Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

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.

East Lodge is a luxurious, historic, and characterful holiday home in the Highlands of Scotland. The wider flora and fauna surrounding East Lodge is spectacular. Within only a short walk from the lodge you will see red deer and numerous birds, including iconic Highland birds of prey. The flowers, shrubs, and trees beyond Scatwell’s grove and up Strathconon are varied and mature adding weight to why this glen is possibly the most beautiful in Scotland.
East Lodge itself is a Category C Listed Building (Historic Scotland) and as soon as you lay eyes on the property upon arrival you can’t help noticing historic features. Entering East Lodge through the main arched doorway, you then step into a spacious inner hallway. On the left you have the living room with stunning bay window, characterful stone hearth framing the wood burning stove and a luxurious Chesterfield sofa. Also off the inner hallway is a study and the fantastic open plan kitchen/dining area. The kitchen is well-equipped and perfect for those that like to bake and cook. Off the kitchen to the rear of East Lodge is a lobby and boot room with access to the garden as well as a cloakroom/utility. On the first floor of East Lodge there are three characterful bedrooms two kings and a twin. All three bedrooms are different and enjoy woodland and rural views. Also on the first floor is the spacious bathroom with walk-in shower.
Outside of East Lodge the owners have landscaped the large garden; the lawn has been seeded and will be looking its best later in 2022. However, the garden is still a lovely place to be as you’re surrounded by mature Scatwell trees from around the globe. You can sit up on the patio at the top of the garden by the fire pit and feel at ease in this beautiful place.
From East Lodge we urge you to get out and explore this amazing part of the world. Up the glen there are many walks to enjoy and there’s fantastic fly fishing for trout and salmon only a short walk away. Beyond Strathconon there are some of the best golf courses in the world waiting to be played on, including Royal Dornoch and Castle Stuart; and the NC500 awaits only a short drive away from East Lodge to transport you to some of the best sights in Europe, including Applecross, the Isle of Skye and the utterly incredible Assynt. Inverness and mighty Loch Ness are only a short drive away as well. Beach 25 miles.

Enjoying a lovely setting just a few minutes’ walk from the award-winning sandy beach and the vibrant harbour and marina, this semi-detached holiday cottage is located nearby local shops, on the edge of the Fishertown area of Nairn. Dolphin Cottage makes a super base for exploring the many delights of this beautiful part of the Highlands. Inverness, the Highland capital, Culloden Battlefield, the historic Fort George, Loch Ness and the castles of Brodie and Cawdor are all within a short drive. Visit some of the former fishing villages dotted along the Moray Coast, or take a trip along the Moray Malt Whisky Trail – the only one in the world! Amongst the many activities available are a large variety of watersports, fishing and sea trips, mountain biking and golf, with the town boasting a championship course just a short walk from the cottage. For the less energetic, guests can meander along the nearby beach, 500 yards away, where you might catch a glimpse of the famous bottlenose dolphins. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant 100 yards.

Sleeping up to six guests, Broom Cottage is a traditional 1900s sleeper-built cottage with wonderful walking and biking trails right on the doorstep.
Perfect for families and outdoor adventurers, the Cairngorms National Park offers incredible landscapes and wildlife. Hike up nearby Ben Macdui or visit the Highland Wildlife Park and the Highland Folk Museum. Head to the water-sports hubs of Loch Insh or beautiful sandy Loch Morlich, where you can enjoy sailing, canoeing, paddle-boarding and windsurfing - with tuition available if required.
Grab your clubs for a game of golf in Newtonmore, visit the swimming pool or catch a game of shinty! And you won’t want to miss the Newtonmore Highland Games in August, or the Hogmanay fireworks and torchlit procession! Nip along the road to Kingussie for its golf club, its shops, the remains of Ruthven Barracks or a Highland adventure by horseback.
A snowsports hub, Aviemore sits about 16 miles north, hosting a historic ceremonial stone circle, the Strathspey Steam Railway, the Craigellachie National Nature Reserve....and of course the Cairngorms ski resort! Fort William, Inverness and Ben Nevis are also within easy reach! This area offers so much for the visitor, so whether you choose to ski, walk, cycle, birdwatch or simply relax, you will enjoy your holiday and most certainly love this cottage. This is an excellent base for family holidays, with so much to see and do nearby.

Situated above Loch Linnhe with uninterrupted views over towards Corpach and Trislaig, you can watch the sea and golden eagles above from the decking of this pod, as well as the roe deer visiting you in the morning. Unlike other pods, Cheviot comes with a full-size shower, a wood burner, a kingsize bed, a sofa bed for two children and a kitchen with a mini fridge and freezer. This is the perfect spot to relax in and enjoy the area with many activities and attractions within driving distance.
The nearest pubs, restaurants and shops are within 1 mile from Cheviot pod. The train station (which is less than 2 miles will away) will take you on the Harry Potter Steam Train and over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, passing some of the most spectacular scenery and beaches that cannot be seen from the road down to Mallaig. The latter is renowned as a fishing village and also where you can get a ferry over to the Isle of Skye (remember to pre book the train as it fills up quickly).
Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK and is one of the munros you can enjoy a walk up to the summit. The Nevis Range hosts the European Bike Trials.
South of Fort William you have Glencoe; no matter what time of year you travel through Glencoe it is a mystical land and will not fail to impress. Again, it offers great walks for all abilities and there is also a ski lift for those that enjoy the winter sport (in the summer the dry ski slope is open for tubing, a great fun day for all the family). If you are looking for something to do on a rest day in Fort William itself, there is a cinema, soft play, ten pin bowling, swimming pool or enjoy a walk over to Neptunes Staircase.
Using Cheviot pod as your base, you can also visit the Acharacle Peninsula; the fish capital of the Highlands, Oban; Loch Ness; the Isle of Mull, Rum and Eigg and many more.
Undoubtedly whilst sitting with a drink on the decking watching either the sunset or the Northern Lights, you will undoubtably be planning your next visit to this amazing area and pod.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 8 guests.

Burray is located in Mey within walking distance from the beach, with amazing uninterrupted views across the Pentland Firth to Orkney. Inside the lodge there is an open plan lounge with comfy sofa and chairs, Smart TV with Netflix, electric fire and a dining area with table and four chairs. The modern kitchen is well-equipped. Burray is pet friendly and can accommodate 1 large dog or 2 small dogs. Burray is immaculately presented and there are amazing views from every angle, the owners supply a telescope for guests’ use. There are two bedrooms, a standard double with an en-suite toilet and a single room, both have a wardrobe, bedside tables and lamps. The bathroom has a walk in shower, wash basin and toilet. There is a decking area surrounding the property with seating for outside dining and a hot tub where you may be able to enjoy views of the Northern Lights.
The lodge is located near the Castle of Mey which is the home of the Royal Family when visiting the area. John o’ Groats is 5 miles away where you can take a trip to Orkney. Caithness has something for everyone including walking, cycling, distillery tours, sightseeing, wildlife tours, golf, fishing or just chilling on the beach. There are shops, restaurant and pub 5 miles away. Harrow Lodge is the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding area and to chill out in the hot tub after a busy day.

Sandy Bay Cottage is located in the quiet village of Portmahomack which nestles around the sandy bay. There are beautiful views across the water, and you can often spot otters and dolphins, and it is great for swimming and water sports as there is no current. The property is pet friendly so all the family can enjoy a holiday at Sandy Bay. On entering the cottage from the patio area you come into the kitchen which is bright and airy, and is fully equipped with all the mod cons to create a wonderful meal if there is an enthusiastic cook in the family. There is plenty of cupboard space and it is fully stocked with pots, pans and utensils. Through to the cosy living room with comfy sofa and chairs, you can enjoy a relaxing evening in front of the TV. The modern shower room has a shower, washbasin and toilet. There are two bedrooms, a double and a twin, both with bedside cabinets and lights. Outside there is an enclosed patio area to the side of the property, with table and chairs for al fresco dining. There is plenty of private parking across from the cottage.
The area has plenty of opportunity for walkers. Tarbatness lighthouse is 3 miles away, and the quaint village of Rockfield at the foot of the cliffs is a mile away where bird spotting can be rewarding. There is a 9-hole golf course nearby which has a café and bar operating from the clubhouse. There is also a post office with a well-stocked shop, restaurant, tearoom and local pub. Tain is only 9 miles away and has supermarkets, an 18-hole golf course, distillery and selection of local shops, restaurant, cafés and bars.

Enjoy one of Scotland’s most scenic routes to get to the cottage, going past the Glenfinnan Viaduct which was used in the Harry Potter Films; you can stand at the front of the house and hear the steam train going past. Once inside the cottage the kitchen is to your right and is a bright area with a panel heater to keep it warm. The bathroom is opposite the kitchen and is pleasantly decorated, the living room is at the end of the hallway and is such a welcoming space, there is a dining table in one corner, a lovely corner suite and ample chairs for you to enjoy and of course, the wood burning stove.
Next to the living room is the utility room with ample space for you to hang up your outdoor gear. There is also a dog bed, dog bowl and towel for your furry friend, and outside there is a hose if you need to wash your dog after a day of walking. The bedroom is the last room in the house, and it has dual aspect windows, one overlooking the burn and the other the waterfall, a perfect way to fall asleep with the natural sound of running water.
The grounds of the cottage are delightful, surrounded by beautiful trees and shrubs, there is a lovely wee walk up past the cottage, where you can sit outside watching the burn flow past, and if there’s been rain the waterfall will be in full flow too!
If you want a totally relaxed stay, Druimbhan is one of those places, the railway is less than 200 yards to the cottage, not like a town or city station, this one will only stop if you advise the guard, and if you wish to go to Mallaig or Fort William by train you will have to book in advance to let them know.
The Local Inn is just a couple of hundred yards walk from the cottage serving local food and drink from Easter to October if you want to stay close to the cottage. There is another pub but that is 9 miles away but you have to travel through some breath taking scenery to get there. Stunning white sandy beaches are to be found along the coastal road to Arisaig on the way to Mallaig. Mallaig is a wonderful, thriving fishing village where you can purchase freshly caught fish, you can also get the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry over to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. If you are driving, a nice route is to go over by ferry, tour around the island and return back to the cottage via the Skye bridge and Eilean Donan Castle. Definitely a place to go and relax, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and a place you will want to return time and time again.

Aonach Cottage offers complete tranquillity in a truly peaceful setting. Only 3 miles from sea lochs and the amenities of Glencoe village, the cottage has all the comforts and flexibility of home, among the spectacular and dramatic mountain scenery of Glencoe. It sits below some of Scotland’s highest mountains, and enjoys panoramic mountain views, including a stunning view of the Aonach Eagach Ridge and towards Bidean Nam Bian. There are numerous walks from the door, including to the Corbett Meall Lighiche and the lesser-known Munro, Sgor na h-Ulaidh. The views from the windows are just stunning. With no light pollution, you can enjoy star gazing across the dark night sky. From the front door you can wander further up the peaceful glen alongside a mountain burn and enjoy beautiful scenery and a feeling of being in the hills, even if you are not a hill walker.
Sharing a completely enclosed deer-fenced area of the mountain with its sister cottage Bidean Cottage (UK41933) and the owners’ farmhouse, Aonach Cottage is accessed by a 1-mile hard surfaced farm road off the main route through Glencoe. Glencoe is a lovely highland village with many amenities including a mini-market, café, hotel, pub, filling station, church and dentists and there are some fabulous restaurants, cafés, and pubs nearby, all serving good, local food. The nearby village of Ballachulish has a small supermarket, doctor’s surgery, tourist information with coffee shop and a bar/restaurant. Steeped in history, Glencoe is surrounded by the most breath-taking scenery of mountains and lochs and the area offers a large range of sports and outdoor activities, including winter sports, hill walking, climbing, mountaineering, fishing and water sports, mountain biking and golfing. The town of Fort William is 18 miles or 30 minutes’ drive, from the cottages and offers shopping and a wealth of activities. Oban, known as the ’Gateway to the Isles’, is only 36 miles away. Glencoe Mountain Resort, with skiing, mountain biking and other activities is a 20-minute drive through the glen.
The cottages can be booked together to accommodate up to 12 guests.

Situated 200 yards from Loch Sunart in the bay of Camas Inas with access to a rocky beach and the cottages own mooring, this newly renovated cottage is perfectly situated to explore the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, the most westerly part of the UK. In the grounds of the cottage is a garage for storing kayaks, paddle boards and bicycles. It is just one minutes’ walk to the loch where you can swim or fish and have close up views of passing dolphins and otters. There is also horse riding, canoeing and water rafting locally as well as clay pigeon shooting.
The cottage is all on one level with five steps up to it with two bedrooms, one which can either be a double size bed or twin beds lounge bathroom and kitchen. A cot is available for babies.
The double glazing and central heating are complemented by an open fire (with fireguard) and a supply of logs provided. Designed to make you feel cosy and comfortable, the cottage is decorated to remind you of Victorian Scotland but has every modern comfort. There are lots of stunning hill and loch-side walks in the area with Castle Tioram being one of the most beautiful sights to see in Scotland. Glen Coe and Ben Nevis with skiing are not far but you can also take a short drive to pubs, award winning restaurants, cafe’s, distillery, or smokehouse to enjoy local produce of seafood or venison. Drive further down the Pensinsula to the award winning organic Ardnamurchan Distillery or to Kilchoan and the Ardnamurchan lighthouse and then take the ferry across to Mull and visit Tobermory and several fish restaurants all selling local fresh caught produce.
Nearby there is a post office and two general food shops. The fish man comes every Tuesday with freshly landed fish including langoustine and lobsters. Venison and organically grown vegetables can be bought locally. You can also order a delivery from a local supermarket in Fort William for basic supplies although there will be items like tea, bread, milk, eggs, and wine in a welcome hamper for you on arrival.
There is a local GP and the area has its own ambulance, coastguard, fire service and police on the peninsula.