Dog-Friendly Holidays Argyll and Bute

Situated within the grounds of Stone House the apartment has excellent views over Loch Long and the Clyde Estuary. Being fully restored in 2018 to a high specification, this is the perfect place to unwind and relax. This delightful accommodation is placed within Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park whilst the Argyll Forest is to the rear.
Strone Lodge lies in a great location at the head of Strone Point ideal for exploring the Cowal Peninsula, Isle of Bute and Loch Lomond making it great for all age groups. There is a wide range of outdoor activities on offer with sailing, sea and river fishing, golf, deer stalking, quad and mountain biking, horse riding and clay pigeon shooting. The beautiful Benmore Botanic Gardens are well worth a visit and the many forest trails offer plenty of woodland paths for walking and cycling. Excursions on the famous paddle steamer ‘Waverley’ are available direct from Dunoon or Blairmore Pier during the summer season and are highly recommended. The whole area is steeped in history with plenty of ruined castles and monuments to visit. Wildlife is abundant with deer, otters, golden eagles, red squirrels and dolphins often seen. The town of Dunoon is within reach and has a good selection of shops, pubs and restaurants to choose from, whilst Oban, Inveraray and Loch Lomond are also easily accessed. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

In an elevated position with panoramic views across Loch Fyne, this detached holiday home is ideal for those wishing to explore the west coast of Argyll. The idyllic village of Tarbert has a bustling harbour where you can sit and watch the boats coming and going, enjoy the cafés and bars and visit the local art galleries. Tarbert hosts several popular seafood and music festivals throughout the year and is home to the Scottish Series Yacht Race. From the harbour you can catch one of the regular ferry crossings to Portavadie and explore the Cowal Peninsula. The beautiful islands of Arran, Islay, Gigha and Jura are also easily accessible from nearby ferry ports. Head south for the Mull of Kintyre with white sandy beaches and magnificent golf courses, or north to Kilmichael Glen steeped in history and archeological sites. Campbeltown Distillery, and Inveraray Jail and Castle also make for great days out. There is an abundance of wildlife and a variety of outdoor activities including sailing, sea fishing, cycling, walking and windsurfing. For the less adventurous, the garden at Devania Croft is the perfect place to sit and unwind, whilst taking in the stunning views. Beach 3 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Situated within the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Fern Cottage is located in the quiet hamlet of Ardentinny, near Dunoon. Fern Cottage is situated next to the Argyll Forest, which offers numerous forest tracks, marked walks and cycleways, all easily accessible, and right on your doorstep. Fern Cottage has listed building status, and retains many of its period features, such as stone walls, wooden panelling and the original cast iron and wood staircase. These have been tastefully blended with a mix of modern and antique furniture and fittings, to provide a cottage that guests feel offers something special. A guitar is also supplied for those budding musicians! Fern Cottage has the additional benefit of being only 15 yards from Loch Long, where you can make use of the private mooring or just relax by the shore, and enjoy the ever changing views and sounds. Fishing is also available from the shore or on the loch.
Nearby, the magnificent woodland gardens at Benmore Botanic Gardens are well worth a visit while the town of Dunoon is within easy reach and has a good selection of shops, pubs and restaurants.
Take a steamer cruise and explore the hills and lochs of the Cowal Peninsula. Known as Argyll’s secret coast the Cowal Peninsula is tucked away in a small corner of Argyll on the west coast of Scotland. Bordered by Loch Fyne and the Kyles of Bute, it’s an area of stunning natural beauty, with hills, glens, rugged coastlines, white beaches, clear waters and ancient forests.
Argyll’s secret coast, is packed with places to visit and things to do, and sailors, walkers, cyclists and artists are all drawn to this area for its natural beauty. Explore the forests and coastline by foot, bike, kayak or boat. Abundant with wildlife with deer, buzzards, otters, golden eagles, red squirrels and even, if you’re very lucky, basking sharks while you are out and about. The whole area is steeped in Highland history and dotted with ruins, castles and ancient sites. A short drive takes you to Portavadie with its marina and the ferry to Tarbert where you can explore the Kintyre Peninsula with ferries to the islands of Islay, Jura and Arran.

Inveree is a historic villa in a raised position overlooking Oban and its picturesque harbour. Renovated in 2019-20 to a high standard, Inveree is a perfect holiday home for a week or two to explore this magical part of Scotland and the nearby islands. Equally it works well for a shorter stop en-route to or from the Outer Hebrides.
You’re within walking distance of everything in Oban, including many restaurants, cafés, pubs, galleries, viewpoints, shops and of course a distillery. There are lovely walks from the front door, following the bay in one direction towards the Kerrera ferry and in the other through Oban and to Dunollie Castle. A little further afield, you can go north and explore towards Appin and Castle Stalker. Glencoe and Fort William are only an hour’s drive north from Inveree too and to the east is Inveraray complete with the truly magnificent castle. To the south, the coastline is unspoilt with views of the islands almost a constant. Kilmartin Glen is a highlight and beyond is the spectacular Kintyre Peninsula, and more of those famous distilleries waiting to be explored. Ferries sail from Oban and you can easily hop on and off during the summer, visiting nearby islands including Mull and Iona.
The property itself is impressive with many characterful features. Its situation is unrivalled, slightly elevated above the harbour. Entering the property, you have a choice or two reception rooms, both with wonderful views. To the rear of the house there’s an excellently designed and finished kitchen complete with island hob and oven. To one side of the kitchen is the dining room/conservatory and the other side a utility room with downstairs toilet. The utility room has access to the rear garden, which is lawned in part, and enclosed, but is very steep so young children need to be watched when they’re exploring! Back inside, the staircase winds round from the front of the house and splits to access the front or rear upper rooms. To the rear of the first floor there’s a large bathroom with free standing bath, a separate shower room and third bedroom, a twin room. The upper front of the house has two large double bedrooms with the best views in the house, arguably up there with the best in Oban. Beach 2¾ miles. Shop ½ mile, pub and restaurant 500 yards.

At the south end of the coastal road just outside Colintraive, hidden amongst the mature gardens, is Dunyvaig a well-appointed detached property sitting almost on the water’s edge of the Kyles of Bute. From the large feature windows one can enjoy the back and forth of boats that use the Kyles of Bute to get to Tighnabruaich and beyond to the north, and Rothesay and beyond to the south. You can sense the peacefulness of the water from the comfort of the sofa in the living room or from the garden. It is perfect for families, groups or even couples who want some extra space to go with the peace and quiet.
Outside there is a sitting-out area to take advantage of the good weather, and the lush vegetation all around ensures complete privacy. Inside, the property has a double bedroom, a bedroom with twin beds that can be made into a double (bed linen provided), and two single bedrooms. There is a main shower room with a large shower cubicle as well as a second shower room just off the utility room. The well-equipped kitchen has all that you would require to prepare lunches and dinners, and the separate dining room is able to accommodate all guests comfortably.
The surrounding area is perfect for walkers, cyclists and bird watchers. Rothesay can be reached in 10 minutes on the Colintraive to Rhubodach ferry, which is less than a 2-minute crossing to the Isle of Bute. Tighnabruaich is worth a visit, it’s a real draw in the summer months and only a 30-minute drive. The viewing point on the way provides the best view you can get of the Kyles of Bute and surrounding areas. A little further, another 30 minutes, and you can get the ferry from Portavadie to Tarbert, and to some of the freshest sea food from various local establishments. In Portvadie itself, you can enjoy the marina with its spa and restaurant, a wonderful place where you can relax. Beach 9½ miles. Shop and pub serving food ½ mile.

Fircliff - The House on Bute is a superb waterside, B-listed Georgian property sitting within a large and enclosed walled garden. The accommodation is over three floors with unobstructed sea views from all main rooms over Loch Striven, the Firth of Clyde and the surrounding hills. It is a fabulous setting for groups or large families to get together in the exquisitely presented rooms with many unique items of furniture and design features. The kitchen and dining area is the focal point of the house and can easily accommodate all fourteen guests round the large bespoke dining table. There are four en-suite bedrooms with showers, the master bedroom having an additional cast iron roll-top bath, one family bathroom and one cloakroom. The younger party members can be accommodated in a room with twin beds and a bunk bed. In addition a dual purpose room with twin beds can double up as a games room. The boot/utility room offers space for outdoor wear, a drying rack, a washing machine and dog bed and crate. The adjacent shoreline offers easy access to launch kayaks and other water craft. Larger boats can also be launched locally.

There is plenty to do on the Isle of Bute, from adventure experiences to watching wildlife to visiting historical sites. There are many popular walks around the island, including the West Island Way. Recommendations are given and the boot room comes into its own for wet coats, muddy boats and mucky dogs! The quiet roads lends to excellent cycling, and the house in on the route of the 5 Ferry Challenge. Fishing is available on the inland and coastal waters. Loch Fad is 3½ miles away where you can rent a boat to fish for rainbow and brown trout or pike. The loch was also the location used for the first run of the recently restored Bluebird. There are three golf courses (9, 13 and 18 holes) on the island along with a putting green in Rothesay. There are sandy beaches galore where, if lucky, you can spy ospreys, terns, basking sharks, humpback whales, dolphins and seals. The Isle of Bute has been an important island historically, with marks left on the island that can be visited, from standing stones, to the location of a Viking parliament and more recently Rothesay Castle. Mount Stuart House and Gardens offers a fantastic day visit and the St Blane’s Chapel is situated in a tranquil corner of the island. The Discovery Centre houses a 97 seater cinema with weekly showings. In the summer you can book tickets to take a trip on the famous paddle steamer The Waverley.
The nearby Port Bannantyne offers a marina, pubs, restaurant, post office/shop and petanque club. The main ferry crossing from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay takes approximately 35 minutes and for access to the Cowal Peninsula the ferry from Rhubodach to Colintraive (only a 10-minute drive away) takes only 3 minutes, both do not need to be booked in advance. There is an excellent bus service on the island. Beach 3 miles. Shop ½ mile, pub 550 yards and restaurant ¼ mile.

Tigh an Aighear is a well-appointed, detached cottage, situated all on one level and commanding stunning views across Loch Melfort towards the islands of Shuna, Scarba and Jura. Located in the small hamlet of Arduaine, just 20 miles south of Oban, there are plenty of local tourist attractions, boat trips and walking opportunities available nearby. Within a short walk is the National Trust for Scotland Arduaine Garden with a coastal view point looking out over the Sound of Jura. Beside Arduaine Garden is a popular hotel that accommodates both casual and fine dining.

Craobh Haven, a popular holiday and sailing village with berths for up to 250 vessels, is a 5-minute drive or a 30-minute walk to the south. It has a harbourmaster, marina office and village store, as well as stunning views over to the islands of Shuna, Seil and Luing. Running regularly from here are a number of excellent wildlife cruises which also take in the famous Gulf of Corryvreckan, with one of the largest whirlpools in the world. Oban itself is around a 30-minute drive north along the A816 coastal road and is a picturesque, bustling harbour town with an array of splendid shops and restaurants to experience. Known as the ‘seafood capital of Scotland’, it does not disappoint. With fishing boats in the bay, and regular ferries leaving for the Inner and Outer Hebrides, one visit will never be enough. Towards Lochgilphead you will pass Kilmartin Glen, with many ancient monuments as well as the famous Crinan Canal built in 1801 which runs from Crinan to Ardrishaig. Beach 22 miles. Shop 4 miles, pub and restaurant 300 yards.

Delightful ground floor apartment in in west Highland village of Arrochar. Superb loch and mountain views. Large garden. BBQ. Ideal for walking, cycling or touring. Helensburgh 15 miles.

This delightful, detached Swiss-style cottage is located in Lochawe, Scotland. Woodburner. WiFi. Open-plan living. Taynuilt 9.2 miles; Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park 15.5 miles.

Fabulous, detached cottage with sea views situated in the town of Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. Pet-friendly. Spacious interior. Port Bannatyne 2.7 miles.