Dog-friendly Ross & Cromarty
Sat in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Ross and Cromarty is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery Scotland has to offer. The majestic mountain range and rolling hills share the captivating landscape with a scattering of lochs and moors, which are simply begging to be explored by you and your canine companion.
- Hilton, ScotlandCross Tides is the quintessential seaside cottage. Situated in a quiet backwater lane in the fishing village of Hilton and with gardens that open directly onto the shoreline, this pretty 19th Century stone cottage is ideal for couples. There is a cosy living room downstairs with welcoming open fire and a second living/dining room upstairs with a dining table, comfy seating and stunning sea views, ideal for sitting and watching the ever changing seascape and the small fishing boats along the shoreline. There are two pretty bedrooms and a modern shower room on the ground floor. The terrace garden is attractively set with tubs and flowering plants. A small gate opens onto the beach and small fishing harbour.
The village of Hilton is one of several pretty ‘seaboard’ villages that straddle this lovely Ross-shire coastline. They all possess beautifully kept seafronts and little harbours, with rocky outcrops interspersed with stunning sandy beaches. This coastline is completely unspoilt and provides an idyllic seaside holiday away from the crowds.
Dolphins and porpoises are regularly seen in the bay and even the occasional basking shark and Beluga whale have been spotted close to shore. Just a short walk from the cottage there is an excellent pub, restaurant, café and a small local store. The area is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Cycling, hill walking, golf, fishing, horse riding, sailing, canoeing and surfing are all enjoyed locally. Within ten minutes’ drive lies the oldest Royal Burgh of Scotland. Predominantly built of local mellow sandstone, Tain is a charming historic town and offers an excellent selection of small shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs as well as a wide variety of sporting and recreational facilities, including tennis courts, golf club and bowling club, all of which are available to visitors. This part of the Highlands is easily accessible for exploring the whole of the north.£70From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Tain, ScotlandSeascape is situated right on the edge of the sea in the pretty hamlet of Hilton. This pretty 19th-century stone terraced property enjoys spectacular, uninterrupted seascape views from the cottage and gardens. Located next door to the owner, it is a truly romantic seaside cottage for two. The attractive open plan living space looks out across the shoreline, where dolphins and porpoises are regularly seen. There is plenty of comfortable seating in the living area, and the bright modern kitchen is very well equipped and complete with a breakfast bar. A door leads out from here to a secluded patio garden with outdoor garden furniture. Cottage stairs lead up to the charming double bedroom where a small table and chairs at the far end look out across the sea, taking maximum advantage of the amazing views. There is a modern shower room on the ground floor. Opposite the cottage, across the tiny backwater lane, there is a delightful terrace garden overlooking the sea. With flower pots, tubs and outdoor garden furniture, it provides an ideal spot to enjoy a drink whilst watching the small craft bobbing on the bay in the tiny harbour.
Seascape is ideally located in this quaint seaside village and just a short walk to the adjoining ‘seaboard’ villages of Balintore and Shandwick. There is a pub, village shop, restaurant and café all within easy level walking distance along the seafront. The shoreline along this coast boasts wide sandy beaches interspersed with rocky outcrops. The area is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with sailing, canoeing, surfing and fishing all local pastimes, and there is a slipway opposite the cottage, ideal for launching kayaks and small craft. Mountain biking, hill walking, golf and horse riding are also enjoyed locally. Just 10 minutes’ drive away is the pretty sandstone town of Tain, the oldest Royal Burgh of Scotland. Here a larger selection of shops, supermarkets, restaurants, cafés and pubs are available, as well as wide variety of sporting and recreational facilities. This part of the Highlands is also easily accessible for exploring further afield. Head north to the wild open landscapes of Caithness, west to the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, or south to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands which is less than an hour’s drive away. Beach 50 yards. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant ¼ miles.£61From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Tain, ScotlandGarden Cottage is a delightful country cottage, situated in a quiet no through lane that leads directly down to a stunning sandy beach. It has been fully refurbished in 2018 and is attached to the owner’s traditional stone farmhouse, set in 16 acres and surrounded by fields, with horses and sheep grazing close by. Whilst rurally situated, it is just 1 mile from the thriving small town of Tain with all its facilities and amenities. This charming rose-clad cottage really does offer the best of both worlds.
The cottage is beautifully presented throughout. The main living area is open-plan, and this lovely room looks out across the garden and has plenty of comfortable seating and a large dining table at one end. The fully fitted kitchen at the other end is extremely well-equipped and the bedrooms are attractively presented. As well as the cottage garden with sitting-out area, there is a further fully fenced paddock/field for visitor’s sole use. This provides an ideal space for dogs as well as a children’s games/play area.
There are superb beach and forest walks direct from the property, and just 100 yards away is a stunning sandy beach which is completely unspoilt and invariably deserted. Tain Golf Course is situated on the periphery of the grounds, and the cottage is within easy walking distance of the club house, which is open to visitors. The thriving small town of Tain, Scotland’s oldest Royal Burgh, is built predominantly of mellow sandstone, and has a number of supermarkets as well as a good selection of pubs, restaurants, cafés and shops.
For those who enjoy a ’wee dram’, Glenmorangie, Dalmore and Balblair distilleries are all close by and open to the public. The pretty seaboard villages of Balintore, Shandwick and Portmahomack are just a 10-minute drive away, and there are numerous sandy beaches within a short drive. Golfers are spoilt for choice with Tain, Alness and Golspie courses within close proximity, and the renowned Royal Dornoch Golf Club is also nearby, which is ranked 5th in the world.
Wildlife is abundant in the area with deer, otters, seals, dolphins and a wide variety of interesting and unusual birds all seen in the locality. The region is justly famed for its wild beauty and there is plenty to explore in every direction. The cottage is also close to the renowned North Coast 500 route. The area is known for its archaeological sites, and at the nearby Tarbat Discovery Centre there is a fascinating display of Pictish, Norse and Medieval artefacts. Beach 100 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.£80From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Tain, ScotlandThe name Solus Na Madainn, which means "Morning Light" in Scottish Gaelic, perfectly encapsulates the essence of this lovely cottage. This cosy abode boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for couples, small families, or friends looking for a peaceful getaway. The two bedrooms are thoughtfully furnished and provide a restful night’s sleep, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready to explore the stunning surroundings. The cottage’s interior is tastefully decorated, blending modern comforts with traditional Scottish charm. The open-plan living area features a well-equipped kitchen, a dining space, and a comfortable lounge with a wood-burning stove. Large windows allow ample natural light to flood in, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. One of the highlights of Solus Na Madainn is its beautiful garden, a haven of serenity. Here, you can enjoy your morning coffee or an evening glass of wine while taking in the stunning Scottish landscapes. The garden is a great spot for birdwatching, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some local wildlife.
Easter Ross itself is a region of outstanding natural beauty, with rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and historic towns. The cottage is ideally situated for exploring the nearby Black Isle, Cromarty, and the stunning Glen Affric, which offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape or a family adventure, Solus Na Madainn in Easter Ross is a welcoming and picturesque retreat, offering the perfect blend of comfort and natural beauty. It’s an idyllic place to experience the magic of the Scottish Highlands and create lasting memories. Beach 7¾ miles.£68From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Tain, ScotlandThe Barn at The Old Manse is a superb conversion of an 18th-century stone barn, set in the grounds of a historic listed building dating back to the 1780s which the owners run as a B&B. Set in a large 2-acre woodland garden, it provides a very good standard of accommodation in a tranquil yet accessible location. The main living area is a stunning room on the ground floor converted from the old barn into a beautiful open plan living area, whilst retaining many of the original features. High ceilings, original oak beams and deep-silled windows are complemented by a large wood burner, wood flooring and colour co-ordinated soft furnishings throughout. Stairs lead up from the living room to a mezzanine floor above, providing a second living room, which also doubles as a second bedroom with a deep leather sofa that converts to a double bed if required.
Set away from the main house, with its own pretty patio areas, both front and back, The Barn enjoys peace and quiet as well as stunning views across the open countryside. Visitors are welcome to wander the woodland grounds and enjoy the pretty walks all around. The Barn is situated in the small hamlet of Kildary, just 28 miles north of Inverness, with numerous lovely walks direct from the door. The thriving small town of Tain, Scotland’s oldest Royal Burgh, is 5 miles away. There are a number of supermarkets here, as well as a good selection of pubs, restaurants, cafés and shops. For those who enjoy a ’wee dram’, Glenmorangie, Dalmore and Balblair distilleries are all close by and open to the public. The pretty Seaboard villages of Balintore, Shandwick and Portmahomack are just 10 minutes’ drive away, and the beach at the Royal Burgh of Dornoch lies just 15 miles to the north. Golfer’s are spoilt for choice, with Tain, Alness and Golspie courses within close proximity and the renowned Royal Dornoch Golf Club nearby, which is ranked 5th in the world. Further afield, both Ullapool and John o’ Groats are a scenic 2-hour drive. Wildlife is abundant in the area; red kites and buzzards frequently wheel overhead and owls are often heard in the garden at night. Deer are also regularly seen close by. Beach 6 miles. Shop 5 miles, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.
Scottish Letting Licence number: HI20022F.£92From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Tain, ScotlandGrieve’s Cottage is a delightful traditional stone cottage situated in its own generous garden grounds with a state-of-the-art hot tub for visitors’ sole use. Situated amidst open countryside, with stunning uninterrupted views in all directions, the cottage is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy its very good quality facilities and accommodation.
This single-storey end terraced farm cottage (whose name derives from the Scottish for farm foreman) has been extensively renovated and refurbished whilst retaining its original charm, including exposed stone walls and dry stone walling. It is set at the end of a quiet private lane on the owner’s working farm. Whilst the main living area is open plan, a sense of luxury is created with deep leather sofa suites and attractive lighting. The kitchen is accessed through an original exposed stone wall. Large canvases of the surrounding area add to the unique charm of this superbly presented cottage. Outside, a gravelled path leads out to the hot tub area, enclosed by fencing and original stone walls, it is private and secluded. A charming summer house overlooking the hot tub has comfortable outdoor dining chairs and there is a table for alfresco dining by the tub.
The charming and historic seaside village of Portmahomack has a good selection of amenities, including a shop, pub, café and two restaurants and is just 1 mile away and less than a mile from the cottage you will find Portmahomack Tarbat Golf Club. With its horseshoe shaped sandy bay and superb mountain backdrop, it is a wonderful place to walk, picnic, swim or kayak. The harbour and pier are ideal for small boats, a spot of crabbing or fishing. The region is noted for its archaeological sites and at the nearby Tarbat Discovery Centre there is a fascinating display of Pict, Norse and Medieval artefacts. There are lovely walks direct from the cottage. A trip out to the local lighthouse further along the lane is a must, with the opportunity to spot seals, dolphins and numerous seabirds. The nearby town of Tain has further excellent facilities, including restaurants, supermarkets and bars. Grieve’s Cottage is ideally located for exploring the whole of the Highland region and will provide a memorable and indulgent pampering break for all. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Grieve’s Cottage can be booked together with The Paddock (ref UK5049) and Sheaf Dale (ref UK5470) to accommodate up to 15 guests.£86From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Tain, ScotlandAcademy Street Cottage is tucked away in historic Tain in the Northern Highlands of Scotland.
Built in the 18th century, this traditional cottage is full of character and also has everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay. The cottage has two bedrooms, a set of twin beds on the ground floor and a double bed on the first floor. There’s a shower room with a shower cubicle on the first floor. The rest of the ground floor is made up of a spacious living room with cute woodburner and a kitchen/dining room. There’s a door from the kitchen/dining room to the rear enclosed garden which is perfect for long balmy evenings as well as dogs who are more than welcome.
Academy Street Cottage is a part of the historic centre of Tain, which received its first Royal Charter in 1066 making it the oldest Royal Burgh in Scotland. The sandy buildings are from different periods and it really is a joy to wander around the town. Tain remains a bit off the beaten track because the A9 bypass zoomed potential visitors beyond the town. It’s everyone else’s loss, because staying in Tain is a real treat and you’ll be so glad you decided to stay at Academy Street Cottage. There are restaurants, cafés and bars, as well as lots of independent shops to enjoy. Greens is a local café/bar/restaurant that’s a firm favourite and one you must check out when staying in Tain. The town also offers up a golf course designed by Open Championship winner Old Tom Morris. A hidden gem of a course and one that you’ll fall for no matter what your score.
Royal Dornoch is also just 10 miles away and a little further you have the James Braid masterpieces of Golspie and Brora to try too. Academy Street Cottage is a perfect golfing base. The cottage is also a great base for those wanting to venture up and into the Northern Highlands. The NC500 skirts Tain, so you can swiftly join it and get exploring amazing places far and wide. There’s so much to see in the far north, and all places are within reach of Academy Street Cottage - you could even confidently day trip to Orkney if the weather was calm! Book now and rest assured of a lovely stay at Academy Street Cottage. Beach 10 miles.£69From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Tain, ScotlandThis semi-detached cottage sits within its own spacious, enclosed garden. Upon entering the accommodation there is a spacious hallway with space for welly boots and coats. The kitchen has a fully fitted kitchen with everything you’ll need to rustle up hearty meals for friends and family and beyond the kitchen there’s a very nice dining room. At the rear of the property there’s a utility room with a washing machine. Also, on the ground floor is the living room with 40” Smart TV and open fire, as well as a single bedroom and a bathroom that has a large walk-in shower with rainforest showerhead and on the first floor there are two spacious double bedrooms. In the garden there’s a patio with comfortable garden furniture and a barbecue that is either coal or gas fired. Iseabail’s House is perfectly located right in the heart of Balintore, the central village of the Seaboard Villages.
Sandy Shandwick beach is only 2 minutes’ walk from the cottage and brilliant longer coastal walks stretch out right from the doorstep. It’s an ideal property for those with young ones who want to spend all their time on the beach and for those with energetic dogs eager to let off some steam. Balintore’s harbour was built circa 1890 and the village has a shop, café, inn, post office and pharmacy. It’s a small and friendly community that has made its living for centuries from fishing. Before the harbour the practice of pulling fishing boats up on the beach was common. Sitting on the shoreline at Balintore is the Mermaid of the North, an 11ft high bronze casted mermaid, while at the adjacent Seaboard Centre you can collect the Mermaid stamp for the North Coast 500 passport. Locally there is evidence of an ancient settlement, Fearn Abbey just inland from Balintore was founded in 1238 and just outside the Seaboard Villages is the Shandwick Stone, a 9ft tall Pictish cross slab dating back to 780AD and thought to be standing in its original position. It is thought to have been a navigation tool for fishermen over the centuries. Iseabail’s House makes the perfect base for a Highland holiday. You have everything you’ll want and need right on the doorstep, but beyond the Seaboard Village limits the wild and ever dramatic Scottish Highlands await. The North Coast 500 touring road is 5 miles to the north and an outstanding route showing the Highlands at its best.£96From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Tain, ScotlandFisher’s Cottage is an original fisherman’s cottage, situated in the heart of the charming seaside village of Balintore. This traditional single-storey, stone cottage is set along a quiet lane, just a few yards from a stunning sandy beach and pretty harbour. Beautifully presented throughout, the bright, modern living room/dining room has a pretty cottage suite and colour-coordinated soft furnishings. The kitchen is at the rear of the cottage and is equipped with modern built-in units. The back door opens onto the attractive gardens, with lawns, mature shrubs and outdoor dining furniture. There is a large kingsize bedroom which has been thoughtfully furnished, as well as a single bedroom. The cottage also has a good-sized family bathroom complete with shower over bath.
Balintore is one of several traditional seaside villages that hug the shoreline of this lovely Highland coast. A short stroll leads down to the pretty fishing harbour and the lovely sandy beaches of Balintore, Shandwick and Hilton. The coastline is completely unspoilt and provides an idyllic seaside holiday, away from the crowds. There are a range of amenities close by, including a village store/post office, pub and restaurant all within easy walking distance. The area is renowned for its wildlife - dolphins and porpoises can be regularly seen in many of the surrounding bays, and you will also find a myriad of sea birds in the area. Local activities include fishing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, cycling and hill-walking. Golfers are spoilt for choice, with many local golf courses in the region for you to try your hand at, the nearest being Tain, as well as the championship courses of Dornoch and Brora, both just a short drive away.
Within a 10-minute drive lies the oldest Royal Burgh of Scotland, Tain. Built predominantly of local mellow sandstone, this charming and historic town offers an excellent selection of small shops, supermarkets, restaurants, cafés and pubs. This part of the Highlands is easily accessible for exploring the whole of the north. Nearby places of interest include a variety of whisky distillery centres, one of which is home to Glenmorangie single malt, the Falls of Shin where salmon can be seen leaping, and the enchanting town of Dornoch, with its majestic cathedral, sandy beach and championship golf course. Fisher’s Cottage is also just a 35-minute drive from Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Beach 500 yards. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant 800 yards.
Scottish Letting Licence number: HI20021F.£82From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Tain, ScotlandShore Walk is located in the pretty fishing village of Balintore with spectacular views to both the front and rear of the property. The property is 100 yards from a beautiful sandy beach and offers the ideal holiday cottage for four guests.
Walking through the front door there is a bright hall with storage for coats and footwear after a day out exploring. The beautiful open plan living area has a cosy wood burning stove, comfy sofas, Smart TV, reading material, board games and Anta accessories making it a lovely space to spend an evening. The spacious fully equipped kitchen has everything needed for the chef of the family to cook a home-cooked meal and the added benefit of a dining area with a table and four chairs. This floor is completed with a separate toilet with a wash basin. On the first floor, there is the master bedroom with a super kingsize bed, bedside tables, lamps, and a wardrobe with plenty of storage. The second bedroom is a spacious twin with bedside tables, lamps, and a wardrobe with more storage. The family bathroom is on this floor with a walk-in shower, wash basin and toilet. Outside, the fully enclosed rear garden includes a patio and a picnic bench and loungers.
There is a Scottish Fare welcome box supplied for your stay, and logs are only supplied for the first night so additional logs can be purchased locally. There is a storage box with towels for your four-legged friend after a trip to the beach. There are kid’s buckets and spades for the beach, beach towels and crab catchers as you are able to catch crabs at the harbour.
Balintore has the Seaboard Centre situated on the seafront which has a cafe offering lunches, afternoon tea and coffee, the village post office is also located there. There is a small shop and chemist a short walk from Shore Walk. There is a popular restaurant and bar serving good quality meals and is just a short walk from the property. There is plenty to do in the area with the nearby town of Tain only 9 miles away offering a good selection of local shops, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants and bars. There is a golf course and the famous Glenmorangie distillery close by too. Shore Walk and Balintore is the perfect location to base yourself and explore the Highlands and surrounding area. You will definitely not be disappointed. Beach 150 yards. Pub and restaurant ¼ mile.£76From price per night based on 7 night stay