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.
- Thurso, ScotlandKeith House is a substantial, three-storey, semi-detached, stone town house built in the 1800’s. It occupies a prominent position in the heart of the historic town of Thurso and was originally built for the Keith family. This characterful house has been extended, adapted and updated over the centuries. Straddling three floors, with two separate entrances on different streets, it oozes charm and character whilst providing modern amenities and facilities. The house proffers a feeling of spaciousness and elegance, with plenty of original features throughout. The main staircase is simply stunning, with polished wood banisters and spindles curving up through the heart of the building.
Stairs from the main entrance door lead up to the spacious living room on the first floor. This is divided into two areas by a large pillar, and deep and comfortable sofas and chairs provide plenty of seating. There is a second smaller living room on the same floor with a television and further seating. There is a beautifully presented, large double bedroom on this floor, as well as a bathroom and separate shower room. The staircase winds its way up to the top floor, which at one time would have been the servants quarters. Here there are two twin bedrooms (some restricted head room as combed ceilings).
The kitchen/dining room is on the ground floor, accessed by a separate staircase from the main living room. This bright and spacious family-sized kitchen was originally the stables for the house. French doors lead out from here to a delightful and secluded courtyard. With cobble stones, mature shrubs, herbs and flowers, it is a real feature of the property and provides an ideal spot to sit and enjoy a glass or two of wine whilst planning the next day’s excursion. An archway leads out to a side road with access to local parking which is free at all times.
Keith House is located in the centre of Thurso, a town steeped in history. Built by the Vikings and added onto over the centuries, many of the buildings date back to the 18th and early 19th centuries, at the height of the herring fishing industry. It now offers visitors a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. There are excellent facilities right on the doorstep, including restaurants, bars, cafés and shops. Local facilities also include a swimming pool, leisure centre, cinema, boating lake, quad biking and sailing. There are lovely riverside walks direct from the house, and the nearby harbour is also worth exploring. There is a wide variety of sports and activities in the region. The renowned surfing beach of Thurso is just a short walk away, whilst Dunnet beach, with its high sand dunes and spectacular beach, is well worth a visit. There are many excellent golf courses in the region, together with horse riding, fishing, sailing and cycling. Beach 200 yards. Shop 100 yards, pub 30 yards and restaurant 50 yards.£144Price per night from
- Thurso, ScotlandThis 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.£41Price per night from
- Thurso, ScotlandThis well presented three bedroom holiday cottage is the ideal base to explore the stunning northern Scottish coastline. Just a short stroll into the heart of Thurso provides a vast array of shops, public houses and restaurants and the property is also within walking distance of the beach. On the ground floor there is a spacious living room, a kitchen/dining room, a wet room which is equipped for people with reduced mobility and a double bedroom. On the first floor there is a twin bedroom and a further double room, both served by a shower room. Externally there is a private enclosed lawned garden.
The property is located in the centre of Thurso, a town steeped in history. Originally built by the Vikings and added onto over the centuries, many of todays buildings date back to the 18th and early 19th centuries. It now offers visitors a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. There are excellent facilities right on the doorstep, including restaurants, bars, cafés and shops. Local facilities also include a swimming pool, leisure centre, cinema, boating lake, quad biking and sailing. There are lovely riverside walks direct from the house, and the nearby harbour is also worth exploring. There is a wide variety of sports and activities in the region. The renowned surfing beach of Thurso is just a short walk away, whilst Dunnet beach, with its high sand dunes and spectacular beach, is well worth a visit. There are many excellent golf courses in the region, together with horse riding, fishing, sailing and cycling. Beach 200 yards. Shop 100, pub and restaurant 100 yards.£91Price per night from
- Thurso, ScotlandHarland Cottage is a delightful bijou cottage for couples. This single-storey, detached cottage is beautifully presented throughout. The main living area is open plan and a large deep leather sofa looks out through French windows to the pretty cottage garden. The kitchen area is bright and modern, with built-in units and is well-equipped. The double bedroom has a kingsize bed and an en-suite with a large walk-in shower, which can also be accessed via the hallway. The garden is a real delight, enclosed by an original Caithness dry stone wall, there is a patio area with seating and a good-sized lawn area.
Harland Cottage is situated in Castletown, just 500 yards from one of the most spectacular beaches to be found anywhere in the British Isles. Dunnet Beach has 4 miles of sweeping sands, with high sand dunes providing a natural backdrop. There are lovely walks direct from the cottage, through woodland glades to the beach beyond. It is ideal for dog walks as well as numerous outdoor activities and there is also a pretty harbour to wander round. The area is renowned for its surfing, water sports, fishing and golf. For wildlife enthusiasts, there are often deer close by, numerous seabirds including puffins, whales, porpoises and dolphins are spotted along the coastline.
Castletown has a good selection of local amenities, including a pub with a good restaurant and a local mini-market, all within walking distance. The Heritage Visitors Centre is within a mile. The nearby town of Thurso is just 5 miles away and has further amenities, including supermarkets, bars, cafés, restaurants and a cinema. There are lovely riverside walks along the banks of the River Thurso and plenty to see and do in the region. A visit to the Castle of Mey, with its superb garden and interesting history is a must, along with a day trip to Orkney; the ferry is approximately 8 miles away. Caithness is renowned for big clear night skies so there is a good chance of seeing the northern lights during winter months from the top of Dunnet head the most northerly point on the Uk mainland only 4 miles away. The property is also on the North Coast 500.£38Price per night from
- Thurso, ScotlandA beautiful stone cottage based in Skerray, Scotland. Perfect for the North Coast 500. WiFi. Country views. Enclosed garden. Bettyhill 6.4 miles; Tongue 7.5 miles.£124Price per night from
- Thurso, ScotlandLocated within the heart of Thurso’s attractive conservation area, adjacent to Lady Thurso Gardens and St Peters Church.
Ennsee Cottage retains much of its 19th century character, but benefits from sympathetic modern renovation. It offers excellent, comfortable, homely and very pet friendly accommodation. It affords a ‘home from home’ guest experience, with high speed WiFi, smart devices, HiFi, fully equipped kitchen, private garden, off-street parking.
Thurso, the most northerly town on the UK mainland, which the renowned NC500 route passes through, hence the name Ennsee Cottage, which is an ideal location to base yourself for a few nights, a week or even more, as there’s so much to see and do here.
Historically, Thurso dates back 5000 years. It has been a very prosperous and successful fishing port and trading post. There is an abundance of Norse heritage and history from when it was an important Norse port. It is home to one of the oldest churches in Scotland, St Peter’s Kirk, dating back to 1125.
Thurso today boasts an ever-growing tourism industry thanks to having some great places to eat and drink, plus local attractions such as: John O’Groats, Duncansby Head, The Castle & Gardens of Mey, Smoo Cave, Waligo Steps, Dunnett Head and Mary Anne’s Cottage. Caithness is famous for its ‘Big Skies’, amazing sunrises and sunsets, long summer days, clear night skies, and occasionally, the ‘Northern Lights’. The wildlife in Caithness is amazing with Golden Eagles, Puffins, Deer, Highland Cattle, Otters, Orca’s, Dolphins, Seals and Salmon.
Thurso’s beach is regarded as one of the best surfing spots in the UK, with far reaching views of surrounding cliffs, seascapes, and the Orkney Islands, with a daytrip to Stromness being a must.
For keen anglers, Thurso has a world-renowned salmon river, so you are urged to book in advance for this and other rivers at Halladale and Helmsdale. For trout fishing, there are many great local hill lochs, like the world-famous Watten Loch.
For golfers, there are some real treats with Reay Golf Club (redesigned by James Braid and rated in the top 100 Scottish courses). Indeed, the courses at Reay & Wick (Reiss) are fine examples of true Scottish links, and true hidden gems. Together with Thurso golf club, you simply won’t believe your luck playing these courses, as you’ll probably have them to yourself, especially in the height of summer when you can actually tee off at 9pm and still get 18 holes in! or tee off at 2.30am instead! For walkers, there is an abundance of amazing walks and hill climbs.
Ennsee Cottage offers a comfortable base from which to enjoy the glorious North Coast of Scotland. Being more than dog friendly, it’s a great cottage for you and your pets as it’s simple and spacious for a period property. And with a sandy beach only five minutes’ walk away it’s a bit of a gem!£65Price per night from
- Thurso, ScotlandThe Old Tea Shop is a charming semi-detached holiday cottage which is full of character. The main reception room has a vaulted ceiling with beams, the living area has comfortable seating wrapped around a large wood burner, the kitchen area and dining area continue with the beams, and the kitchen area is well equipped with appliances and benefits from an Aga.
There are two bedrooms one with a kingsize bed and a stunning en-suite bathroom with a roll-top bath and a stone walk-in shower area. The other bedroom has two single beds and also has an en-suite shower room. To the rear is an enclosed garden which is ideal for your four legged friend and there is a wood-fired hot tub with jets and lighting (available direct from the owner, at cost). The property is located 11 miles from the busy town of Thurso and 10 miles from the landmark of John O’Groats, the area is surrounded by beautiful coastline and the beautiful Dunnit beach is only 3 miles away. Pub 1 mile, restaurant 3 miles.
This property can be booked with The Hideaway (ref UK36517) and The Retreat (ref UK36518) to accommodate up to 10 guests.£127Price per night from
- Thurso, ScotlandRetreat on the 500 is located just over 2 miles from John O’ Groats and 18 miles from the popular and vibrant towns of Wick and Thurso. This spacious, detached property lies on the coast with uninterrupted views over the islands, and the sound of the sea will not disappoint guests.
The property has a large reception hall and a ground floor bedroom with a super kingsize bed, and it also benefits from an en-suite shower room. There is a beautiful open plan kitchen/dining room with island views and a good level of appliances, as well as a utility room. The living room has a wood burner and comfortable furniture, this is a sun room with amazing views. On the first floor there is a double bedroom with an additional single bed and an en-suite shower room, and a further twin bedroom served by a family bathroom with a roll-top bath. Outside, the enclosed, lawned garden is perfect for children and your four-legged friend. The area is renowned for its beautiful beaches and coves, with the spectacular Dunnet beach only 8 miles away. Shop 18 miles, pub and restaurant 3 miles.£102Price per night from
- Thurso, ScotlandFuaraFuaran is located to the west of Thurso and offers sea views over the coast. The area is well known for its spectacular beaches which have hosted the O’Neal surfing championships.
The property is an impressive, detached, tri-shaped house offering three wings, and all rooms are located on the ground floor. Upon entering the property, you have an impressive, vaulted ceiling within the dining hall. There is a large living room which has a hoist for disabled guests, and a snug with bean bags and a PlayStation to keeps the kids occupied in the evening. There is a spacious kitchen/breakfast room with a four-oven Aga, a good level of other appliances and a utility room. There are four bedrooms, the master is kingsize with an en-suite shower room. There is a further kingsize bedroom and a twin bedroom, both served by a family bathroom with a spa bath and a separate shower. There is a further bedroom with a double bed (an electric rise and fall cot bed is available on request); this bedroom has an en-suite bathroom which is modified for disabled use with a hoist for using the bath and toilet. It also has a shower cubicle, with seat and grab rail. Outside, the property sits in just under an acre of lawned gardens and has an enclosed area which is ideal for children and your four-legged friends.
The location is perfect to explore the northern Scottish coast with its spectacular beaches and coves. The nearby town of Thurso has a host of shops, restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy a good meal and perhaps a glass of wine at the end of the day. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles.£168Price per night from
- Thurso, ScotlandDalcharn is a fantastic cottage in an awe-inspiring location on the north coast of Scotland. Located on the outskirts of Bettyhill, it is perched on a hillside overlooking the mouth of the River Naver to Torrisdale Bay with its sandy beach and dunes. Dalcharn is a very spacious cottage with beautiful views. Enter the turn of the century cottage and arrive in the kitchen/dining room at the rear of the property. The space has a large wood burner which heats this room, and the neighbouring living room has an electric wood burner and sensational views to the river and bay. Also on the ground floor is a second living room with sofa bed, TV for games consoles and DVDs (if you bring them with you) and a still working pump organ! On the first floor are three bedrooms and the family bathroom, which are all spacious and comfortable. Outside there’s an enclosed garden for dogs to roam around when not running around on the beach or up in the hills.
Bettyhill is a village that was created in the early 19th century when the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland moved 15,000 people as part of the Highland Clearances from Strathnaver, which runs south from the cottage for 20 miles towards Altnaharra. Bettyhill is a rarity of the Clearances period because it’s a resettlement village taking the Duchess’ name. The now very quiet Strath is dotted with only a few houses and is mostly the domain of the serious fly fisherman.
To the east of Bettyhill is an older village called Farr, and the two places have sort of merged together now. Farr Bay is your closest beach from 51 Dalcharn being just under a mile away. It’s a fabulous sandy beach which often has good swell for surfing. Strathy Bay, Melvich and Thurso East are well known hot spots for surfing in the UK, so be sure to make the most of it during your stay (lessons are available locally too if you’ve never tried).
Fishing is outstanding in the far north of Scotland. Some of the most productive salmon rivers in the country are tucked away across Sutherland and Caithness. However, the majority are incredibly exclusive and expensive. An advantage of Dalcharn though is that you’re by the mouth of the River Naver which has its lower beat managed by the local angling club. The club offers day permits for £20 on a first-come-first-served basis available at The Store in Bettyhill (very close to the cottage). You’re in prime position here to gain access to some outstanding salmon and sea trout fishing. Other rivers and lochs nearby are possible, so do research and contact estates and angling groups in good time.
Hiking and cycling (road and mountain biking) are popular pastimes here with many routes to try. Ben Hope is not far, the most northerly Munro in Scotland and a fantastic vantage point to look down over Scotland to the south (on a clear day!). Being just off the North Coast 500 at Dalcharn you can venture off further afield and explore many fascinating places in no time at all. However, once you’re at Dalcharn it’s honestly difficult to leave because all you want from a holiday is right here! Beach 1 mile.£92Price per night from