Dog-friendly Banffshire
Home to amazing wildlife, sandy bays and captivating coastlines, Baffshire is one of Scotland's scenic gems, and a superb place to take your pooch on a dog-friendly holiday.
- Buckie, ScotlandJust 100 yards from the seafront in Portessie, and an additional 200 yards to the sandy beach, dating from 1863 this traditional, detached sail-makers cottage enjoys sea views from the bedrooms and the decked area, and views of Seal Island from the twin bedroom. Comfortable and cosy, it is situated just a short stroll from the harbour and beach with rock pools. With attention to detail, the kitchen and downstairs bathroom have been renovated to a good standard and the property benefits from the downstairs windows having shutters. You will receive a refreshment welcome pack upon arrival and not forgetting your four-legged friends too, they will also have a doggy welcome pack waiting. This coastline’s stunning scenery, charming fishing villages and picturesque harbours invite exploration, and at Buckie harbour there are local boat trips offering a chance to spot dolphins, whales or seals. Ideally located to reach the many golf courses dotted around the area. Just 5 minutes’ walk behind the cottage lies miles of disused railway line, which has now been converted for cycling and dog walking adventures. There is on-site parking for 1 car and additional on road parking on the seafront (with no restrictions). The world famous Whisky and Castle trails are nearby. Shop and restaurant 500 yards, pub 350 yards.£79Price per night from
- Findochty, ScotlandThis traditional, detached fisherman’s cottage is located within 100 yards of the harbour of Findochty on the Moray Firth. Nearby is a small pier, where sea angling is possible throughout the year. There is depending on the tide, a small beach at the harbour, and a larger sandy beach within a few minutes’ walk. There are wonderful cliff-top walks, studded with caves, and a challenging 9-hole golf course to the west of the village. Whisky and castle trails are close by, and a boat trip to see the dolphins and seals is a must. Shop, pub and restaurant 200 yards.£52Price per night from
- Buckie, ScotlandRoe Deer Log Cabin is a fantastic, detached property, on a working farm accessed via a rough track, with stunning wooden beams and lovely traditional touches, it provides a wonderful break for couples or families. The private outdoor hot tub and sauna are a real bonus, together with the quiet and rural location, it really gives a feeling of total detachment from busy everyday lives. What better way to enjoy your morning coffee than to sit out on the balcony, taking in the beautiful countryside views. With underfloor heating, this log cabin really does have a truly warm and cosy feel. The nearby owner really has done a wonderful job of making Red Squirrel Log Cabin feel inviting and welcoming.
Set in the stunning Speyside region of Scotland, Red Squirrel Log Cabin is well-placed to enjoy all this area has to offer. It is just 9 miles from the whisky town of Keith where you will find all the local amenities you could require as well as some fantastic eateries and coffee shops. Keith is also home to the Strathisla Distillery, with many more located close by in Dufftown and beyond. The stunning Macallan distillery is around 9 miles away and certainly worth a visit. This area is also incredibly popular with golfers, with many courses very easily accessible including Keith, Garmouth, Elgin and Spey Bay to name a few. Also at Spey Bay you will find the Scottish Dolphin Centre, where you can learn about these wonderful mammals. You may even be lucky enough to spot some swimming in the Moray Firth.
The cathedral town of Elgin is 13 miles away and certainly provides a fun day out for all the family. Spend some time visiting the museum, castles or gardens, or have a wander down the high street. Slightly further afield you will find lovely sandy beaches at Lossiemouth and Burghead. The popular Speyside Way is also easily accessible and provides a wonderful walking and cycling route, all while taking in the beautiful scenery and local wildlife. The year round popular town of Aviemore is an hours drive away and provides something for everyone. Spend some time walking around the lochs, skiing on the Cairngorm Mountains or testing your bravery on one of the tree top adventure routes. You truly will be spoilt for choice in the wonderful area of Moray. Beach 10 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 8 miles.
Roe Deer Log Cabin can be booked together with Red Squirrel Log Cabin (ref UK13337) to accommodate up to 8 guests.£100Price per night from
- Buckie, ScotlandSituated less than a mile from the popular Spey Viaduct Walk, March Brown is a cosy home well suited to families or couples. Benefiting from ground floor living, this property has two large bedrooms and a living room, complete with a wood burner, providing a lovely warmth throughout, and the kitchen over looks the lawned garden. Patio doors in the dining area lead out to a lovely, private decking area were you can enjoy outdoor dining or relaxing with the country sounds. The property also benefits from a well kept front garden with driveway.
The small village of Garmouth is situated in the Moray area of Scotland, approximately 9 miles from Elgin. River walks can be taken all the way over to the Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay, where you can learn about these wonderful mammals and enjoy the shingle beach. The lovely sandy beaches at Lossiemouth are approximately 10 miles away where you can visit the Covesea Lighthouse and RAF base, with its regular aircraft displays. Garmouth is also well placed for the local golf courses, with several in close proximity including the Garmouth and Kingston Golf Club.
With easy access to the A96, you can be in the cathedral town of Elgin in around 20 minutes with a wealth of activities suitable for everyone. From the museums to swimming or go-karting, Elgin certainly provides a fun filled family day out. In the village is a sensory garden, a small batch coffee roastery serving locally roasted coffees and snacks, and a large play park and playing green. Local walks are part of the Speyside Way and Moray Coast Trail. The Speyside Way runs alongside the river and is one of the four official Long Distance Routes in Scotland (the others being the West Highland Way, the Southern Upland Way and the Great Glen Way).
Approximately 3 miles away is the wonderful Baxters Highland Village. Enjoy the restaurant or immerse yourself in the history of the family story. No visit to this area would be complete without taking in the Scottish Whisky distilleries. There are so many to choose from near by, including the stunning Mccallan Estate about 16 miles away. Beach 1 mile. Seasonal catering is available from the Garmouth coffee shop ¼ mile away and the local Golf Club offers an open public bar. Spey Bay also offers a golf resort public restaurant and bar and a seasonal cafe in the Dolphin exhibition centre. Local shops, catering bars, cafes, variety of takeaways and chemist are located within 4½ miles, at Fochabers.£75Price per night from
- Buckie, ScotlandInverspey is a detached bungalow, set in its own grounds, enjoying uninterrupted views across open farmland to the hills and sea beyond. The interior of the cottage has been completely renovated throughout to an exceptionally high standard. The large living/dining room has deep leather sofa suites and a superb cylindrical wood burner set in the corner of the room. Floor-to-ceiling bi-fold doors open onto the large decked area and lawned garden, where there is a barbecue, gas fire pit and outdoor dining furniture. The kitchen is extremely well-equipped, with high quality built-in units. A corridor leads down to the spacious bedrooms, one of which has a zip and link kingsize bed and an en-suite shower room with a large, walk-in shower. The second bedroom has a kingsize bed and a superb en-suite wet room complete with a deep double-ended feature bath. Outside you will find the beautiful garden which extend around the property. A particular feature is a second decked area with outdoor furniture, known as the ’Prosecco deck’, a lovely spot to sit and enjoy the distant sea views whilst planning the next day’s excursion or activity. Inverspey is ideal for couples and families looking for an indulgent and luxurious holiday in a wonderful location.
Inverspey lies on the Spey Bay Trail and on the edge of Spey Bay, a beautiful hamlet that leads directly onto the bay and the River Spey. The immediate area is renowned for its wildlife with the National Scottish Dolphin and Whale Centre just a few yards from the cottage, where you can learn about the amazing bottlenose dolphins and other wildlife that are regularly seen close by, including seals, osprey, minke whale and even rare sea eagles. The centre also runs bat watching tours and the opportunity to explore the UK’s largest surviving ice house. Spey Bay is home to the largest shingle beach in Scotland. There are wonderful walks direct from the cottage along River Spey, renowned for its salmon fishing (permits available locally, in season). The Spey Bay golf course is just a few minutes’ walk away; this lovely coastal links course is open to visitors and there are discounts available for guests, who can also visit the club house, which serves meals and also has a bar. The Malt Whisky Trail is situated over nine locations in Speyside and is well worth a visit. There are numerous sporting activities locally, including sailing, kayaking, fishing, golf, cycling and hill-walking, as well as plenty of interesting places to visit within a short drive. Beach 500 yards. Shop 6 miles, and restaurant 300 yards.£114Price per night from
- Buckie, ScotlandSet within the grounds of The Mill of Towie, 19th century mill building, situated close the River Isla is Millside, a traditional timber lodge, offering light and airy accommodation and your own private hot tub set within this stunning 8-acre site. The accommodation has an open plan living space, two comfortable bedrooms that can be set either as twins or doubles, and adjacent shower room. Outside a large and open lawned garden stretches from the front of the property and overlooks the mill.
Fishing can be arranged with the owner on the nearby River Isla, renowned for its Brown Trout and Salmon. The nearby town of Keith, an important stop on the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail thanks to the Strathisla Distillery, the oldest working distillery in Scotland dating from 1786. The town, however, boasts four distilleries in total on top of numerous traditional shops and plenty of good restaurants. By prior arrangement, owner Eric, a former Head Chef who has worked extensively in Michelin starred and AA rosette hotels and restaurants in France and the UK, will host your very own private whisky tasting and cuisine sampling evening. Just a 10-minute drive off the A96, it gives you easy access to the cities of Aberdeen and Inverness, which also has regular flights with other UK airports. Both cities can be reached within 1½ hour drive, by bus or by train; the station is within walking distance. Within 20 minutes? drive you can be on the coast at Cullen, famous for its Cullen Skink soup. Picturesque Portsoy, with its world-famous ice cream shop, and the fishing villages of Banff and Macduff are dotted along the coastline. Head to Spey Bay and you may be lucky enough to see seals swimming or visit the bird sanctuary at the environmental area of special interest. Beach 15 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 3½ miles.£106Price per night from
- Buckie, ScotlandStunning coastal cottage, situated very close to stunning beaches and local amenities in the very peaceful town of Hopeman. Sleeps two (one double bedroom), this is the perfect getaway location for couples or a small family with child.
Situated on the magnificent Moray Coast in the small seaside village of Hopeman. The village lies on the coast a short distance from Burghead with Findhorn to the West and Lossiemouth to the East. The town of Elgin is just a short 15 minute by car drive away and has a host of amenities. Local activities include fishing, golfing, scenic walks, beaches, mountain biking, historical locations and many more.£69Price per night from