Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

Uaine Cottage is a warm and welcoming home from home which has recently been fully refurbished in 2020 to a high standard. Through the front door you’ll find a hallway with plenty of coat hooks for your layers, along with a separate toilet. The living/dining room is a great space with ample seating at the dining table. The kitchen is spacious and you will find all the modern amenities you will need to rustle up hearty meals after long days out exploring in the Cairngorms. There is a door out into the enclosed back garden which has garden furniture and a patio. There are mature trees surrounding most of the garden making it feel very private and to top it off there is a charcoal BBQ to enjoy al fresco dining on the warm summer days. Back into the house there are two spacious bedrooms, one a double and one twin. There is also a modern bathroom with rain shower over bath.
Uaine Cottage is situated in the ever-popular Aviemore. Tucked away in a quiet part of town, close to a bend in the River Spey. However, it is only a ten minute walk from all of the pubs, restaurants and cafés in Aviemore thanks to a lovely little footpath. As well as many fabulous independent places to eat and drink, Aviemore has much more to offer. Being a hub for the Cairngorms National Park, you are ideally located for setting off to the mountains and have plenty of adventure. Whether you visit in the summer or winter, there’s a whole host of activities to enjoy. Hiking, mountain biking and fishing are popular in the summer, and come winter you can pursue the best skiing, snowshoeing and winter walking in the UK.
Being in Aviemore gives you a great opportunity to explore other places in the area, as the the property is situated just off the A9. You can journey down the Spey and visit the charming neighbouring villages of Carrbridge, Boat of Garten and Nethy Bridge, and continue to see the Speyside distilleries. You could also explore this area on foot by walking the Speyside Way, or hopping on and off the steam railway. Inverness is only 30 minutes away by car, and if you want to go further afield and explore some other mountains, you can be in Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis in just over two hours. Closer to home, Loch Morlich is just 7 miles away, with a wonderful sandy beach known as the highest beach in the UK! Uaine Cottage is a delight, it makes for a perfect holiday home with so much on your doorstep, but its secluded location means you have a peaceful base to rest, relax and recharge. Beach 7 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Tom’s Lodge is a fantastic ecologically friendly lodge set within the heart of the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands. Boasting some of the finest views of the Cairngorm mountain range, the lodge is nestled on the edge of a forest, between Boat of Garten and Carrbridge. Finished to a luxury standard both inside and out, which includes Scandinavian designed furniture, a superb kitchen with top of the range appliances, sumptuous beds and the ultimate in luxury - your very own hot tub with a view to take your breath away. Tom’s Lodge has everything you need for your luxury holiday.
Stepping into the lodge, you will immediately be pulled to the outstanding view from the south facing glass wall. The spacious living area is perfect for entertaining with gorgeous leather sofas, dining table and wood burner. Tom’s Lodge has been cleverly built in such a way that a heating system is not required. Fully insulated with sheep’s wool, the clay walls retain the heat from the wood burner and natural sunlight from the south facing glass room wall.
Upstairs there is a master bedroom with a kingsize bed, a second living room and a balcony from which to admire the views. The living room has flexible living space, with two sofas that can be converted into comfortable single beds. There are also two additional kingsize bedrooms and a further twin bedroom. All bedrooms have Smart TVs, memory foam mattresses, duck down duvets and quality bed linen to ensure a good night’s sleep.
Your four legged friends are also welcome at Tom’s Lodge. There is a fully fenced garden for them to play in, with walks directly from the house as well as bathrobes supplied to snuggle up in when they come home. Tom’s Lodge is ideal for the less mobile, with two ground floor bedrooms along with a downstairs wet room. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles.

Red Kite Cottage is located just six miles north of Inverness and is nestled into the countryside with stunning views down the garden backing onto a small private wooded area. The property has an open plan living area with a well-equipped kitchen and comfortable furnishings throughout. There is a double bedroom and a twin bedroom, both served by a family shower room. Outside there is a large decked area with seating for sunny evenings and lazy days. There is a large enclosed lawned garden which is ideal for children and our four legged friends.
The property has easy access to the A9, which makes it a perfect location for exploring the Black Isles and further up into the Northern Highlands. It is within easy reach of the popular village of Fortrose, where you can see the bottlenose dolphins and just a mile further, you can walk on the stunning Rosemarkie beach. Beach 8 miles. Shop 9 miles, pub and restaurant 3 miles.

Curin Cottage is a traditional Highland cottage, nestled in the stunning glen of Strathconon. The cottage has an enclosed, private garden offering idyllic views of the surrounding native woodland and craggy hills on the valley sides beyond. The glen has a tranquil atmosphere and feeling of remoteness, despite being within a 45 minute drive of Inverness, the Highland capital. Each season brings its own beauty; heather clad hills, meandering rivers, multiple lochs, roaring stags in the autumn and an abundance of wildlife. Osprey and golden eagles are often seen from the valley, pine marten are frequent garden visitors, and sightings of red deer a regular occurrence. Due to the lack of light pollution in the glen, it means you can enjoy breath-taking clear night skies.
The cottage is very well presented and offers guests a good level of comfort throughout. It is a truly relaxing home-from-home. There is a spacious, open plan living and dining area with a wood burner, as well as a fitted kitchen with a good level of appliances. The ground floor also has a double bedroom and bathroom equipped with a walk-in shower. On the first floor you will find two lovely bedrooms, a twin and a small double, with dormer windows looking up the valley sides.
Strathconon itself provides many attractions with its beautiful Highland scenery, untouched wilderness and access to the hills. There are many routes to stroll (some straight from your front door), places to picnic, trails to bike and rivers and lochs to swim, boat on, or launch a kayak. Boats and fishing permits are available for visitors from the Loch Achonochie Angling Club.
The cottage is ideally located as a base from which to explore the Scottish Highlands. Daytrips to the west coast might include the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, Gairloch or Ullapool. Glen Affric, Loch Ness and Aviemore are a few of the many other places that can be visited. The closest restaurant, renowned for its delicious food and relaxing bar, is in Contin, just over 7 miles distant. Provisions can be bought from the shop in Contin, or in the nearby Victorian Spa village of Strathpeffer.
There are plenty of historic sites within striking distance, such as Culloden Battlefield, Fort George, Cawdor Castle and numerous stone circles. Dolphins are frequently seen in the Moray Firth, the best spotting location being Chanonry Point by Fortrose, or via dolphin watching boat trips. In the Scottish Highlands, an idyllic golf course is never far away! Shop and pub 10 miles and restaurant 7 miles.

Located in the small settlement of Camas Inas a few miles west from Salen, The Steading has the most glorious situation with its own beach fronting and fabulous views across Loch Sunart. There isn’t a jetty or slip here, but you can get your boat down across the stones and into the water. There are also moorings in the bay if you arrive by boat. It really is a superb spot to take the kayaks, or your boat and explore the miles of deserted coastline, or even nip round to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull for a bite to eat (only 30 minutes by speedboat!). There’s wildlife all around with dolphins, porpoises, seals and otters all regular visitors to your very own bay. The wildlife doesn’t stop there, you’ll see many species visiting the garden, red deer and pine martens feed in the garden and there is a most amazing array of birdlife, including golden and sea eagles.
The garden is large and runs right down to your own beach. There is a lovely patio area by the house and lots of mature flower beds and lawn for children and pets to explore. A highlight though is a wee footpath that leads off to the south-western edge of the plot, and you traverse a boardwalk to reach a promontory where there is a spectacular seating-area, it most be one of the best pre-dinner drink spots in Scotland, just mountains and sea with all the wildlife to spot.
Entering the property through the patio doors you come into the open plan living/dining/kitchen space, with the living and dining area having floor to ceiling windows with extraordinary views and also with a large wood burner and TV. The kitchen area has an enormous island and everything you want and need to cook up meals to suit any occasion. Off the kitchen there is a drying room and utility space, through which there is a great gym room with views of the loch. The master double bedroom with en-suite bathroom has a freestanding bath and walk-in shower and the view from the bath is very special. The master bedroom also has a private balcony with chairs to soak up the setting at any time of the day. There are another two bedrooms, a double room and twin room, as well as a beautiful walk-in shower room.
The Steading is a fantastic holiday home that upon arrival you will not want to leave, it’s a great house for families, groups of friends and especially those with dogs as it is a luxury property that is also very dog friendly. Close to the property you have some interesting places to visit including the local Ardnamurchan distillery and famous lighthouse at the UK mainland’s most westerly point. The peninsula has many deserted beaches to explore, mountains to climb, and lochs to swim and fish. It’s a truly untouched area that you will want to keep exploring. Beach 100 yards. Shop 3 miles, pub and restaurant 6 miles.

Willow Lodge is located just 3 miles from the village of Muir of Ord, in a rural position on the edge of a croft. The property has been designed to make the most of the location and maximise the stunning views from all the main rooms. An enclosed private deck wraps around the lodge with comfortable seating for a family of six. The main living area is open plan and contemporary with industrial light fittings, a 50 inch wall mounted Smart TV and a very well equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar. The seating is arranged to take in the views with French doors to the decking. The master bedroom also has French doors and a luxury en-suite shower room. There is another double bedroom and a twin bedroom, both having French doors. These are served by a stunning wet room which is also suitable for wheelchair users. Willow Lodge is dog friendly and will provide an ideal base for walking and exploring the stunning Black Isles.
Inverness, the highland capital, Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield and the beautiful coastal villages of the Moray Coast are all within a short drive. Local activities include mountain biking, golf, fishing, horse riding, walking and hill climbing to name just a few. Take a day trip to the lovely Isle of Skye and the scenic west coast or travel further north and explore the many unspoilt beaches and coastal inlets of Caithness and Sutherland. Beach 26½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles.

Treetops Lodge has been hand built by the owners who have managed and developed this stunning 150-acre estate for over 30 years. The area is most suited for guests who appreciate the very simple things in life and enjoy waking up in the morning to stunning views over the glen estate. The friendly owners also run an organic and small sheep farm croft with sheep and hens, and embrace the organic way of life. This well-equipped, detached lodge has an open plan living area with comfortable seating for six guests, and a glazed door leading to a private balcony with spectacular views. There are three bedrooms comprising of a master bedroom with double bed and en-suite shower room, twin bedroom and a bunk bedroom both served by a family bathroom. Each holiday home is surrounded by a lawn and screened from neighbours by trees. Treetops Lodge also has a private balcony with garden furniture. There is a children’s play area shared with other properties on-site and 150 acres of natural woodlands and wetlands to explore. You can watch roe deer, red squirrels or maybe a glimpse of a wild cat or fox.
The beautiful, former fishing village of Nairn, with large sandy beaches, is close by and offers a variety of shops, restaurants and pubs, along with a wonderful championship golf course, a harbour and marina. Amongst the many activities available there are a variety of watersports, fishing, boat trips and mountain biking in the nearby countryside. Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is just a short drive away with Culloden Battlefield, Fort George and Loch Ness within easy reach. There are many picturesque former fishing villages dotted to the east along the Moray Coast, where you may catch a glimpse of the bottlenose dolphins. Alternatively, take a trip on the Malt Whisky Trail – the only one of its kind. For the less energetic, sit back, relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Beach 4 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 4 miles.
Treetops Lodge can be booked together with Rowantree Chalet (ref UK30558) to accommodate up to 11 guests.

The owners have lovingly looked after Cliff Cottage, and this detached property is perfect for a family holiday. Before you enter the front door you’ll notice raised beds in the front garden with vegetables that you are welcome to help yourself to in season! The interior is finished to a great standard, with many bespoke features and lovely local artworks displayed. Cliff Cottage makes the ideal base for a holiday in the Highlands, and Applecross is a very, very special part of Scotland. People often mistakenly overlook it in favour of Skye or Loch Ness, and many drive past the peninsula when journeying along the North Coast 500. To visit Applecross is to be treated to a highlight of travel experiences.
Making your way to Applecross is an adventure, particularly if you take the southern road. The Bealach na Bà sounds like something out of Lord of the Rings, and when you get your eyes on this mountain pass, you’ll agree that it would sit pride of place in a Tolkien adventure. It’s a steep drive from sea level to over 2,000ft, and one of the best routes to experience in the UK and Europe. Reaching the top, the expansive, rugged moors of the Applecross interior stretch out in front of you, and the views back down the glacial carved valley you’ve driven up are truly awe inspiring. This is what the Highlands are really about! Descend down to the shore on the west coast of Applecross where there’s an inn, cafés, a restaurants and lots of amenities. This is the hub of the peninsula, and where you’ll visit plenty of times during your stay. Cliff Cottage is to the north of Applecross Bay, only 7 miles up the coast.
Two miles before Cliff Cottage’s driveway is Sand Bay, which is one of the best beaches on the west coast, one to visit a few times during your stay. Cliff Cottage is accessed via a track that leads down to this sheltered and charming spot for a holiday base. Beyond Cliff Cottage, the road continues along the entire west and north coast of the Applecross Peninsula, and is a great scenic route to take during your holiday. It gives you access to Shieldaig and Torridon. You are just a stone’s throw away from the coast and Applecross is your backdrop. Book now and forever be grateful that you did! beach 2 miles.

Bruiach Cottage is set in a quiet corner of the pretty village of Newtonmore. The accommodation is spacious and comfortably sleeps four guests. A large open plan living space has a dining area and a well equipped kitchen. The secluded back garden is peaceful and, although shared with the owner who lives on-site, your private area is a perfect place to sit in a morning and take in the warm sunshine, or in an evening around the firepit and plan your next day’s adventures.
Newtonmore centre is just a short and easy walk away, where you have excellent pubs, restaurants, shops, Wild Cat trail and the award winning Highland Folk Museum. The main attraction to this area are outdoor pursuits like golf, water sports, wild swimming, cycling, hiking and fishing. Aviemore is just a 15-minute drive, with skiing and numerous outdoor specialist shops. Newtonmore golf club is just 100 yards away, and further afield are the more famous courses, such as Castle Stuart, Royal Dornoch and Gleneagles.
Centrally located in the Highlands, you are not far from most places of interest including, The West and Moray Coasts, Inverness for Loch Ness, Fort William for Harry Potter fans and Speyside distilleries for the Whisky tour, starting off at the nearest, just 15-minutes away at Dalwhinnie. A stay at Bruiach Cottage could not be any more central for everything to make a memorable stay for all age groups. Shop, pub and restaurant 250 yards.

Enjoying wonderful views across the Caledonian Canal to Ben Nevis, the Aonach Mor ski range and Glen Nevis, this bright and spacious detached bungalow is situated on a working croft in one of the most spectacular parts of the Highlands. There is a wealth of activities in the area, including skiing, climbing, hill walking, mountain biking, sailing, fishing and golf. Although rural the property is not isolated; the local shop is ¾ mile and pub and restaurant are a short walk away. During the summer the West Highland steam train, as seen in Harry Potter Films, passes close by enroute to Mallaig, where ferries depart for Skye and the small isles. Fort William, ‘the outdoor capital of the Highlands’ is just 4 miles away. It boasts a variety of excellent facilities, including swimming pool, and restaurants. The property makes an ideal base for touring the numerous places of interest in the region, including Glencoe, Loch Ness and the beautiful unspoilt Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Shop ¾ mile, pub and restaurant 500 yards.
Stepps Cottage can be booked together with W40834 Lapwing Rise (sleeps 7) which is next door.