Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

’Blink and you’ll miss it’, a phrase many have uttered about Dornie, and the same can be said of Loch Long. Dornie is a lovely little village along the shores, just across the road from world-famous Eilean Donan Castle. When passing the castle with it on your left, Dornie is off to the right, with Loch Long slithering inland between high hills and mountains. On the opposite side, there is a wee road the runs parallel to the loch into the heart of the mountains. Bramble Bank is along this road on the shores of the magnificent loch.

A few miles along the road you enter the small crofting community of Allt na Sugh - spelt in other ways too, and this is where you will find Bramble Bank, nestled down to the right just above the shores of Loch Long. The property is a spacious detached lodge nestled into the heather-clad hills. Bramble Bank’s aspect from its very own plateau above the loch is truly outstanding with views across the water to the peaks of Sgurr na Cloiche and Sguman Coinntich. It’s an inspiring glen and emblematic of the Scottish Highlands. To be based at Bramble Bank is a peaceful dream, and would suit those wanting to have a bolthole that’s in an awe-inspiring location.

The lodge would be perfect for a couple looking to go walking in the nearby hills and mountains of Kintail. The Falls of Glomach are a short walk away, and Glen Elchaig is an inspiring hike too. There are many routes to explore, and with a dog in tow, you would have a fantastic walking holiday from Bramble Bank. It would make a great base too to explore the surrounding area by car. It is only a short drive along one of the most beautiful Highland roads to the main road linking Inverness and Skye. You can reach the Isle of Skye in 20 minutes from Bramble Bank, and explore the entire island during your stay. Loch Carron, Applecross and Torridon are fairly close to the north, and Glenelg to the south is only a short drive away.

The lodge itself is simply set up. You enter through French doors into the living room which allows you to take in the loch and mountain views. The living room is open plan with the dining room and kitchen. It’s spacious and has triple aspect, so very light. Outside of the property there is space to sit and enjoy surprisingly warm summer evenings. It’s a beautiful spot and you’ll be pleased to be spending time looking out from Bramble Bank. You’ll have a very good chance of spotting red deer, sea eagles, golden eagles, otters and pine martens all from the doorstep. Beach 12 miles. Shop 11 miles, pub and restaurant 4 miles.

In the picturesque village of Fort Augustus, next to the Caledonian Canal and a short walk from the head of Loch Ness, this ground floor holiday apartment makes an ideal base from which to tour the Highlands. The area hosts a large number of outdoor activities including mountain biking, hillwalking, golf, fishing, horse riding, kayaking and windsurfing. As Ardgay is a corporate member of Fort Augustus golf club, guests are entitled to as many free rounds of golf that they would like. Walk or cycle from the door along the canal towpath, or sit and watch the boats trying to negotiate the locks. Take a boat trip on Loch Ness to hunt for the Loch Ness Monster, drive through dramatic Highland scenery, visit historic castles and explore remote magical glens. Wildlife is abundant with golden eagles, wild deer and otters often seen. Inverness, the ‘Highland Capital’, Fort William, the ‘Outdoor Capital’ of the UK, and the beautiful Isle of Skye are easily reached. Shop, pub and restaurant 400 yards.