Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

Enjoying fabulous views across the Minch to the Isle of Skye, this comfortable detached holiday bungalow was updated in 2021 with a new kitchen and new sofa and chairs. It is just a few minutes’ walk from an unspoilt sandy beach, and only 9 miles from the pretty village of Gairloch, where the nearest shops are to be found. The nearest pub/restaurant is at Badachro, 3 miles away, but the wider area has many coffee shops and restaurants, along with other places of interest. Within easy reach of Skye, Ullapool, Plockton, Eilean Donan Castle and Inverness for day trips, this part of Wester Ross is famous for dolphins, whales and seabirds, and the area has beautiful beaches as well as being a superb area for climbing and hill walking, with the dramatic Torridon mountain range as a backdrop. Horse riding is also available at Red Point (3 miles), and there is a nine-hole golf course in Gairloch. Fishing opportunities are located nearby.

This detached family holiday house is situated in the rural crofting township of Inverasdale, on the west coast of Scotland, offering views over the Loch Ewe and the open countryside. The area has so much to offer, including mountain and low level walking routes, dramatic seascapes and a variety of wildlife, with sea eagles, pine marten and otters being popular. Historic sites close by include Cove, which has a memorial stone for the Russian convoy fleet that sailed from Loch Ewe to Murmansk during World War II and Badachro, where the Fairy Lochs are a fabulous walk, and notable as the crash site of an American World War II bomber. Shop, pub and restaurant, 4 miles.

Enjoying views across the fields and the waters of the Moray Firth and within a 5-minute drive of a sandy beach, this extended former croft house makes the perfect holiday base for touring this part of the Highlands. Owl Cottage is situated between Golspie, with its stunning coastline and rugged terrain, and Helmsdale, a quaint fishing village with a wealth of character.
Travel north and visit John O’Groats, known for being the northernmost point of the British mainland, a place of awe-inspiring natural beauty. The rugged cliffs and panoramic sea views are nothing short of breathtaking. Take a leisurely stroll along the coastline, where you can witness the mesmerising dance of the waves against the shore. Birdwatchers will be in their element, as the cliffs are home to an array of seabird colonies, providing a fascinating glimpse into the local wildlife.
For history enthusiasts, the Orkney Isles are a veritable open-air museum, boasting some of the most well-preserved Neolithic sites in the world. Explore the awe-inspiring standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar and the ancient village of Skara Brae, providing a fascinating window into the lives of our distant ancestors.
Nestled amidst the picturesque Scottish Highlands, Inverness is a city that exudes both historic charm and natural splendor. Known as the ’Gateway to the Highlands’, this vibrant urban centre is embraced by the serene waters of the Moray Firth and surrounded by rolling hills, making it a truly enchanting destination. Stroll along the banks of the River Ness, where the scenic Ness Islands provide a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. The bustling Victorian Market offers a delightful array of shops, showcasing local crafts, fine foods, and unique treasures.
Golf, fishing, mountain biking, hill walking and surfing are just a few of the activities available. Shops, pubs and restaurants 5 miles.

Set amidst Easter Ross countryside with far-reaching views towards the RSPB reserve of Nigg Bay, this comfortable, well-equipped, semi-detached holiday cottage is ideally situated for touring the Highlands. Golf, fishing and boat trips for dolphin-spotting are close by, as well as the historic towns of Dornoch and Cromarty.There is a choice of lovely local beaches, coastal walks and historical/archaeological sites. Shops, restaurants and pubs within 4½ miles .

The property has recently been improved with double-glazed windows throughout and a gate to make the garden dog-proof.

Can be booked with Rosscot (19986), 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.

The Stable Cottage is an attractive, architect designed conversion of an historic Listed building, formerly a stable and grain loft for the old water mill which is situated close by.

The Stable Cottage and the nearby Mill Cottage (ref W42412) are situated approximately 200 yards from the sea and are within easy walking distance of the centre of the famous village of John O’ Groats. The ideal base to explore this lovely part of the Northern Highlands, John O’ Groats is famous for being the most north easterly point of Britain’s four corners, renowned for magnificent coastal scenery, unspoilt beaches and coastal walks. A breath-taking array of bird life is close at hand. Seals, dolphins, orca and minke whales are frequently seen. Even otters make an appearance, feeding on the rocky shoreline.

Take a day trip to the Orkney Islands with ferries a few minutes away from the cottages. Visit Duncansby Head, the Castle of Mey, Thurso and Wick. See the world class seabird colonies and the awe inspiring Stacks of Duncansby. For the energetic mountain biking, fishing, sailing and windsurfing are available. Both the Mill Cottage and the Stable Cottage are operated by the John O’ Groats Mill Trust, a charity aimed at maintaining these historic buildings for the benefit of visitors and the community. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of John O’Groats, this charming cottage welcomes guests with its inviting ambience and rural vistas. The heart of the home is its open-plan living space, seamlessly blending the living and dining areas with a well-equipped kitchen, creating a perfect setting for convivial gatherings and culinary delights. With two elegantly appointed double bedrooms, a cosy twin bedroom, and a sleek shower room boasting a convenient shower cubicle, comfort and relaxation await at every corner of this idyllic retreat.
In the quaint village of John O’Groats and its surrounding area, a wealth of captivating experiences awaits eager adventurers. Embark on a mesmerizing journey to witness the iconic John O’Groats Signpost,marking the northernmost point of the British mainland, where visitors can capture timeless photographs against the breathtaking backdrop of the North Sea. Explore the rugged coastline with invigorating walks along the picturesque cliff paths, offering panoramic views of the Orkney Islands and the majestic Scottish Highlands. Delve into the region’s rich history at the nearby Castle of Mey, the former residence of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, boasting splendid gardens and fascinating exhibitions.
For wildlife enthusiasts, boat tours offer the chance to spot diverse marine life, including seals, dolphins, and even whales, while birdwatchers can marvel at the array of seabirds that call these coastal waters home. After a day of exploration, unwind in charming local eateries, savouring freshly caught seafood and hearty Scottish delicacies, while relishing the warm hospitality of this enchanting corner of the world.

This detached holiday cottage sits amidst hills and farmland, midway bewtween Fort Augustus and Inverness, 15 miles, and east of Loch Ness, with some exceptional scenery from the roads leading towards the loch. It is very comfortably furnished with fabrics and colours that compliment the traditional highland style and is approached by a short grassy track. The mountains ensure a tranquil spot and Loch Ruthven very close by, is an ornithologist’s dream, with grebe and many various flora and fauna. Shop 7 miles, pub 1 mile.

Situated only a mile from the village of Drumnadrochit and with wonderful views over Loch Ness, this charming, self contained holiday apartment is on the ground floor of Temple Pier House, an impressive listed building set above the road along the side of the loch. The house retains many original features including small paned windows. Perfect for couples who want a comfortable hideaway with a private hedged garden. Great for walkers, there are many tracks to explore from the doorstep including the Great Glen Way which passes close and continues all the way to Inverness. A boat trip on the loch is a must for a spot of ‘Nessie Hunting’. The charming village of Drumnadrochit has good restaurants, a small but well stocked grocery store, a post office and a bank that opens occasionally. The bright lights of the city of Inverness, 12 miles, offer a superb choice of restaurants, boutiques, museums, and beautiful riverside pathways, with the imposing Inverness Castle, now the city’s courthouse, the impressive St. Andrew’s cathedral and the award winning Eden Court Theatre. Centrally located, this makes an ideal base to access all of the magnificent Highlands. Skye, Fort William and the West Coast of Scotland are within a couple of hours’ drive and the road through Inverness goes onto the A9 and then north to Sutherland or south to Aviemore and further to Perthshire. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

Drummuie House is a beautiful, 200-year-old, detached stone house situated in its own 1-acre grounds in an elevated position and commanding superb views across the sea. This large and elegant house was built by Captain Robert Sutherland, a Napoleonic war veteran. It has been painstakingly restored and renovated and provides a high level of luxury in a superb setting. All the rooms are generously proportioned, with high ceilings and large original windows. The spacious farmhouse-style kitchen is bright, contemporary and and extremely well equipped. The dining room is simply stunning, with a solid wood dining table running the length of the room, seating up to 10 people with ease. The main living room has a superb wood burner and lovely deep sofas. There is a games room on the ground floor with a professional slate bed pool table. The Highland Wildcat Trail, a mountain bike trail which features the longest descent in the UK from the summit of Ben Bhraggie and the longest technical single track climb is located behind the property.
All the bedrooms are on the first floor. The two main double rooms are particularly sumptuous: one has a four-poster bed and the other a sleigh bed, both en-suite. With three further bedrooms and two bathrooms, Drummuie House is ideal for larger families and groups. The spacious and mature gardens are fully enclosed and ideal for children and pets. The holiday property is situated on the edge of Golspie, and is just a short walk from all the amenities this seaside resort has to offer, including a beautiful sandy beach and scenic walks. There is a variety of small shops, pubs and restaurants. Tennis, bowling and a public swimming pool are also available. It is within close proximity of many golf courses including the Royal Dornoch Championship Course. Sea and loch fishing, boats trips, kayaking, karting, or mountain bike trails are all within easy reach. Just 3 miles south of the village is the nature reserve of Loch Fleet, with an abundance of wildlife, including seals, ospreys and other birdlife. Shop, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.