Shop 300 yards, pub and restaurant 400 yards.

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.

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.