Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

Old Manse Cottage is a traditional Highland cottage that has been lovingly renovated to a very high standard to provide spacious, light and comfortable accommodation. Strolling through the green front door you enter the amazing open plan living space which is incredibly spacious and makes the most of original features. The space is triple aspect so there is a lot of natural light, including an outstanding window on the gable end of the building with a comfy window seat, inviting you to pass the time simply gazing out at the giant beech trees with a glass of your favourite drink in hand. The kitchen is a very generous size for a couple, and has everything you’ll want for a week-long holiday or short break in the winter. The dining table is an antique naval mapping table; lovely for cooking up a storm of multiple dishes and spreading out. The table is very well suited to those who may need to break out the laptop and do a bit of work. The living room space is centred around the wood burner, historic 18th-century stone fireplace, a comfy sofa and fireside chair, and a TV.
Beyond the living room space is the cute kingsize bedroom with an incredibly comfortable mattress and cosy down duvet. The bedroom has two windows overlooking the garden areas, a chest of drawers, wall hooks with hangers and a chair. Adjacent to the living room is a vestibule with coat hooks and room for hiking boots, next to the back door into the garden. The bathroom also flows from the vestibule and has been cleverly renovated to create a lovely space with a walk-in electric shower, sink, toilet and washing machine.
The garden is wraparound and enjoys a patio area with garden furniture and a bench beside the cottage rockery and grassed lawn. Soak up rural views across pasture and woodland and listen to the sounds of nature around the cottage, including many birds of prey which nest close by. The cottage welcomes one well behaved dog but please be aware the garden is not fully enclosed.
The cottage is full of history. It was built originally as a small croft in the late 17th century and formed part of the Laird of Cromartie’s estate at neighbouring Castle Leod. In 1792, the cottage became part of the manse (vicarage) next door. The cottage has been used in many different ways through the centuries, including as a kitchen and maid quarters to the main house in Victorian times, indicated by the huge stone fireplaces. In more recent decades it was the gardener’s cottage, with some fantastic local history from WW2 linked to it.
Walk straight from your back door across tracks and fields to Castle Leod, Strathpeffer village and Rogie Falls. Also in the garden is a shed, perfect for those wanting to store bicycles or other sports equipment.
Old Manse Cottage is tucked away in the Highlands of Scotland in a small hamlet called Fodderty, about 1-mile distance and a lovely walk from the spa town of Strathpeffer, with many local choices for eating and drinking. Just over 20 minutes from Inverness, the cottage is excellently located for those wanting to explore the Highlands with fantastic roads nearby connecting all corners of this amazing area, including Ullapool and the West Coast only 45 minutes away. This cottage is a Highland hidden gem.
Strathpeffer with a village shop, pharmacy, deli bistro and hotel bars only 1 mile away. Dingwall town with Tesco, Lidl, fuel, and many other local shops, only 4 miles. Extra logs for the woodburner can be purchased in Dingwall. A welcome guide in the cottage provides more details on services available locally. Inverness city centre is 25 minutes away by car with many restaurants and shops. The local bus (number 27) stops at the end of the cottage lane (hourly daytime service) to go into Strathpeffer, or Dingwall and Inverness.

Just outside Muir of Ord, Balorrin offers self-catering accommodation for up to seven guests in four bedrooms. It has a private landscaped enclosed garden and is on the outskirts of the Black Isle. Balorrin is situated in the quiet hamlet of Aultgowrie, a picturesque location with beautiful views over high hills and open countryside. The enclosed garden is secluded and has a patio area, garden furniture and small barbecue. Apart from relaxing in the peaceful surroundings, there are plenty of local activities to enjoy, including walking, biking, angling, golf, ornithology, dolphin watching, Loch Ness cruises and a distillery. Inverness is very accessible within 20 minutes and has cinemas, swimming pool, bowling, theatre and good restaurants. A day trip to Ullapool and the West Coast can be reached in 50 minutes.

Cottage near Strathpeffer on banks of a pretty loch. Heart of the Highlands. Spacious welcoming timber-clad cottage. WiFi and Fly fishing available. Strathpeffer 3 miles.

Curin Cottage is a traditional Highland cottage, nestled in the stunning glen of Strathconon. The cottage has an enclosed, private garden offering idyllic views of the surrounding native woodland and craggy hills on the valley sides beyond. The glen has a tranquil atmosphere and feeling of remoteness, despite being within a 45 minute drive of Inverness, the Highland capital. Each season brings its own beauty; heather clad hills, meandering rivers, multiple lochs, roaring stags in the autumn and an abundance of wildlife. Osprey and golden eagles are often seen from the valley, pine marten are frequent garden visitors, and sightings of red deer a regular occurrence. Due to the lack of light pollution in the glen, it means you can enjoy breath-taking clear night skies.
The cottage is very well presented and offers guests a good level of comfort throughout. It is a truly relaxing home-from-home. There is a spacious, open plan living and dining area with a wood burner, as well as a fitted kitchen with a good level of appliances. The ground floor also has a double bedroom and bathroom equipped with a walk-in shower. On the first floor you will find two lovely bedrooms, a twin and a small double, with dormer windows looking up the valley sides.
Strathconon itself provides many attractions with its beautiful Highland scenery, untouched wilderness and access to the hills. There are many routes to stroll (some straight from your front door), places to picnic, trails to bike and rivers and lochs to swim, boat on, or launch a kayak. Boats and fishing permits are available for visitors from the Loch Achonochie Angling Club.
The cottage is ideally located as a base from which to explore the Scottish Highlands. Daytrips to the west coast might include the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, Gairloch or Ullapool. Glen Affric, Loch Ness and Aviemore are a few of the many other places that can be visited. The closest restaurant, renowned for its delicious food and relaxing bar, is in Contin, just over 7 miles distant. Provisions can be bought from the shop in Contin, or in the nearby Victorian Spa village of Strathpeffer.
There are plenty of historic sites within striking distance, such as Culloden Battlefield, Fort George, Cawdor Castle and numerous stone circles. Dolphins are frequently seen in the Moray Firth, the best spotting location being Chanonry Point by Fortrose, or via dolphin watching boat trips. In the Scottish Highlands, an idyllic golf course is never far away! Shop and pub 10 miles and restaurant 7 miles.

A neat and bright timber-clad cottage in a lochside location. Well-equipped and very comfortable. WiFi. Perfect location for touring highlands. Abundance of wildlife and fly fishing available.

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.

Moy Bridge Croft is a stunning detached property situated on the banks of the River Conon and set in a spacious private garden, with spectacular scenery surrounding the property. Presented in immaculate condition throughout, with attention to detail in every area, this is the perfect property for a large family to enjoy the Scottish Highlands in pure bliss.
The large, open plan living area has comfy sofas, a Smart TV and a warming wood burner; the dining area has a table and eight chairs for evening meals together, where you can catch up on the day’s adventures. There is a utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer, as well as a second sitting room with an open fire, comfy seating and Smart TV. A designated work study is available for those who need to catch up on work whilst on holiday. Four bedrooms can be found on the first floor, all having their own en-suite shower room. Outside, a large enclosed garden is partly lawned and you can relax in patio area with its garden furniture, perfect for al fresco dining. Parking is available for four cars and the property accepts one pet, so the whole family is welcome.
The many activities locally include amazing riverside walks with breathtaking scenery and an array of wildlife, including red kites at RSPB Tollie. Mountain and road biking trails include the Strathconon Trail reaching the foothills of Ben Wyvis. Strathpeffer and Dingwall are both close by and offer a selection of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is a short drive away and has something for everyone including boat trips for dolphin watching, fishing on the River Ness, five golf courses (one being Castle Stuart which hosted the Scottish Open). Inverness also has a historic side with Inverness Castle and the museum and art gallery. Why not take a trip up Loch Ness and have a look for our World famous Nessie the Loch Ness Monster? Moy Bridge Croft and the area will not disappoint for your family holiday in the Highlands and surrounding areas. Beach 19 miles.

This attractive ground floor holiday apartment forms part of a stone cottage situated in the village of Castletown which is on the North Coast 500. Its high ceilings, original wooden shutters and cottage garden (grassed area outside the main garden provides space for dogs’ exercise) all add to its charm. Four miles of sandy beach adjoins the fishing harbour 800 yards from the property. Sea angling and loch fishing are available. Known for its unspoilt beaches and wide variety of wildlife and, at certain times of year, the Northern Lights are visible. Central to many surfing locations, golf courses, fishing and the Castle of Mey (8 miles). Take a day-trip to the Orkney Isles. An all weather short mat bowling green is available for guests to use. Shop, pub and restaurant 200 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.

Enjoy the splendour and magnificence of Strathconon, a beautiful glen deep in the Highlands. This studio cottage, a spacious detached holiday property, offers the holidaymaker cosy accommodation in a ’get away from it all’ location, especially as there is no mobile reception. Hill walking, river and loch fishing (permits available from the estate office), and an abundance of wildlife help to add to the enjoyment of this ’Brigadoon’ type glen. Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is just 30 miles away, and Glacour Studio is ideally placed for touring the North West Highlands. This designer converted croft house is finished and furnished in an open plan Scandinavian style with pine clad roofing and a pine kitchen. Shop, pub and restaurant 15 miles. Glacour Studio Cottage can be booked together with Glenmeanich Cottage (UK33789), Gate Lodge (UK42791) and Braigh na Leitre (UK33790) to accommodate up to 19 guests.