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.
- Dingwall, ScotlandSt Brighs enjoys a stunning location, perched right on the shores of the renowned Cromarty Firth. Originally a boathouse and built of solid stone in the 1860s, St Brighs has been extensively modernised, whilst retaining much of its unique historic character. The gardens surrounding the cottage lead immediately onto the shoreline, which plays host to a wide and fascinating variety of animals and birds. It is completely secluded, ensuring that nature is your sole companion when you stay in this very special place. An original solid wood door opens onto the kitchen/dining room. A large wood burner nestles in the corner, providing a warm and cosy ambience. The kitchen is extremely well-equipped, with built-in units and appliances. The main living room at the rear of the cottage has French doors which open onto the garden and directly onto the shores of the Cromarty Firth. The staircase, made of Douglas fir, leads up to the first floor. Here there are two bedrooms and a family bathroom. One has a kingsize bed, with a beautiful original ornate window looking out across the water. The second has twin 3ft beds, with the window looking out across the garden to the water beyond. The country gardens surround the property, with a solid fence protecting the garden from the water’s edge. A gate opens directly onto the shoreline, which is tidal. Although fenced off, small children must be supervised at all times.
In addition to the peaceful setting and beautiful views over the Firth to the Black Isle, St Brighs is ideally located for exploring the Highland region. It is just 2 miles from the bustling market town of Dingwall, where there are a number of shops, supermarkets, pubs, cafés and restaurants. Walkers will enjoy the range of forestry tracks in the locality and for the more adventurous there is the towering ridge of Ben Wyvis, the local Munro mountain. A trip to the Black Isle peninsula, with its stunning beaches, fascinating museums and pretty villages is a must. The coastline is home to the famous Moray Firth dolphins, which can often be spotted close to shore. Golf, fishing, cycling, kayaking, sailing and birdwatching are all local pastimes. Beach 17 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.£98Price per night from
- Dingwall, ScotlandThe Brahan Estate is famous around the world for the ‘Brahan Seer’, an estate worker in the 17th-century called Kenneth Mackenzie or ‘Kenneth the Sallow’, whose prophecies came true, namely the Battle of Culloden. The estate was also home to the Seaforths, Chiefs of the Clan Mackenzie. Brahan Estate is the site of many a romantic episode relating to the Jacobite Risings.
The interior of the cottage is perfect for a family of four, two couples or even a couple wanting more space. The living/dining room is a great space with a cosy open fire. Most rooms offer views our over the surrounding Highland countryside.
There are many historical tales to soak up during your stay at Balnain 1. The geography of the estate, with the mature River Conon taking centre stage and meandering through the landscape, is truly wonderful. This rich natural environment boasts an abundance of flora and fauna to spot and enjoy during your stay.
The river is sure to be of interest to keen fisherman, with brownies as well as salmon a possibility. Loch Ussie is also well worth exploring, with both the river and the loch free to fish for those staying in estate properties. Other sports available on the estate include clay pigeon shooting, stalking, hiking and even golf on the wee estate course. Please contact the owners prior for more details.
Balnain 1 is set between the Royal Burgh of Dingwall and the village of Contin, perfectly placed for those wanting to explore beyond the beautiful confines of the estate and see the majesty of the Scottish Highlands. Within an hour and a half you can be on the Isle of Skye, exploring the Torridon Range, or strolling along the awe-inspiring coasts of Sutherland. As a base for exploring the Scottish Highlands, Balnain 1 is absolutely perfect. Beach 17 miles. Balnain 1 can be booked together with Seaforth Cottages (UK32542) to accommodate up to 13 guests.£94Price per night from
- Dingwall, ScotlandMountview Annex is a great place for a couple situated in the rolling countryside of the Black Isle. Views are enjoyed across the surrounding fields and north towards the local mountain Ben Wyvis. It’s a spacious two-storey annex for two people. Also welcome are the four-legged members of the family, there is even an outdoor hose for washing their dirty paws after a day of exploring. On entering the annex, you are greeted by a small boot room and drying area, and beyond this is the open-plan living space. This is a great space, offering a wood burner for those chillier days and water heated by solar panels. There’s a Smart TV for guests to enjoy streaming services on and the kitchen is fully equipped for those who want to rustling up all sorts of meals. Also on the ground floor there is a spacious shower room. On the first floor is a double bedroom with en-suite shower room. There’s an enclosed garden with decking for guests to enjoy the views towards Ben Wyvis. There are many adjacent fields where you are welcome to walk your dogs and play ball during your stay when there is no livestock or crops in the fields.
Mountview Annex is set in a perfect spot for those wanting to explore the Highlands. Only a couple minutes away from the NC500, guests can be off on adventures north-east or north-west in no time at all. The NC500 splits nearby heading north-east towards John O’Groats and north-west towards Skye and Ullapool. You can do countless day-trips from Mountview Annex, so a week may not be long enough! Nearby you have lovely Inverness only 15 minutes drive away, the Black Isle with its sandy beaches, scenic walks and charming villages to explore. Loch Ness is just beyond Inverness and to the south the Cairngorms National Park is only 45 minutes away with its ski stations and many outdoor sports options. The local village of Culbokie is two miles away with a shop, post office and pub/restaurant. It’s a great spot! Beach 13 miles.£124Price per night from
- Dingwall, ScotlandThe Garden Flat Ardullie is hidden away in the northern Highlands of Scotland and situated within a Grade II listed building, Ardullie Lodge. This historic lodge dates back to the 17th century and has had many fascinating and well-connected owners in its time. The lodge used to be visited by the Queen Mother each year for lunch on her way to stay at the Castle of Mey in Caithness further north. It’s an incredible place to spend a week or two. The NC500 crosses the Cromarty Bridge and heading north you spot an amazing building on the hillside ahead of you. This is Ardullie Lodge. From the bridge you turn left and then head on up the tree-lined driveway to the lodge and its surrounding outbuildings, of which one is The Garden Flat Ardullie. Park up by The Garden Flat Ardullie and you’ll no doubt want to first explore the accommodation, but then the amazing gardens around this ground-floor apartment.
Entering through the front door there’s a useful hallway for boots and coats. The kitchen is next and is very well-equipped. The living/dining room is spacious and has both an amazing wood burner and amazing patio doors out to a glorious, enclosed garden. There are two bedrooms, a double and a twin, both of which are zip-and-link beds. And the shower room completes the interior.
There are original features throughout. Both the living/dining room and one of the bedrooms have French doors out to the large, enclosed garden. There are garden steps up from these doors to a seating area and large lawn beyond. It’s a dream space for dogs to run around in. There are also the most glorious, old gardens to explore. There are lovely sitting areas for you to open a book and read away afternoons. It’s a truly idyllic place to spend a holiday.
Beyond the enclosed garden there are more vegetable and fruit gardens, as well as paddocks and lawns with many varieties of old, gigantic trees, including possibly the widest girth Wellingtonia in Scotland.
The Garden Flat Ardullie is in an exceptional location just above the Cromarty Firth. From the front of the lodge and from the enclosed garden you can see the sea. The NC500 is only a minute away and you can go off exploring both east, west and north coasts of Scotland. If you want to get out adventuring this amazing part of the world, base yourself at The Garden Flat Ardullie. You can be over in the Black Isle in 3 minutes and enjoying the beach at Rosemarkie in 20 minutes. Inverness and mighty Loch Ness are only 20 and 30 minutes away respectively. And lovely Dornoch is only 40 minutes away.
The west coast is surprisingly near too, you can be in Ullapool in under an hour and be exploring the Isle of Skye or Applecross in under 90 minutes. In short, a perfect place to stay with a truly lovely host. You’ll have a fantastic holiday by staying at The Garden Flat Ardullie and getting to see some of the best of Scotland from it. The Bungalow is another property at Ardullie Lodge that will become available in early 2023.
From next spring The Garden Flat Ardullie can be booked together with The Bungalow (ref UK39847) to accommodate up to 6 guests.£84Price per night from
- Dingwall, ScotlandA wooden cabin positioned in Ferintosh near Culbokie Black Isle in Scotland. Family-friendly. Sauna. Pet-friendly. Culbokie 2.9 miles; Ferintosh 4.6 miles; Dingwall 5.1 miles; Inverness 12.9 miles.£136Price per night from
- Forss, Scotland
An imposing 19th-century country home, dog-friendly Forss House Hotel in Caithness is in wonderfully remote location. Set amid 20 acres of wonderful woodland.
£117Price per night from
- Spean Bridge, Scotland
Black Sheep Hotels Cabins are dog-friendly, self-catered cabins on the shores of Loch Lochy with a Highland-inspired, home from home feel. Just a short drive from Fort William the cabins have stunning views, dog-friendly loch-side restaurant and spa close by.
£250Price per night from
- Lairg, Scotland
Offering guests a tranquil retreat of outstanding natural beauty, Inver Lodge Hotel is a stunning choice for your dog-friendly break, with its sweeping views of the dramatic, windswept mountains, moorland and sea.
£214Price per night from
- Melvich, ScotlandSelkie Pod has been designed to a very high standard to offer glamping accommodation in a peaceful setting. It makes the most of truly spectacular views overlooking Strathy Bay and out to the Orkney Isles. Some of the best views you’ll find in the whole of Scotland.
The pod has been handcrafted from quality timber; the outside is clad in larch from managed woodland in the Lake District, which gives a natural finish to blend into the environment. Being constructed on a steel base, with cavity walls and rock wool insulation, means with the heating you’ll be nice and cosy when stopping off on a winter break. Good news for when you’re looking for the Northern Lights! Strathy Bay is an outstanding place to spend some time, and the north coast of Scotland is a very special place.
You’ll find big sandy beaches, open seas and views of faraway islands. Being on the NC500 means you can explore lots of other amazing places whilst stopping at Selkie Pod.£127Price per night from
- Aviemore, ScotlandSet on the fringes of Aviemore village, a wonderful location for enjoying the great outdoors in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, these superbly appointed and beautifully furnished properties offer a very high degree of comfort. Sitting in a quiet cul de sac, they are ideal for family gatherings. All of the four properties (refs S4401, S4402, S4615 and S4538) enjoy their own private hot tub (each for 4 people) and S4401, S4402 and S4538 have a digital, infrared sauna with music and colour system, Freeview TVs and hairdryers in all bedrooms. Aviemore is a renowned centre for outdoor pursuits – excellent climbing and hill walking, competition standard mountain bike tracks, water sports on Lochs Morlich and Insch and, of course, skiing and snow boarding in season are just some of the activities on offer. The fishing and golf are similarly excellent, with trout fishing available all year at Rothiemurchus Estate, 2 miles, or hire equipment (at cost, licence required) for salmon fishing at the River Spey (seasonal). Sled dog rides, train trips to the resort at the top of the mountain, and the Strathspey steam railway are also found here and Britain’s only freely roaming reindeer herd can be spotted against the stunning backdrop of Glenmore. Shops, good restaurants, themed bars, live music are all within ½ mile. Other great attractions in the area are The Highland Wildlife Centre with Amur tigers, wolves and polar bear, The Landmark Centre, Tree Zone; an incredible aerial adventure and Aviemore Highland Resort Leisure Centre with its own wavepool, water slides and cinema.£103Price per night from