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.
- Dornie, Scotland’Blink and you’ll miss it’, a phrase many have uttered about Dornie, and the same can be said of Loch Long. Dornie is a lovely little village along the shores, just across the road from world-famous Eilean Donan Castle. When passing the castle with it on your left, Dornie is off to the right, with Loch Long slithering inland between high hills and mountains. On the opposite side, there is a wee road the runs parallel to the loch into the heart of the mountains. Bramble Bank is along this road on the shores of the magnificent loch.
A few miles along the road you enter the small crofting community of Allt na Sugh - spelt in other ways too, and this is where you will find Bramble Bank, nestled down to the right just above the shores of Loch Long. The property is a spacious detached lodge nestled into the heather-clad hills. Bramble Bank’s aspect from its very own plateau above the loch is truly outstanding with views across the water to the peaks of Sgurr na Cloiche and Sguman Coinntich. It’s an inspiring glen and emblematic of the Scottish Highlands. To be based at Bramble Bank is a peaceful dream, and would suit those wanting to have a bolthole that’s in an awe-inspiring location.
The lodge would be perfect for a couple looking to go walking in the nearby hills and mountains of Kintail. The Falls of Glomach are a short walk away, and Glen Elchaig is an inspiring hike too. There are many routes to explore, and with a dog in tow, you would have a fantastic walking holiday from Bramble Bank. It would make a great base too to explore the surrounding area by car. It is only a short drive along one of the most beautiful Highland roads to the main road linking Inverness and Skye. You can reach the Isle of Skye in 20 minutes from Bramble Bank, and explore the entire island during your stay. Loch Carron, Applecross and Torridon are fairly close to the north, and Glenelg to the south is only a short drive away.
The lodge itself is simply set up. You enter through French doors into the living room which allows you to take in the loch and mountain views. The living room is open plan with the dining room and kitchen. Its spacious and triple aspect, so very light. Outside of the property there is space to sit and enjoy surprisingly warm summer evenings. It’s a beautiful spot and you’ll be pleased to be spending time looking out from Bramble Bank. You’ll have a very good chance of spotting red deer, sea eagles, golden eagles, otters and pine martens all from the doorstep. Beach 12 miles. Shop 11 miles, pub and restaurant 4 miles.£61Price per night from
- Dornie, ScotlandAch na Ben is a charming, comfortable, traditional, detached highland cottage set in its own large gardens with natural stream and located in one of the most spectacular glens on the west coast. There is excellent hill walking for all abilities from the nearby Falls of Glomach and Killilan hills to the Five Sisters of Kintail and the Cuillins of Skye. For outdoor enthusiasts, enjoy bird watching, sea and loch fishing, cycling and watersports. Visit historic sites such as Glenelg Brochs, Eilean Donan Castle and Battle of Glen Shiel or many gardens and Kylerhea Otter Hide. Shop, pub and restaurant 4 miles.£54Price per night from
- Dornie, ScotlandA traditional lodge house in rural location near Dornie and the Kyle of Lochalsh on the beautiful west coast of Scotland. Close to the sea. Open fires. Pet-friendly. Spacious. Letterfearn 0.4 miles; Kintail 8.1 miles; Dornie 13 miles; Kyle of Lochalsh 18.3 miles.£405Price 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
- Helmsdale, ScotlandSituated on its own, right on the shoreline, enjoying panoramic views of the seascape this unique detached house offers an exceptionally good standard of holiday accommodation throughout. The living room and large kitchen/dining room look out across the bay. A second living room upstairs is built in the form of an ’observatory’, complete with balcony from which to spot the wide variety of bird and sea-life. Miles of shoreline walks are accessed directly from the property. The unspoilt fishing village of Helmsdale has a harbour and restaurants and shops. The area is renowned for its unspoilt beaches, wild and rugged coastline and traditional villages. Fossils are regularly found along this particular stretch of coast. Travel north to visit the Castle of Mey, John O’ Groats and the Orkney Isles. Golf, fishing, cycling, hill-walking, surfing and pony trekking all available locally. Try panning for gold in the Helmsdale river and visit the fairytale castle of Dunrobin. Shops, pub and restaurant 500 yards.£136Price per night from
- Nairn, ScotlandThis charming former fisherman’s cottage, with enclosed garden, is set in the heart of Fishertown which forms part of the lively town of Nairn. Located on the Moray Coast, Nairn boasts a sandy beach which is just a few minutes’ walk from the holiday cottage. A toy cupboard provides amusement at the cottage. Seashell Cottage is ideally situated to enjoy the variety of facilities the town has to offer including a links golf course, fishing and boat trips to see the bottlenose dolphins. Cawdor and Brodie Castle are nearby along with numerous distilleries - take the Whisky Trail on Speyside. Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield and Inverness, the Highland capital are all within a short drive. Shop, pub and restaurant 500 yards.£46Price per night from