Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

Am Bothan is a delightful, single-storey, detached cottage with veranda and seating enjoying stunning views across Loch Ewe to the mountains beyond. Nestled, but totally private within the gardens of the owner’s home, separated by a shared driveway, it is perfect for couples or a small family wishing to explore this totally unspoilt and truly awe-inspiring part of the Scottish Highlands.The immediate area is renowned for it’s sandy beaches and breathtaking scenery, wildlife abounds with otters, seals, feral goats, deer and a myriad of bird-life.
National Trust Scotland owned, Inverewe Botanical gardens are 3.5 miles away. Due to its temperate climate, which is warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream, an exceptional and surprising variety of plants flourish here. The pretty village of Poolewe is 2¾ miles away and has two cafés, a food cart serving stone baked pizzas, village shop with post office, off license and supermarket, pub and municipal swimming pool. The surrounding area offers a wealth of activities including mountain biking, kayaking, hill walking, climbing and sea fishing. The Fisher Field Forest which you can trek to,has been listed as one of the last remaining truly wild places in the United Kingdom. Wild swimming can be had just minutes from the door in Naast cove which you can see from the cottage veranda. Boat trips can be booked from nearby Gairloch for sightings of porpoises, minke whales and other sea life. Also trips to the Shiant Isles renown for it’s bird life including sea eagles,puffins, guillemots and cormorants. There are numerous superb beaches close at hand. Further afield you can visit some of the small villages dotted along the coast or take a day trip to the beautiful Isle of Skye. Sandy Firemore beach 3 miles. Cove, looking out to the Atlantic Ocean with memorial, remembered for the Norwegian Convoy of the 2nd World War, is 5 miles away. The owners are both artists and offer one to one or small group drawing lessons at an additional cost. African drumming lessons can be arranged too. One certainly is not at a loss for inspiration at Am Bothan.

Fionn Croft Lodge is a contemporary, architect designed, eco-friendly lodge situated in a stunning location on the renowned west coast. This impressive two-storey wooden lodge, with a unique ‘boat-end feature’ is light, airy and spacious, providing a high standard of accommodation in a wonderful setting.
The main living area on the ground floor is open plan with floor to ceiling, triple glazed windows looking out across the 2-acre grounds to the sea beyond. This spacious room is an ideal spot to sit and enjoy the stunning sunsets, and watch for local wildlife. Whales, dolphins, otters and a wide variety of seabirds are seen close by. A large wood burner offers a warm welcoming ambience and also provides the main heating for the house. The kitchen is partially separated just off the dining area. It is extremely well-equipped throughout, with two ovens and even a coffee making machine. There is a double bedroom on the ground floor and a spacious shower room. The main bedroom on the first floor is truly superb. It has floor to ceiling windows looking out across the sea to the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides. There is a third twin room and a family sized shower room on this floor too.
The lodge is situated on a small working croft in the remote and pretty hamlet of Melvaig. It is the last habitation on a dramatic road that leads from Gairloch to the Rubha Reidh Lighthouse, following the coast along the way. Three miles along the road ends at the north headland, where there is a lovely walk out from the lighthouse, and the chance to spot rare white tailed eagles and other local wildlife. There is plenty to see and do in the immediate area and for water sports enthusiasts, there is a small slipway in Melvaig to launch kayaks and small crafts. The nearby village of Gairloch, just 15 minutes’ drive away, has a good selection of amenities including shops, restaurants, bars, boat trips, fishing trips, golf course and an interesting local museum. With stunning sandy beaches, hill-walking, sailing, cycling, fishing and wonderful wildlife, Fionn Croft Lodge provides an ideal base for a truly memorable Highland holiday. Beach 100 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 9 miles.

Mackenzie Cottage is a traditional style, detached cottage situated in the charming and renowned village of Poolewe in the north west Highlands. The cottage is beautifully presented throughout, with lots of attractive personal touches reflecting a Highland theme. There is a cosy living room on the ground floor with a feature electric wood burner. The kitchen/dining room is bright, contemporary and very well equipped. There are two double bedrooms upstairs, one with a 6’6" bed that converts into twin beds if required. This room enjoys superb views over the river to the hills beyond. Situated just 30 yards from the beach and with excellent local amenities a short stroll from the cottage, it provides an ideal base for a wonderful Highland holiday.
The immediate area is renowned for its wonderful beaches and breathtaking scenery. Wildlife abounds and otters, seals and a myriad of bird life can be seen locally. The sub-tropical gardens of Inverewe are simply stunning and offer visitors a memorable day out. Due to its temperate climate, which is warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream, an exceptional variety of plants flourish here. The pretty village of Poolewe has excellent local amenities, all within easy walking distance, including café, village shop and even a swimming pool. The surrounding area offers a wealth of activities and places of interest. Loch beach 30 yards.

Cuckoo’s Nest is a comfortable detached family holiday home on a croft, set beside the shores of Loch Ewe. It’s the perfect Highland retreat on Scotland’s wild west coast away from modern life, where you can truly switch off and relax. The accommodation provides a very comfortable place to spend a week or short break if touring the North Coast 500. Comfortably sleeping 5 adults, this three bedroom cottage also has the option of a cot for a younger visitor. The living room is a great space for a family, with a wall-mounted TV and centrally placed open fire. There’s a selection of board games for those hard to miss wet days of the west coast, and a huge window to watch the ever changing weather across the loch. In the kitchen you will find all modern conveniences, including an induction hob and cooker, microwave and even a slow cooker for those days when you’re out exploring the local area. The dining area in the kitchen has a large family table with ample space for 5 and a younger one in a highchair. There is a useful utility room off of the kitchen perfect for muddy feet and paws. There are three good sized bedrooms, with the master having a kingsize bed, a second bedroom with a double and the third with a single. The bathroom has a wonderful large drench shower and a bath.
From the front door there are walks aplenty, and only a short stroll away, there is a bay and slipway where you can launch kayaks from to go wildlife watching in Loch Ewe. You’ll have a good chance of seeing otters and seals, as well as harbour porpoises and possibly dolphins. The fishing is fantastic too, and from the slipway you’ll be able to catch mackerel for supper if you wish. Also, if you have your own boat and trailer, you can launch from this slipway. Beyond Cove you will find remains of WW2 bunkers used to protect the entrance of the deep sea loch which was a safe harbour for Russian convoy submarines, you can find out more about the history in the Russian Convoy museum in Aultbea.
There is an outstanding local red-hued sandy beach only one mile from the house called Firemore Beach. Poolewe is only 8 miles away with its shops and places to eat, as well as local market every Tuesday between April and October. Inverewe Gardens sits on the shores of Loch Ewe in Poolewe and Gairloch is only 8 miles further away, plus the magical landscape of Wester Ross is at your disposal to explore. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 8 miles.

Ardlearag is an outstanding architecturally-designed and timber-clad holiday home in the North West Scotland. Overlooking the sea loch Little Loch Broom, Ardlearag also has views of the isolated Scoraig peninsula and wee mountain Beinn Ghobhlach across the loch, and to the east An Teallach, a fabulous Munro, is in view and only a few miles away. Staying at Ardlearag is like striking gold. Pulling up at the stunning property you won’t believe your luck. Any length of time booked is guaranteed to be too short.

The property nestles into the landscape right beside the water and is surrounded by mountains. The area around Ardlearag is known as the ‘great wilderness’ and staying at the property makes it easy to see why. The front of the house looks towards the water and mountains -quite rightly - so you enter through the back door. On the left there’s a well-placed utility room, perfect for cleaning up after long days out exploring in the wilds. Quickly you discover the wow factor of the house, which is the vast amount of glass in the open plan living/dining/kitchen area. Views up the loch and across the water are truly sensational. It’s an amazing room making the most of the surroundings, and it’s finished to a fantastic high standard (like the whole house). To return to this room after days out on adventures is pure bliss.

Beyond the house the great wilderness awaits. An Teallach is a fantastic Munro and with it being so close it deserves an attempt or two during your holiday. Ullapool and Assynt beyond are not far away, and to the south the coastal villages of Aultbea, Poolewe and Gairloch with numerous sandy beaches to choose from await. Staying at Ardlearag is a superb choice for the most amazing of Highland holidays. Book now and forever be happy with your choice!

Situated 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.

This 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.

Enjoying a peaceful yet central setting within the pretty village of Auldearn, this semi-detached, traditional holiday property has been furnished and equipped to a good standard to ensure as comfortable and relaxing holiday as possible. Just three miles from the seaside village of Nairn with its long sweeping sandy beaches and local amenities, Tigh Na Bruiach (Gaelic for ‘House on the Hill’) makes a super holiday base for exploring this wonderful part of the Northern Highlands. Visit Culloden Battlefield, Fort George, Inverness, and Loch Ness, all within a very easy drive. Brodie and Cawdor Castles are just a short distance and well worth a visit. You can meander along the Moray Coast and visit some of the beautiful, unspoilt beaches and hopefully catch sight of the dolphins, seals and large variety of birdlife this area is renowned for. Take a trip along the Malt Whisky Trail – the only one of its kind in the world! Further afield, go to the scenic West Coast, Fort William or the enigmatic Orkney Islands. Golf, mountain biking, kayaking, hill walking and photography are some of the many activities available.

Set in a quiet rural location, this cosy holiday cottage enjoys lovely views across open countryside towards Nigg Bay and the Cromarty Firth. An RSPB Reserve, sea trips, fishing, golf, castles and south, west and east facing beaches all within easy reach. Great for touring the scenic Highlands. Historic Cromarty is a short ferry trip (only available in summer, also accessible by road) with Inverness, the Highland Capital approx 45 minutes’ drive. Shops 4½ miles, pubs 3 miles. Can be booked with property 19987 (which has adjoining garden) to sleep up to 12 guests.

The Ivy Wing and The Cottage are situated in the courtyard of Barrock House, and surrounded by landscaped grounds and mature woodland. This provides shelter for an abundance of bird and wild life with pleasant walks close at hand and the scenic beaches of Sinclair and Dunnet Bay are just 5 minutes by car. The Cottage makes the perfect base for touring this unspoilt and tranquil part of the Highlands. Visit the Castle and Gardens of Mey, the Queen Mother’s Highland home, John O’Groats, Wick Heritage and Lyth Arts Centre, or take a wildlife or distillery tour. Golfing, fishing, sea trips or walking along the many miles of rugged coastline are just some of the many activities available. Lyth is situated just 10 miles north of Wick and 15 miles from Thurso, making the beautiful Orkney Isles easily accessible by car ferry for day trips. Both properties can be booked together for larger groups (ref’s W42082 and W42083). Shop, pub and restaurant 4.5 miles.