Dog-friendly Highland
With stunning landscapes, majestic mountains and historic wonders, The Scottish Highlands is a truly magnificent place to visit. Whether you're looking for a cosy cottage or luxury hotel, there's a brilliant choice of dog-friendly accommodation and outdoor space for you and your pup to enjoy.
- Brora, ScotlandThis delightful single storey fisherman’s cottage is situated in a quiet backwater just a stone’s throw from the picturesque harbour and beach of Brora. An added bonus is a large separate garden, beyond which are extensive sand dunes and the beach. From this unspoilt fishing village there are walks along this truly spectacular coastline, with a wealth of sea birds. Seals are regularly spotted in the area. The golf links at Brora are just a short walk away. There are other activities in the area, including sea and loch fishing, riding, cycling and exploring the many places of interest in this beautiful part of Sutherland. Shop, pub and restaurant 0.5 miles.£55From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Brora, ScotlandBig Barns Cottage forms part of a separate wing of an historic B-listed Arts and Crafts house. It is one of the original buildings on the Sutherland Estate, built for the Duke of Sutherland, whose family’s seat is Dunrobin Castle. This early 18th century crow-stepped barn was converted by the renowned architect George Devey in the 19th century. He remodelled it on the Cotswold vernacular; his aim was to convey the impression of a large country house without losing the impression of an original 18th century barn. Its historic and characterful architecture is completely unique and a joy to behold.
The cottage has its own separate entrance and front door. The solid wood door opens into a charming living room with a welcoming wood burner and original flag stone flooring. The furnishing, including many antiques, have been chosen to suit the period. There is a separate dining room, with antique furniture, in-keeping with the original building. The kitchen is small but very well-equipped. Stairs lead up to two pretty bedrooms, one with a double bed and the second with twin beds. Both enjoy views across the beautiful gardens to the sea beyond. Set in two acres of private, mature gardens, which include a large variety of rare plants and enclosed woodland, the cottage has its own separate and secluded garden area, surrounded by flowering plants, with lawn and outdoor dining table and chairs.
Native deer are often seen around Big Barns Cottage and seals swimming close to shore can be admired from the local beach, which is just a short walk away. Situated one mile away from the main road, down an unmade estate track, there are numerous forest walks, cycling routes and a wide variety of wildlife to discover direct from the cottage. There are breathtaking views across the Dornoch Firth to the far distant peaks of the Cairngorms.
Big Barns Cottage offers total peace and seclusion, yet is ideally located for exploring the best of the Highlands. Just a mile away is the renowned North Coast 500 route, which encompasses some of the most incredible and inspiring landscapes to be found anywhere in the British Isles. There is plenty to explore close at hand or further afield, including local distilleries, golf courses, fishing, kayaking, sailing, hill-walking and mountain biking. A visit to Dunrobin Castle is a must, with its fairy tale turrets and its gardens modelled on Versailles. The nearby villages of Golspie and Brora, both within 10 minutes’ drive, provide a good selection of local amenities, including pubs, restaurants, supermarkets, cafés and small shops. This totally unique historic cottage provides warm and welcoming accommodation in a truly superb setting. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and resturant 1½ miles.£101From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Brora, ScotlandThis historic, detached station house, built in 1868, was designed by the Scottish architect William Fowler for the 2nd Duke of Sutherland. Golspie station was originally the halt and end of the line for the Duke of Sutherland’s stately home, Dunrobin Castle. This accounts for its glamorous and ornate appearance compared to normal station buildings.
Station House has been sympathetically converted into a superb four bedroomed house whilst retaining many original features. These include a distinctive round window in the living room, which once housed the station clock, a large open fireplace in the centre of the room, high ceilings and original wooden doors. This light and airy room is an ideal place for the family or group to gather at the end of a day’s sightseeing. The bright, modern kitchen is well equipped, and the ground floor bedroom, which was originally the waiting room, has an en-suite shower room. A beautiful, polished, wooden staircase winds round to the first floor, with a further three double bedrooms, one with en-suite facilities, all spacious and attractively presented, and a family bathroom.
One of the original doors downstairs leads directly onto the station platform, whilst the main entrance to the property faces on to the small cul-de-sac where the house is situated. Visitors should be aware that this is still a working railway line, with four small local trains per day each way, running between 8.30am to 8.30pm only. An interesting day trip for visitors would be to take the train to the next stop where you will find Dunrobin Castle, seat of the Dukes of Sutherland. And after exploring this historic castle and its wonderful grounds, based on the Palace of Versailles, take the short scenic coastal walk back to Golspie.
The predominantly old stone town of Golspie is situated on the renowned North Coast 500 route which goes through some of the most dramatic and scenic landscapes to be found anywhere in the British Isles. Station House is just a short walk from all the amenities this coastal town has to offer, including a beautiful sandy beach just 300 yards away. There is a variety of small shops, pubs and restaurants, and a superb links golf course here, with many other renowned golf courses including Brora and the Royal Dornoch Championship Course. Sea and loch fishing, boats trips, kayaking, karting, or mountain bike trails are all within easy reach. Beach 300 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.£138From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Brora, ScotlandSunrise is a beautifully presented, detached cottage, situated in a stunning location and sitting right on the road of the NC500 route which is one of the top 10 scenic routes in the world. This bright cottage, set in 1½ acre grounds, enjoys commanding views across the sea with the Highland hills beyond. Situated off a small no-through lane, on a hillside, the property offers peace and seclusion, yet is within close proximity to all amenities.
This single-storey property offers a large, well-equipped kitchen/dining room with a large fridge/freezer and a spacious living room with a Swedish wood burner and high picture windows, looking out across the bay to the hills. The large hall boasts a table tennis table, perfect for spending some quality time with family. The double bedroom has its own en-suite, an electric blanket, a pure wool duvet or traditional goose down duvet, and mini toiletries on arrival. For dogs, a welcome tray and dog towels are provided. The garden extends over an acre, and there are some steep banks within the grounds, but it provides the perfect place for letting man’s best friend burn off energy.
Sunrise is situated in the small hamlet of Navidale, with the charming coastal fishing village of Helmsdale just over a mile away. Fishermen can be seen fishing for lobster, crabs and clams along the coast, and visitors can often purchase fresh local shellfish direct from the boats. There are miles of shoreline walks close by, and fossils are regularly found along this particular stretch of coast. Helmsdale has a good selection of restaurants and small shops, as well as a fascinating museum detailing the unusual history of the area, including the 19th century gold rush. There is also a 9-hole golf course in the village and the renowned course of Brora is just 10 minutes’ drive away. Travel north to visit the Castle of Mey, John O’Groats and even the Orkney Isles. Try panning for gold in the Helmsdale river and visit the fairytale castle of Dunrobin. Beach ¼ mile. Shop and restaurant 1½ miles, pub 1 mile.£104From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Brora, ScotlandThis excellent holiday cottage in the village of Brora is a spacious and comfortable property for the entire family to enjoy. Brora is on the A9 North Coast 500 route, on the east coast of Scotland. It is a charming village that often gets overlooked. Spend a little time here and you’ll fall head over heels for the place. It has a warm and welcoming community that invites you into great pubs and restaurants, an excellent golf course and club awaits, and who can resist the long sandy beach?
This holiday property has lots of space for the family to relax in two living rooms. The main living room has a wood burner and large Smart TV with entertainment packages. The second living room has a 32" Smart TV and is more of a quiet, chill-out space. The kitchen is open plan with the dining room which has a dining table with six chairs, and there is also a useful utility room and downstairs bathroom with walk in shower. Upstairs there are spacious bedrooms to cater for the entire family, and a family bathroom with bath and separate shower. The garden is enormous and is fully enclosed, ideal for the whole family, including dogs. The garden is overlooked by a conservatory.
Brora really is a perfect place to spend a week or two. You have truly outstanding Scottish Highlands scenery on your doorstep, as well as wild and empty sandy beaches to explore. To the north, Helmsdale with its famous salmon river is nearby, and you can follow this inland to one of the most dramatic open expanses found in all of Europe. You’ll see golden eagles, red deer, pine martens and even sea eagles on every adventure you take here. Further north, crossing the interior you can reach the north coast of Scotland and explore outstanding coastal scenery at Strathy Point. There’s even the option if you wish to nip across to Orkney for a day trip, to the lovely port of Stromness, sailing from Scrabster near Thurso. To the south is well know resort of Dornoch with its huge sandy beach and royal links golf course. The Black Isle is worth exploring too, along with many restaurants and local food and drink providers. The bright lights of Inverness are not too far away either if you want a bit of culture and shopping. Beach 500 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 300 yards.£86From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Brora, ScotlandShepherd’s Cottage is a wonderful property situated on the Badanloch Estate in majestic Sutherland in the Northern Highlands of Scotland.
Badanloch comprises approximately 27,500 acres of wild country, and is located in the Strath of Helmsdale, west of KInbrace in the north of Scotland and on the southern reaches of the ‘Flow Country’. The Estate land incorporates the mountain Ben Griam More, at its’ highest point, with a summit at 590m above sea level. The second highest mountain on the Estate is Cnoc Liath-bhaid Mhoir at 432m. the remainder of the land comprises a combination of flows, mountain and water features, with the majority of the land heather covered, with coarse white grass, suitable for deer and in places sheep farming. There is a broad cross section of biodiversity on the Estate, achieved through a lot of hard work by the keepers, supported by the trustees and the wider family interest in the Estate.
The Estate was bought by the present owners in 1954 and is much loved and enjoyed by the family to this day. Estate business principally comprises forestry, fishing, deer stalking and sheep farming, with some 1200 breeding North Country Cheviot ewes at the heart of the farm business. Shepherd’s Cottage is the first holiday cottage on the estate, and it has been lovingly renovated and extended to create a very comfortable and impressive place to stay. The high standard of accommodation coupled with the cottage location in a truly awe-inspiring spot makes for the perfect Highland getaway for family, a group of friends, or those keen to cast a fly on the local lochs and rivers.
On entering the cottage there’s a fantastic, glazed sunroom porch and sitting area, with coat and boot storage and a concealed drying cupboard, great for drying wet gear or washing. It enjoys views over Lochs Badanloch and Rimsdale and beyond to west Sutherland and Ben Hope. A lovely spot to relax in and have a dram at the end of the day.
Beyond the sunroom and into the original part of the building, the open plan living room is off to the left with glass fronted wood burner taking centre stage and comfortable sofas to relax in after days out exploring. The attractive décor stands out immediately and you’ll be pleased to realise that it runs through the entire cottage. Beyond the sitting room, the kitchen/dining room is located at the rear of the house. It’s a great space and again the views out across the landscape are spectacular. There’s access to the garden from the kitchen, which is fully enclosed and wraps right around the property.
At the front of the house there’s also a comfortable double bedroom with spacious shower room adjacent to it. On the first floor there are two twin rooms with lovely views and a shared shower room.
Shepherd’s Cottage is a very special holiday home, not only because of its stunning location and proximity to so many amazing sights in the Northern Highlands, but also because of the added benefits the estate is so kindly offering to those that stay.
During the fishing season guests will have access to one of the Estate trout lochs, by boat or bank fishing, on each of the days that they are staying at no extra cost. Prior arrangement with the head gamekeeper is required. For novices a short fishing lesson may be available with gear provided, but those seasoned fishing guests will need to bring their own tackle including life jackets for the boat.
And during the winter months, the estate provides supplementary feeding to the wild deer population. By arrangement with the head gamekeeper, guests may be able to accompany the team whilst they are feeding at no charge. This is an excellent opportunity to see the deer in close-proximity and learn more about how a Highland estate works, including what is done to maintain the ecological balance. Shop, pub and restaurant 22 miles.£156From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Brora, ScotlandStrathnaver Apartment is a superb base for a holiday in the Northern Highlands. The apartment is within a Victorian building that used to house the showroom of the once world-renowned Hunters of Brora woollen mill. The apartment is spacious and is well located in the heart of brilliant Brora. At Strathnaver Apartment you’re right on the North Coast 500, a stone’s throw from the beach, food and drink options are all around, including Scotland’s second best Indian restaurant! fly fishing is nearby and a historic golf course is only a short walk away. It’s a truly excellent place to spend a few nights, a week or even two.
Station Square in Brora is where you will find Strathnaver Apartment. It makes up a large part of the first floor of a beautiful mid-19th century building. The private front door on the ground floor leads straight in and up the stairs to the accommodation on the first floor. The long, spacious hallway starts with the bathroom, finished with slate and consisting of large shower and a stunning bath. There are two double bedrooms, both king-size, one of which is a beautiful wooden sleigh bed. Throughout the property you will notice lovely pieces of furniture cleverly selected by the owners. There’s a beautiful Ogee chest of drawers that would’ve originally been used as a linen cupboard, but more interestingly has a secret compartment. Beyond the bedrooms there’s a lovely double aspect living room complete with large wood burner. Once again there’s a very interesting piece of furniture: an old piano that has been converted into a drinks cabinet. It doesn’t disappoint and comes complete with an honesty bar. The kitchen/dining room is a large room and has everything you’ll need to rustle up food after days out exploring near and far. But even though it’s a good kitchen for cooking all your meals, there are many good places to eat out in Brora, nearby Golspie and also other towns and villages in this part of the Highlands.
You can be at John O’Groats in an hour, and over exploring the Orkney Islands in 90 minutes. Helmsdale is close and the road along the famous salmon river will lead you to the north coast of Scotland at Melvich in about 45 minutes. Golfing and fly fishing from Strathnaver Apartment is worth mentioning. There are many world-class links courses within a short drive of the apartment, including Brora designed by James Braid only 2 minutes away, Golspie and Tain by Old Tom Morris and one of the best courses in the world Royal Dornoch. Fly fishing too is exquisite. The Brora is a special salmon river, and so is the nearby Helmsdale. The Halladale and many other salmon rivers are within an hour, meaning again Strathnaver Apartment offers a unique and special Scottish sporting base.£91From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Brora, ScotlandEaster Craigs is a perfect property for a family get-together in the Highlands. This beautiful four bedroom property sits in an acre of woodland gardens in the peaceful surroundings of the crofting community of Backies, near Golspie. Spectacular views can be enjoyed over the Dornoch Firth, towards Portmahomack and Tarbat Ness lighthouse, Ben Bhraggie and Dunrobin Glen from most rooms in the house, with clear days opening the vista to the Moray coast and even the distant Cairngorms.
Enjoying a pleasant rural location, Easter Craigs is ideal for families and friends who enjoy nature and wildlife, offering spacious and comfortable accommodation. On the ground floor, there is a cosy, welcoming living room with a Nordic style open fire, perfect for a cosy night in after exploring the Highland countryside. The sun room, which offers fantastic views over the countryside, leads off from the living room. The open plan kitchen/dining area, with utility room, also leads off from this room and has patio doors opening on to a balcony with yet more spectacular views. Also on the ground floor is a double bedroom with an adjacent shower room offering convenient ground floor facilities. Upstairs are three bedrooms - a twin, a double and a single bedroom, all served by a family bathroom with bath and shower over.
Easter Craigs is situated 2 miles north of Golspie in the small township of Backies in Dunrobin Glen which offers wonderful opportunities for walking and is ideal for those interested in nature and bird watching. It is an attractive little seaside village situated just 10 miles north of Dornoch and about one hour’s drive from Inverness in the north east Highlands and features a lovely long sandy beach. and there are a number of great scenic walks around the area including one at the Big Burn with its spectacular waterfalls. The village is nestled below Ben Bhraggie, and if you venture up the lovely walk, you’ll find the monument of the Duke of Sutherland at the top and stunning 360-degree views across Sutherland and to the North Sea.
There are various other walks, including the Big Burn Waterfall and along the beachfront to the famous Dunrobin Castle which is one of the grandest houses in the north of Scotland and is situated just north of the village. There are local gift shops, coffee shops, pubs, restaurants butchers, fishmongers as well as a renowned ice cream shop which offers delicious treats to reward yourself after a long day exploring all Golspie has to offer. There are many activities locally to enjoy as the village has its own golf course and bowling club as well as tennis courts, and it also boasts its own swimming pool with fitness facilities. There are also many opportunities for loch and sea angling in the area. One unusual sporting venue is the local kart track which sees race meetings take place throughout the summer months. The latest addition to Golspie’s list of sporting attractions are some fantastic mountain bike trails which include a downhill section from the top of Ben Bhraggie. Beach 6 miles.£111From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Brora, ScotlandOtago Cottage is a traditional two-bedroom cottage ideal for a family weekend away in the Scottish Highlands. The downstairs features a modern country-style kitchen/dining room, living room, shower room and a handy utility and boot room. Upstairs there is an en-suite master bedroom and a double bedroom. The property also has a large, enclosed, south and west-facing garden, that is laid to grass with mature hedging.
The village of Brora is a stunning seaside village with beautiful beaches on either side of the mouth of the Brora River. There is a range of local shops to browse and plenty of food and drink options. Brora is full of history; find out why the nickname is ‘The Electric City’ at the Brora Heritage Centre. Brora Golf Course is a must-go for avid golfers. If you prefer to watch, head to the clubhouse for a coffee or a pint and take in the astounding sea views, and don’t forget to visit the Clynelish Distillery to warm up with a whisky tasting. Beach 1 mile.£141From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Brora, ScotlandCrossing Cottage, built in 1883 as accommodation for local railway workers, is a stunning semi-detached red-brick cottage made from original Brora bricks, located in the heart of the village of Brora.
The cottage is every rail enthusiast’s dream, with The Far North Line running nearby. The most northern train line in Britain runs from Inverness to Wick and is amongst the most scenic, with trains trundling past the property just eight times a day.
Crossing Cottage can accommodate four guests in two bedrooms on the first floor, both of which have kingsize beds. The family bathroom is located on the ground floor and features a corner bath and shower. Kept cosy with oil central heating, there is a wood burner located in the living room, perfect for those winter evenings relaxing on the sofa with a wee dram of the local tipple, Clynelish.
To the rear of the property the mature garden is fully-fenced, perfect for your four-legged friends, so they can enjoy holiday fun as well. Outdoor seating is available for guests, nestled out of the way of any breezy Highland weather. The property is easily accessed with on-street parking available directly at the front door.
Perfectly positioned on the magnificent east coast of Sutherland, less than an hour and a half’s drive from Inverness, the small village of Brora has a fantastic coast golf course and is a great base for a number of superb golf courses in the area. Brora beach is a small golden sandy beach with ancient rocks and is great for wildlife watching. Dolphins, minke whales, and grey and common seals often make an appearance off the coastline and it’s an ideal place for walking and picnics too!
Brora has a good selection of small gift shops, cafés and restaurants. Nearby amenities include a renowned championship golf course, fishing, horse riding, tennis courts and bowling green. Water sports such as paddle boarding and kayaking are available nearby with hire and instruction. Be sure to take binoculars as an abundance of wildlife can often be seen along the nearby shoreline, including dolphins, seals and occasionally otters and orcas. Beach 1 mile.£137From price per night based on 7 night stay