Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

Situated on its own, right on the shoreline, enjoying panoramic views of the seascape this unique detached house offers an exceptionally good standard of holiday accommodation throughout. The living room and large kitchen/dining room look out across the bay. A second living room upstairs is built in the form of an ’observatory’, complete with balcony from which to spot the wide variety of bird and sea-life. Miles of shoreline walks are accessed directly from the property. The unspoilt fishing village of Helmsdale has a harbour and restaurants and shops. The area is renowned for its unspoilt beaches, wild and rugged coastline and traditional villages. Fossils are regularly found along this particular stretch of coast. Travel north to visit the Castle of Mey, John O’ Groats and the Orkney Isles. Golf, fishing, cycling, hill-walking, surfing and pony trekking all available locally. Try panning for gold in the Helmsdale river and visit the fairytale castle of Dunrobin. Shops, pub and restaurant 500 yards.

The Baltinnas are a pair of adjoining but completely separate lodge style properties. Baltinna West oozes warmth and character, with a cosy wood burner in the living room, this is a truly tranquil holiday retreat for two. The Monadhliath mountains behind are a stunning backdrop, and there is an enclosed decked front garden where red squirrels are regular visitors. Mature beech and lime trees surround the garden.

Downstairs is open plan, with a well-equipped, modern fitted kitchen and a living/dining area where you can put your feet up whilst relaxing on the Chesterfield settee facing the wood burner. Upstairs there is a deep roll-top bath in the romantic master bedroom to soak those muscles after walking the local Wildcat Trail or bagging a nearby munro or two! Baltinna West has a kingsize bed with individual flexible reading lights and USB sockets. There’s also a shower room with shower, wash hand basin, toilet and heated towel rail upstairs (and a separate toilet downstairs).

In an area made famous by the BBCs Monarch of the Glen and Outlander TV series, these two architect-designed, timber-clad properties (Baltinna West, ref UTY, and Baltinna East, ref SGGW) make the perfect couples’ getaway nestling between the Cairngorm and Monadhliath mountain ranges. Newtonmore is situated in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park and is a walker’s and birdwatcher’s paradise. The location is fabulous; the village shops and great pubs serving very good food within just two minutes walk, plus cafes and a takeaway also within a few minutes walk. Outdoor pursuits found locally include golf courses (one within walking distance) fishing on the River Spey, mountain biking, wild-swimming in rivers and lochs, skiing, tours taking in distilleries, RSPB sites, interactive museums, and the towns of Aviemore and Inverness. Shops ¼ mile.

A warm welcome awaits you at the Herons which is set on the edge of a 3-mile stretch of sandy beach and enjoys panoramic views across Sinclair’s Bay towards Noss Head Lighthouse. This spacious house is furnished to a good standard and well-equipped to make your holiday as enjoyable as possible. Whales, porpoises and dolphins are regularly seen from the shore, with the occasional pod of orcas. The house makes a perfect base for exploring this beautiful part of the Highlands. Visit the county town of Wick with its variety of town facilities, the Castle of Mey or visit the Orkney Islands, which are within easy reach. Bird watching, fishing, links golf and sea cruises are just some of the many activities available. Pub 0.5 miles, restaurant 6 miles.

The Stable Cottage is an attractive, architect designed conversion of an historic Listed building, formerly a stable and grain loft for the old water mill which is situated close by.

The Stable Cottage and the nearby Mill Cottage (ref W42412) are situated approximately 200 yards from the sea and are within easy walking distance of the centre of the famous village of John O’ Groats. The ideal base to explore this lovely part of the Northern Highlands, John O’ Groats is famous for being the most north easterly point of Britain’s four corners, renowned for magnificent coastal scenery, unspoilt beaches and coastal walks. A breath-taking array of bird life is close at hand. Seals, dolphins, orca and minke whales are frequently seen. Even otters make an appearance, feeding on the rocky shoreline.

Take a day trip to the Orkney Islands with ferries a few minutes away from the cottages. Visit Duncansby Head, the Castle of Mey, Thurso and Wick. See the world class seabird colonies and the awe inspiring Stacks of Duncansby. For the energetic mountain biking, fishing, sailing and windsurfing are available. Both the Mill Cottage and the Stable Cottage are operated by the John O’ Groats Mill Trust, a charity aimed at maintaining these historic buildings for the benefit of visitors and the community. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of John O’Groats, this charming cottage welcomes guests with its inviting ambience and rural vistas. The heart of the home is its open-plan living space, seamlessly blending the living and dining areas with a well-equipped kitchen, creating a perfect setting for convivial gatherings and culinary delights. With two elegantly appointed double bedrooms, a cosy twin bedroom, and a sleek shower room boasting a convenient shower cubicle, comfort and relaxation await at every corner of this idyllic retreat.
In the quaint village of John O’Groats and its surrounding area, a wealth of captivating experiences awaits eager adventurers. Embark on a mesmerizing journey to witness the iconic John O’Groats Signpost,marking the northernmost point of the British mainland, where visitors can capture timeless photographs against the breathtaking backdrop of the North Sea. Explore the rugged coastline with invigorating walks along the picturesque cliff paths, offering panoramic views of the Orkney Islands and the majestic Scottish Highlands. Delve into the region’s rich history at the nearby Castle of Mey, the former residence of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, boasting splendid gardens and fascinating exhibitions.
For wildlife enthusiasts, boat tours offer the chance to spot diverse marine life, including seals, dolphins, and even whales, while birdwatchers can marvel at the array of seabirds that call these coastal waters home. After a day of exploration, unwind in charming local eateries, savouring freshly caught seafood and hearty Scottish delicacies, while relishing the warm hospitality of this enchanting corner of the world.

This detached holiday cottage sits amidst hills and farmland, midway bewtween Fort Augustus and Inverness, 15 miles, and east of Loch Ness, with some exceptional scenery from the roads leading towards the loch. It is very comfortably furnished with fabrics and colours that compliment the traditional highland style and is approached by a short grassy track. The mountains ensure a tranquil spot and Loch Ruthven very close by, is an ornithologist’s dream, with grebe and many various flora and fauna. Shop 7 miles, pub 1 mile.

Cor an Easan is a traditional croft cottage, situated in a stunning location with superb sea views. This detached two storey holiday cottage is accessed via a short track in the pretty hamlet of Melness. Overlooking a superb sandy bay and surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, the cottage provides peace and tranquillity and is an ideal base from which to explore this wonderful and totally unspoilt region. The nearby village of Tongue enjoys spectacular views across the sea, with the mountains of Ben Hope and Ben Loyal in the distance. There is a slipway and harbour for small boats within a mile of the property. Horse riding is available at nearby Torrisdale sands. The area is renowned for its loch, river and sea fishing. Permits are available locally for salmon, sea trout and brown trout, and boats are also available to hire. Beach ½ mile. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Unusual single-storey detached cottage with superb views over Loch Insh and the Cairngorms. Open fire, hot tub, spacious accommodation, superb rural location. Aviemore 6 miles.

Newly renovated in December 2022 to a luxury standard with a large kitchen boasting top end appliances, stunning new bathrooms with under floor heating, comfortable new bedrooms with lots of storage and an updated living/dining area with three huge sofas and coffee table, a snug with a desk, bean bags and games, and a large dining table with plenty of seating to suit everyone’s needs.
This stunning, detached, lodge property enjoys a peaceful and private location approximately a mile outside the forest village of Nethy Bridge, and makes the perfect base for exploring this lovely part of the northern Highlands. Sitting on the edge of the ancient Scottish Caledonian Forest, the lodge overlooks moorland and mountains with abundant wildlife which includes red squirrels, mountain hares, red and roe deer, and many species of song birds can often be heard in this secluded setting.
Mountain Bear Lodge is 12 miles from Aviemore which is situated in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and at the head of the Speyside Way. The whole area boasts a super range of shops, restaurants and bars along with a wide range of outdoor activities including skiing and snowboarding, (Cairngorm Mountains are within an hour’s drive. Glencoe and Glenshee are around 2½ hours’ drive) There is also mountain and quad biking, climbing and hill walking with a variety of water sports available on Loch Insh, Loch Morlich and the River Spey. Take a trip on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway or visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, the Highland Wildlife Park at nearby Kingussie, the Landmark Forest Adventure Park or the RSPB Reserve at nearby Loch Garten, which are all within easy reach of the lodge.
Visit the testing Spey Valley golf course and the Dalfaber Resort with its wonderful array of leisure activities, or a day trip to the Moray coastline peppered with little fishing villages and beautiful beaches. For the less energetic, sit back in the hot tub set in peaceful garden grounds, relax and unwind. There’s a farm shop, pub and restaurant within 1 mile.

Keeper’s House is situated in beautiful Glen Cassley. This charming, traditional, detached stone cottage overlooks the renowned River Cassley and enjoys stunning views from all windows. Situated on the Highland estate of Glenrossal, it provides peace and tranquillity. There is a large farmhouse-style kitchen/dining room, complete with cooker, microwave and a Belfast sink. The separate living room has a welcoming open fireplace and attractive soft furnishings. There are three good-sized bedrooms accommodating up to six visitors. With a bathroom and a separate shower room it is ideal for larger groups or a two family holiday. The estate has its own 2½ mile stretch of salmon fishing on the River Cassley. Six rods are available from Monday to Saturday with the fishing split into two beats with rods rotating at lunchtime. Behind the cottages lies a small loch, which can provide a useful testing ground for your casting technique or an enjoyable introduction to the sport for less experienced members of your party. When it is time for a break, the estate also provides a comfortable fishermen’s hut. The Glenrossal Estate is an excellent centre for salmon, trout and sea fishing. The local area has many breathtaking hill lochs inhabited with wild brown trout and with the east coast 15 miles away and the west coast only 30 miles, the keen fisherman should never be short of sport. Licences must be obtained beforehand so please contact the estate directly to check availability. Keeper’s House is ideally located for exploring the best of the Highlands. The short drive to Ullapool, around 45 minutes, goes through breathtaking scenery to the west coast. A trip east offers the pretty sandstone villages of Dornoch, Golspie and Brora, all boasting superb sandy beaches and well known golf courses. Beach 20 miles. Shop 11 miles, pub and restaurant ¾ mile. Keeper’s House can be booked together with Birch Cottage (UK5417) and Rowan Cottage (UK5418) to accommodate up to 15 guests.