Dog-Friendly Holidays Argyll and Bute

Situated in in the small village of Kilchattan Bay on the Isle of Bute, Dykenamar sits only a stone’s throw from the water’s edge with a glorious sweeping sandy beach where children and dogs can run freely. A small stone pier near the house is suitable for launching small boats and jet skis into the beautiful clear sea. It has a post office/café and a country inn (1 mile away) with good food.

There are three golf courses on the island, cycle tracks, horse riding, kayaking and lots of wildlife to see. For those interested in fishing, the inland lochs are popular with anglers for coarse and game fishing, while those with a passion for sea angling are spoilt for choice.

A few miles away is the island’s main town of Rothesay, a traditional Victorian seaside resort which has managed to maintain its grand architecture. It still has its ancient castle, built to fend off the Vikings, and a museum. From Rothesay harbour, trips can be taken around the islands on the Waverley, the last sea-going paddle steamer ship in the world.

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. There are three golf courses 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.

The island attracts many annual festivals including the Jazz Festival in May, T in the Port in June, ButeFest in July, the Bute Highland Games in August and the Baird Festival of Flight in September to mark the first ’All Scottish, heavier than air, powered flight in 1910’, just a few years after the Wright brothers first flight in France. At the north end of the Isle of Bute is a wee car ferry that provides easy access to the Cowal Peninsula and another way onto the mainland for those wishing to explore the Highlands of Scotland.

This stunning natural stone and turf roofed, single-storey, detached holiday cottage is built into the hillside, reflecting an ancient neolithic design with views westwards over the Atlantic Ocean and Inner Hebrides and eastwards to Arran. This unique property is less than a mile from the world-famous Machrihanish Golf Course. Glasgow is only 30 minutes flying time from Machrihanish Airport, which in turn is 10 minutes driving time from the property. The Machrihanish Bird and Wildlife Observatory is located at Gauldrons Beach and fantastic for watching migratory birds, otters and other wildlife. Campbeltown is one of a handful of areas in Scotland categorised as a whisky producing region, and is home to the Campbeltown Single Malt, once proclaiming itself the whisky capital of the world with. The area now boasts three whisky distilleries and a gin distillery as well as a cinema, museum, heritage centre and a working harbour, with an acclaimed music festival in August. The town is well-served, with supermarkets, independently owned shops, and excellent hotels and restaurants offering the finest local produce. The surrounding area is well-known for its fine beaches, unspoilt countryside and scenic walks, with the addition of the Kintyre Way, making this an ideal location from which to explore the Kintyre Peninsula. Lying just off the west coast of Kintyre, the Isle of Gigha offers a pleasant day trip. Within a short distance, there are many quiet and sandy beaches to explore and there is easy access to the Isles of Islay, Jura and Arran. For the outdoor enthusiast, there is walking, cycling, horse riding, fishing, water sports and 3 other golf courses. Beach ¾ mile. Shop 5 miles, pub and restaurant ¾ mile.

In a wonderful, secluded location, high above Carradale Harbour with stunning views to the Isle of Arran, Shorehills is a luxury modern holiday home, ideal for beach lovers and countryside enthusiasts, made cosy with oil-fired underfloor heating and a wood burner.
Enjoy your days watching the boats in the harbour, spotting wildlife in the bay below, and listening to the waves lap on the shore from the wrap-around decking. Relax in the living room with its wood burner, and watch the world go by through the large floor-to-ceiling windows with patio doors leading to the decking. The well-equipped kitchen and dining area is an ideal social space with patio doors opening onto the decking and views over the bay to Arran beyond. Perfect for socialising indoors, there’s a TV room with a 40” Smart TV and games room with a bar, pool table and darts. There’s a convenient twin bedroom downstairs with an adjacent walk-in shower room. Upstairs is a delightful, master en-suite double bedroom with uninterrupted views towards Arran. Two more spacious twin bedrooms are served by a luxurious family bathroom with a walk-in shower and free-standing bath.
Carradale is a small fishing village on the east of the Kintyre Peninsula, about 25 miles south of Tarbert. Offering peace and tranquillity, there is a well-stocked community shop and Post Office, tearoom and bar/restaurant, and a 9-hole golf course. Beautiful Carradale Bay is a long stretch of sandy beach, and there is plenty of walking in the woods and along the beaches. Locally, visit the old vitrified fort at Carradale Point, the nature reserve, or the gin distillery with a café. Salmon and trout can be fished on the Carradale River during the summer. Campbeltown is just 15 scenic miles distant, with shops, bars, cafés, a cinema, and three whisky distilleries.
There are ferries to Arran, Gigha, Islay, Jura and the Cowal Peninsula all within a short drive. There’s fantastic golfing at Machrihanish and another two local golf courses. Outdoor enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with great opportunities for wind and kite surfing, sea angling, scuba diving, cycling, and horseriding, all available locally.

A beautiful detached cottage overlooking Loch Linnhe on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Port Appin, Ardtur Croft enjoys complete privacy set in its own enclosed garden accessed via a private driveway. There are magnificent views from the cottage over surrounding farmland and the sea, towards the Island of Lismore and beyond to the Morven Peninsula. A comfortable and spacious cottage, you will find yourselves gathering in the bright open-plan kitchen/diner, chatting round the kitchen table or on the comfy seating in front of the cosy wood burner, enjoying the views to the sea over the field. Port Appin is also home to two of Scotland’s most prestigious eating places, so you can walk along, sample local seafood and a drink without taking the car. There’s a licensed community run store and gift shop in the village too. Within a few miles of the cottage, there is an excellent choice of cafes and inns, all offering breath-taking views and delicious local food a renowned garden centre and a garage. A short ten minute walk down the road is Aird’s Bay, a horseshoe shape and peaceful shore being shallow some way out so ideal for safe swimming. There is much to attract the historian in the region as the mysterious events surrounding The Red Fox, immortalised by Robert Louis Stevenson took place in this locale so you can explore some of the locations in Kidnapped. The hillwalking and mountaineering opportunities in the area are spectacular with Glencoe within easy reach and numerous opportunities to climb a Munro for those who are ambitious. There are gentler walks round the coast or inland, including a walk out to stunning and historic Castle Stalker at low tide. You can hire bikes locally and explore the area via the cycle path which runs from Oban to Fort William passing through Appin. Despite its tranquillity, Port Appin is conveniently located. Beach 1 mile.

Perfectly located for easy access to Loch Lomond National Park and west coast of Scotland you can steep yourself in history as you enjoy the character and ambiance of the fabulously presented holiday accommodation in The Old Wing at Drumhead House, Cardross.

The 18th-century Old Wing was built on the site of a fortified towerhouse and may have been the home of Robert The Bruce, King of Scotland in the 14th century. The surrounding gardens and woodlands ensure peace and tranquillity. There’s a wild paddock where the owners keep free range chickens and bees, and a pretty burn runs through the land. The spacious accommodation is over three floors, and the character of the Tower House runs through its entirety with a wide stair to the first floor. The living room on the first floor has views over the garden and an open fire to create a cosy atmosphere on a winter’s evening for sitting and relaxing after a day out exploring this part of Scotland. The owners will set the open fire ready for your arrival, and provide all you might need including a pint of milk from the local dairy, butter, tea and locally roasted coffee beans, fresh free range eggs (when available) from their rare breed hens, salt and pepper, handwash and shower gel, and under the sink supplies - as well as a welcome gift of a bottle of champagne.

The Old Wing is perfectly located for easy access to the great outdoor attractions of the west coast of Scotland and Loch Lomond National Park, and for city visits to both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Locally the Gare Loch has walking trails with The John Muir long distance trail close to the house and providing a walk with beautiful views of Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond beyond - as well as a walking route over to the loch for the fit and hardy. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is just a short drive away with open spaces, sheltered bays and islands to explore. Its inland waters are famous as one of the finest water sports venues in Scotland. The area is ideal for walkers and cyclists of all abilities and boasts a magnificent diversity of scenery with dramatic peaks, waterfalls, hidden caves and mysterious, forest-covered slopes. There are some great wild swimming spots and a vast choice of lochs and waterways locally to choose from.

Guests at The Old Wing can take advantage of exclusive offers with 4x4 Adventures and luxury Loch Lomond day cruises. There’s also fishing, clay pigeon shooting, hill walking and cycling along with birdwatching, beaches, spa treatments and golf among the many activities available nearby. The village of Cardross has good local facilities and a mini supermarket. Cardross Golf Course is an excellent 18-hole, parkland course with spectacular views over the River Clyde. Helensburgh is just a 15-minute drive and has a good range of eateries, supermarkets, cinema and a swimming pool and sports centre. There are several great restaurants locally including a Michelin starred restaurant on Loch Lomond. The choice of activities and days out are too many to mention but it is well worth taking the time to visit Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Hill House along with the beautiful walled gardens in the area, such as those found at Geilston House. Beach 1 mile.

This spacious house is set in a delightful position in the coastal town of Rothesay, on the beautiful Isle of Bute. One of the most accessible Scottish islands, the Isle of Bute is just a short ferry ride across the Firth of Clyde. Here you will find the Victoriana meets art deco-style resort of Rothesay with its palm trees and promenade. Bute has some extraordinarily varied landscapes considering it is only 15 miles long and 4 miles wide.
Set over three floors with a main house and annex, Argyle House is a wonderful base for families and friends to come together for a special occasion or family catch-up. The well-equipped kitchen is perfect for rustling up a holiday feast to enjoy together in the impressive dining room, means there is plenty of space to spread out and relax after a busy day.

When you’re ready to explore, the captivating town of Rothesay offers plenty of amenities from independent shops to pubs, bars and restaurants, not to mention the impressive castle ruins and Mount Stuart House. To the north of Rothesay, through the small community of Porth Bannatyne, lies Ettrick Bay, Bute’s most accessible beach, which is a haven for able swimmers· Bute is perfect for cycling, and the circuit of the island on the quiet roads is about 21 miles with none of the hills being too taxing· There are plenty of lovely beaches for a seaside stroll, and there is sea fishing off the piers if you want to try for mackerel and inland there are lochs to catch rainbow trout and pike· The Firth of Clyde is a sailing paradise, and golf enthusiasts are well catered for on the Isle of Bute· This quaint island even has its own gin distillery, definitely worth a visit! Exploring the rest of Scotland could not be easier; simply catch a ferry across to Glasgow and make the most of the fabulous attractions and amenities on offer. Beach 50 yards.

This stunning, Victorian Manor House is located only 200 yards from the Firth of Clyde in the village of Cardross. There is plenty to explore in the area, and a good place to walk is 2 miles away at Ardmore Point with unique rock formations, sea cliffs, fishing and is a notable bird watching area. Also worth a visit is Dumbarton Castle and Rock, 5 miles away. Dumbarton Castle has a longer recorded history than any other castle in Britain!

Cardross is a conservation village and has its own golf course, established 120 years ago, as well as a bowling, tennis and football club, post office, newsagent and pharmacy, and a village pub who cater for meals etc. Cardross train station is a 5-minute walk along a shore tarmac path, with a frequent service to Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Highlands.

Local attractions include Ardardan Estate Working Farm with a nursery and tearoom, and nearby Geilston Garden. Looked after by the National Trust for Scotland, Geilston is a delightful garden and is typical of the small country estates on the banks of the Clyde, purchased by merchants and industrialists in the 18th and 19th centuries. Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is very close - it’s just 6 miles to Balloch on the south shore of the loch. This beautiful area has so much to offer with open spaces, sheltered bays and islands to explore. Its inland waters are famous as one of the finest water sports venues in Scotland. The area is ideal for walkers and cyclists of all abilities and boasts a magnificent diversity of scenery with dramatic peaks, waterfalls, hidden caves, and mysterious, forest-covered slopes. Ayrshire and Burns country lie to the south, and the Western Highlands are to the north. Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Stirling are all easily reached for a day out.

This beautiful, two-bedroomed cottage built on the site of a former church offers priceless views! Overlooking Ardnamucknish Bay, by Oban, and with views over to the Isle of Mull, it also has lovely gardens to the front and side. No matter what the Scottish weather is, this house will relax you all as you watch the sun set or cosy up in front of the wood burner and just relax if the rain and the mist shroud the views from the bay window.
The beautiful living/dining area has a full-length side window beside the fireplace, and there is a window seat taking in wonderful views over loch Linnhe towards the Sound of Mull. Both of the bedrooms are upstairs and are very light and beautifully decorated to complement the style of the interior, and the bathroom, with its freestanding bath, allows you to lock yourself away and indulge in a long soak whilst enjoying an obligatory glass of your favourite tipple!
Apart from great views from the cottage, you can stroll to the viewpoint and watch the waves break on Tralee beach a few yards away or explore the forestry route up to Beinn Lora. You can also cycle or walk along the Caledonian Cycle path which is on the doorstep, either towards Oban or north towards Fort William. There is also golf, fishing and horse riding nearby. There is a welcome pack for your arrival and the owner has thoughtfully provided complimentary toiletries. Beach 30 yards.

This beautifully restored cottage originally the coach house has retained many features and is an ideal location from which to explore the surrounding area. Situated only yards from the shores of Loch Long the cottage boasts stunning view over the Loch. Located on the idyllic Rosneath Peninsula where the rugged Argyll mountains meet the sea, the property is only 20 minutes away from Scotland’s first National Park, Loch Lomond, with open spaces, sheltered bays and islands to explore. It’s inland waters are famous as one of the finest watersport venues in Scotland. The area is ideal for walkers and cyclists of all abilities and boasts a magnificent diversity of scenery with dramatic peaks, waterfalls, hidden caves and mysterious, forest-covered slopes. Ayrshire and Burns country lies to the south, and the Western Highlands are to the north. Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling are all easily within reach for a day out.

Situated in the heart of the conservation area of Mount Pleasant, on the Isle of Bute, is this three bedroom apartment. This beautiful second floor apartment is a 5 minute walk to Rothesay town centre and the islands main ferry port and also boasts partial sea views of the Firth of Clyde; we will provide the binoculars! We are also dog friendly, from Dachshund to Great Dane, we don’t discriminate! The outstandingly beautiful and historic Island of Bute is situated at the heart of the Firth of Clyde, off Scotland’s west coast.
Rothesay has a lovely promenade, with its stunning ever-changing views across the bay, the gardens with award-winning floral displays, the Isle of Bute discovery centre with tourist information and cinema, castle, museum, ferry terminal, bus terminal, supermarkets, cafés and restaurants. 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. 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 ninety-seven seater cinema with weekly showings. In the summer you can book tickets to take a trip on the famous paddle steamer The Waverley. 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. Beach 1 mile.