Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

If you are looking for a getaway-from-it all break with peace and quiet in beautiful surroundings, Smithy Burn is for you. The former croft sits in a unique position high up on the moor and has stunning views – on a clear day you can see Ben More Assynt which is 28 miles away. Adjacent to the Allt na Ceardaich, which translates as ‘the burn of the forge’, the original steading was once a forge on the drove road which runs down to the upper river Brora. Wildlife is abundant, and whilst having breakfast or sitting in the sunroom you might see; red deer, red kites, an osprey or even an eagle.
The croft has been remodelled by its interior designer owners in 2023 and the colourful result takes advantage of the amazing views as well as being very comfortable and well equipped for up to six guests. The owners moved the staircase to create extra space and light, added a bathroom and sunroom, and created a bar area with drinks fridge where the old stair used to be. The croft now comprises a well-equipped kitchen/dining room which easily seats six, a cosy living room featuring a wood burner, and double sofa-bed, and a large sunroom with views to the east, south and west. There is a ground floor bedroom with kingsize bed, a wet room with shower, basin and toilet, a separate toilet and a good-sized laundry room.
On the first floor is a twin bedroom with two extra-long single beds, and a new bathroom with double ended bath, basin, toilet and views across the hills. Outside there is an enclosed south facing lawned garden which includes plenty of parking space, a kennel, and a firepit with barbecue. There is a storage barn with plenty of space for bicycles, golf kit and fishing rods.
The location makes it ideal for exploring Sutherland, Caithness and Ross-shire and we are close to the NC500. Fine beaches, paddle boarding, kayaking, hill walking, stalking, fishing and shooting are all available locally. Golfers of all abilities can enjoy the championship course at Royal Dornoch as well as 18-hole courses at Brora, Golspie and Tain. A number of 9-hole courses are also within easy reach.
There is a well-stocked village shop and post office, a railway station and a pub 4½ miles away at Pittentrail. Golspie is a 20-minute drive and has a good range of shops, both Dornoch and Brora are about 25 minutes by car and fishing is available nearby. Shop 4 miles.

In the picturesque village of Fort Augustus at the southern tip of Loch Ness, this well-equipped detached holiday home makes an ideal base for touring. Walk or cycle along the Great Glen Way, take a pleasure cruise on Loch Ness or meander along the banks of the Caledonian Canal, watching the boats as they manage the locks. Visit historic castles and museums, explore remote magical glens, or follow the famous Whisky Trail. There are plenty of outdoor activities nearby and an abundance of wildlife. Fort William, Inverness and the Isle of Skye are all easily accessible. Shop ¼ mile, pub and restaurant 400 yards.

Cruives Lodge is located in a quiet location on the banks of the River Beauly and is perfect for a large family holiday, with every room providing ample space for everyone to enjoy. Walking through the front door takes you into a spacious reception area, directly in front of you is large living room with comfy sofas, TV and patio door out to the garden with its breath-taking views and sounds of the river.
The huge dining room features a large table with 18 dining chairs, and boasts amazing views of the river. Through the hall is the fully equipped kitchen, with centre island and Range master cooker. There is a large rod and boot room for drying coats and footwear after a busy day exploring the area. Leading off from here is a utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer, alongside a small cloakroom.
The property boasts six spacious double bedrooms, five of which have their own en-suite (an en-suite bedroom is located on the ground floor, ideal for those with mobility issues). The sixth bedroom is located next to the family bathroom.
Outside there is parking for six vehicles and to the front of the property is a seating area with table and chairs and a brick barbecue. The property has direct access on to the river with no secure barriers, so please be aware of this if your booking includes young children.
Cruives Lodge is located approximately 1 mile from the village of Beauly, which has a selection of local shops including a butchers and bakery, cafés, restaurants and bars. There are many lovely walks in the area, and you can take in the beautiful scenery directly from the lodge. Inverness City is 20 minutes away and offers something for everyone. There are four golf courses nearby, one of which is Castle Stuart which has hosted The Scottish Open. Enjoy fishing in the River Ness, visit the Eden Court Theatre, take in a film at the cinema, or spend a day at the trampoline park or the Aquadome.
Why not book a boat trip up Loch Ness and experience the scenery, visit Urquhart Castle and maybe spot Nessie, the infamous Loch Ness Monster? Cruives Lodge is the perfect base from which to explore the local area and then relax in beautiful surroundings in the evening. The lodge and its location will not disappoint as your base for your holiday in the Highlands.

Sleeping up to six guests, Broom Cottage is a traditional 1900s sleeper-built cottage with wonderful walking and biking trails right on the doorstep.
Perfect for families and outdoor adventurers, the Cairngorms National Park offers incredible landscapes and wildlife. Hike up nearby Ben Macdui or visit the Highland Wildlife Park and the Highland Folk Museum. Head to the water-sports hubs of Loch Insh or beautiful sandy Loch Morlich, where you can enjoy sailing, canoeing, paddle-boarding and windsurfing - with tuition available if required.
Grab your clubs for a game of golf in Newtonmore, visit the swimming pool or catch a game of shinty! And you won’t want to miss the Newtonmore Highland Games in August, or the Hogmanay fireworks and torchlit procession! Nip along the road to Kingussie for its golf club, its shops, the remains of Ruthven Barracks or a Highland adventure by horseback.
A snowsports hub, Aviemore sits about 16 miles north, hosting a historic ceremonial stone circle, the Strathspey Steam Railway, the Craigellachie National Nature Reserve....and of course the Cairngorms ski resort! Fort William, Inverness and Ben Nevis are also within easy reach! This area offers so much for the visitor, so whether you choose to ski, walk, cycle, birdwatch or simply relax, you will enjoy your holiday and most certainly love this cottage. This is an excellent base for family holidays, with so much to see and do nearby.

Wee Corsee is located in a quiet area in Nairn only a short walk to the local amenities. Nairn has lots to offer such as a beautiful sandy beach, two golf courses for the enthusiastic golfer, fishing, a selection of local shops, two supermarkets, and a selection of cafés, restaurants and bars.
The property has double gates to the off-street parking for two vehicles, there is a relaxing seating area at the side of the property with a barbecue perfect for al fresco dining. Walking through the front door takes you into the hallway with a storage area for coats and footwear, there is a basket with some towels for any of our wet four-legged friends. The ground floor has a spacious double bedroom with kingsize bed, plenty of storage and ambient lamps, and even a Smart TV for those slower mornings. This room also benefits from an en-suite shower room with a walk-in shower. Upstairs there is a bright open plan living area with comfy sofas and Smart TV then the dining area has a table and plenty of seating for four guests. The modern fully equipped kitchen has everything you need to cook a hearty home-cooked meal, there is a separate utility area should you wish to use it. The second bedroom is on this floor it is a large room similar to the master but with a super kingsize zip and link bed - this can become a twin room on request. There is a family bathroom that has a bath with a shower over. There is a selection of games, DVDs and reading material to entertain the younger guests.
Wee Corsee is the perfect location to base yourself to explore Nairn and the surrounding area, Inverness the capital of the Highlands is only 20 minutes away, with Culloden Moor also on your doorstep. Nairn has a train station which allows you to fly to Inverness Airport and take the train from the newly opened station to Nairn in less than 10 minutes. Wee Corsee and the town of Nairn will definitely not disappoint as your base for your holiday in the Highlands. Beach 500 yards. Pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

This beautiful semi-detached, 19th-century farmhouse tastefully blends original features with contemporary style, offering space and comfort in a stunning rural setting. With wonderful views over the River Tay and rolling hills, this charming holiday cottage is on the edge of a steading conversion where ducks and geese swim on the old mill race. Newburgh village is a short stroll with shops, art gallery and dining pubs. Golf, fishing, cycling, motor racing and sky diving nearby. Visit Perth, 13 miles, St Andrews, 20 miles or just savour the peace. Within walking distance of the property is Lindores Abbey Distillery which offers tours. Shops and pubs ½ mile.

Newburgh C Listed Townhouse, which is set over three floors, has enjoyed a whole new makeover and pampering in 2021. Now with its high-end finishes and tasteful decoration throughout, you will enjoy staying in this warm and welcoming house with its sumptuous quality furnishings and homely feel.
Perched on the south side of the Firth of Tay, the townhouse has views out to the Firth from the upper bedrooms, where visitors can access the start of the Fife Coastal Path. The elevated living room has north and south facing windows plus a cosy open fire to sit by on a cool day. The ground floor comprises of a kitchen/dining room with views and access out to the courtyard. The south-facing private garden is laid with stone and surrounded by beautiful plants and alpines. Up one step from the ground floor is the shower room and then carry-on up a rounded turret staircase to the next level.
The first floor comprises of the living room, an adult-size bunk bed room, and separate toilet. The top floor includes a king-size and twin room. Each of these rooms have windows on both sides of the property to allow sunlight to filter in. The property also has space for 2 cars with off-road parking and a utility room in the garden area for extra storage, and an under-counter full freezer.
No need to use the kitchen when the village has its own distillery! Just a 10-minute walk away and you will find yourself at the award winning Lindores Abbey Distillery. Live music, whisky tasting, gin, distillery tours, beautiful cheese boards are just a few of the features! East Port café and Jamesfield Farm shop are also local. 5 minutes’ drive away to the next village over and you can get excellent food from Abernethy’s Crees Inn pub or Clootie McToot Dumplings Café.
Situated in North Fife and on the border of Perthshire there are dozens of beautiful walks, coastal paths and hills to explore. Walk through the enchanted forest and under a waterfall at Maspie Den then on to Falkland Palace.
Shops and pubs ½ mile.

Aonach Cottage offers complete tranquillity in a truly peaceful setting. Only 3 miles from sea lochs and the amenities of Glencoe village, the cottage has all the comforts and flexibility of home, among the spectacular and dramatic mountain scenery of Glencoe. It sits below some of Scotland’s highest mountains, and enjoys panoramic mountain views, including a stunning view of the Aonach Eagach Ridge and towards Bidean Nam Bian. There are numerous walks from the door, including to the Corbett Meall Lighiche and the lesser-known Munro, Sgor na h-Ulaidh. The views from the windows are just stunning. With no light pollution, you can enjoy star gazing across the dark night sky. From the front door you can wander further up the peaceful glen alongside a mountain burn and enjoy beautiful scenery and a feeling of being in the hills, even if you are not a hill walker.
Sharing a completely enclosed deer-fenced area of the mountain with its sister cottage Bidean Cottage (UK41933) and the owners’ farmhouse, Aonach Cottage is accessed by a 1-mile hard surfaced farm road off the main route through Glencoe. Glencoe is a lovely highland village with many amenities including a mini-market, café, hotel, pub, filling station, church and dentists and there are some fabulous restaurants, cafés, and pubs nearby, all serving good, local food. The nearby village of Ballachulish has a small supermarket, doctor’s surgery, tourist information with coffee shop and a bar/restaurant. Steeped in history, Glencoe is surrounded by the most breath-taking scenery of mountains and lochs and the area offers a large range of sports and outdoor activities, including winter sports, hill walking, climbing, mountaineering, fishing and water sports, mountain biking and golfing. The town of Fort William is 18 miles or 30 minutes’ drive, from the cottages and offers shopping and a wealth of activities. Oban, known as the ’Gateway to the Isles’, is only 36 miles away. Glencoe Mountain Resort, with skiing, mountain biking and other activities is a 20-minute drive through the glen.
The cottages can be booked together to accommodate up to 12 guests.

This beautiful, detached property is ideal for a week away in a scenic location. The town of Forres is easily accessible, boasting various shops, pubs and cafés where you can stock up on any essentials and delight in an evening away from the kitchen. Alternatively, travel to the seaside town of Nairn, where you will find fantastic amenities, or why not visit some local smaller highland villages close by.
There are plenty of popular attractions in the area, which offer the chance to discover the adventurous landscape of Scotland, including the Cairngorm Mountains, the famous Loch Ness and the glorious views and coastal attractions from Findhorn. This property and location have it all! For historical Scottish attractions, venture anywhere the list is vertically endless. From Brodie Castle and grounds less than a 15 minute drive away, to slightly further afield, Castle Urquhart, Loch Ness and attractions, Elgin Cathedral, Culloden Visitor Centre and battlefield. And proudly, Sueno’s Stone is a Picto-Scottish Class III standing stone. Situated in Forres just 7 miles away, it is the largest surviving Pictish style cross-slab stone of its type in Scotland, standing 6½ metres.
For sport and Adventure fanatics, Aviemore is just 35 minutes away, being a very popular highland town at the base of the Cairngorms Mountains, and is the heart of every sporting adventure any time of year. Everything you could want from mountain or quad biking, Skiing, winter sports, walking, climbing, water sports, and even Dog sled championships are held here! Ace Adventure is 5 minutes away, offering a huge range of sporting and water activities like canoeing, white water rafting, and cliff jumping to name a few, or, also offering paint balling, family rafting, canoeing, tubing and more for youngsters and families. Landmark Forest activity park is in Carrbridge 30 minutes away with climbing wall, high wire course, maze, raft ride and rollercoaster, making a brilliant family day out! A 5 minute drive away will land you at Randolph’s Leap and Slue walk, which equally are both breath-taking and spectacular.
Beach lovers can spend a day at one of the beautiful beaches in Moray Firth. Visit Findhorn Bay, beautiful Nairn Beach, the astonishing Cullen Bay and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience dolphin and Killer whale watching from the Moray Coastline or one of the many boat trips to get a little closer!
Whisky enthusiasts? This area, Moray and Speyside, is known as Malt Whisky County and The Laurels is slap-bang in the middle, with many distilleries we even have a Malt Whisky Trail. Only a 10 minute drive to the Benromach distillery, in Forres. A little further you have the very popular Speyside, famous for the abundance of local distillery tours, including The Macallan Estate, whilst a little further you will also find Dufftown on the stunning Speyside Way, with seven distilleries including Glenfiddich and Balvenie.
You’ll also find endless trails and walks along the roaring river, see where The Spey collides with the River Findhorn. High-rocky verges and swooping drops, these walks are hidden Local gems, and not to be missed!
Walking and biking a little closer to base? The large Garden is a great space for relaxing or games, and at the bottom of the garden is The Dava Way. This is recognised as one of Scotland’s Great Trails and is unquestionably one of the country’s finest long-distance walking and off-road cycling routes. It follows the old Highland Railway line for 24 miles (38 km) between Forres and Grantown-on-Spey! We are situated next to old Dunphail train station the most point of this trail. And if you look across the road from the house you will see the old platform hiding, but nature has started to take back! Having lots of outdoor space, you don’t need to go far past the doorstep! Walking adventures! The neighbouring woods, and Moore land 2 minutes’ walk from the door. Needless to say, this is the ideal base for holidaymakers wanting to visit the local area and many attractions that this location has to offer.

With accommodation all on the ground floor, this lodge offers a comfortable, open-plan living space with a beautiful log fire, dining table for six and fully equipped kitchen. There are two en-suite bedrooms, and a further family bathroom. There are plenty of outdoor attractions in the area, including some of the country’s best hill walking. There are also opportunities for canoeing, pony-trekking, loch cruises and dolphin-watching boat trips.
The peaceful, countryside setting is within reach of the stunning Glen Affric National Nature Reserve, with its gentle lochs, haunting moorland and enchanting woodland where you can enjoy pleasant walks and birdwatching. The increasingly popular NC500 route around the north coast of Scotland runs right through Beauly! The Highland capital of Inverness is also just 11 miles away. Culmill Lodges are near Drumnadrochit and famous Urquhart ruined castle, with the famous Loch Ness 8 miles away. You will be amazed at the choices available to you in this fabulous region as you return to your cosy lodge at the end of an active day.
Birch (ref UK38858) can be booked together with Beech (ref UK38859) to accommodate up to 8 guests.