Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

Set on the fringes of Aviemore village, a wonderful location for enjoying the great outdoors in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, these superbly appointed and beautifully furnished properties offer a very high degree of comfort. Sitting in a quiet cul de sac, they are ideal for family gatherings. All of the four properties (refs S4401, S4402, S4615 and S4538) enjoy their own private hot tub (each for 4 people) and S4401, S4402 and S4538 have a digital, infrared sauna with music and colour system, Freeview TVs and hairdryers in all bedrooms. Aviemore is a renowned centre for outdoor pursuits – excellent climbing and hill walking, competition standard mountain bike tracks, water sports on Lochs Morlich and Insch and, of course, skiing and snow boarding in season are just some of the activities on offer. The fishing and golf are similarly excellent, with trout fishing available all year at Rothiemurchus Estate, 2 miles, or hire equipment (at cost, licence required) for salmon fishing at the River Spey (seasonal). Sled dog rides, train trips to the resort at the top of the mountain, and the Strathspey steam railway are also found here and Britain’s only freely roaming reindeer herd can be spotted against the stunning backdrop of Glenmore. Shops, good restaurants, themed bars, live music are all within ½ mile. Other great attractions in the area are The Highland Wildlife Centre with Amur tigers, wolves and polar bear, The Landmark Centre, Tree Zone; an incredible aerial adventure and Aviemore Highland Resort Leisure Centre with its own wavepool, water slides and cinema.

The Ivy Wing and The Cottage are situated in the courtyard of Barrock House, and surrounded by landscaped grounds and mature woodland. This provides shelter for an abundance of bird and wild life with pleasant walks close at hand and the scenic beaches of Sinclair and Dunnet Bay are just 5 minutes by car. The Cottage makes the perfect base for touring this unspoilt and tranquil part of the Highlands. Visit the Castle and Gardens of Mey, the Queen Mother’s Highland home, John O’Groats, Wick Heritage and Lyth Arts Centre, or take a wildlife or distillery tour. Golfing, fishing, sea trips or walking along the many miles of rugged coastline are just some of the many activities available. Lyth is situated just 10 miles north of Wick and 15 miles from Thurso, making the beautiful Orkney Isles easily accessible by car ferry for day trips. Both properties can be booked together for larger groups (ref’s W42082 and W42083). Shop, pub and restaurant 4.5 miles.

The Brahan Estate is famous around the world for the ‘Brahan Seer’, an estate worker in the 17th-century called Kenneth Mackenzie or ‘Kenneth the Sallow’, whose prophecies came true, namely the Battle of Culloden. The estate was also home to the Seaforths, Chiefs of the Clan Mackenzie. Brahan Estate is the site of many a romantic episode relating to the Jacobite Risings.
The interior of the cottage is perfect for a family of four, two couples or even a couple wanting more space. The living/dining room is a great space with a cosy open fire. Most rooms offer views our over the surrounding Highland countryside.
There are many historical tales to soak up during your stay at Balnain 1. The geography of the estate, with the mature River Conon taking centre stage and meandering through the landscape, is truly wonderful. This rich natural environment boasts an abundance of flora and fauna to spot and enjoy during your stay.
The river is sure to be of interest to keen fisherman, with brownies as well as salmon a possibility. Loch Ussie is also well worth exploring, with both the river and the loch free to fish for those staying in estate properties. Other sports available on the estate include clay pigeon shooting, stalking, hiking and even golf on the wee estate course. Please contact the owners prior for more details.
Balnain 1 is set between the Royal Burgh of Dingwall and the village of Contin, perfectly placed for those wanting to explore beyond the beautiful confines of the estate and see the majesty of the Scottish Highlands. Within an hour and a half you can be on the Isle of Skye, exploring the Torridon Range, or strolling along the awe-inspiring coasts of Sutherland. As a base for exploring the Scottish Highlands, Balnain 1 is absolutely perfect. Beach 17 miles. Balnain 1 can be booked together with Seaforth Cottages (UK32542) to accommodate up to 13 guests.

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.

Escape to this delightful detached holiday cottage, part of the Old Inzievar House estate which is situated in beautiful and natural parkland, on a working farm with varied livestock, about 6 miles west of Dunfermline and 1 mile from the historic Culross village and abbey on the Forth Estuary. Fernwoodlea has been thoughtfully restored to retain many original features and provides spacious, comfortable accommodation. Ideal for relaxing and enjoying the area and all it has to offer with friends and family. You can curl up with a book in the cosy living room in front of the wood burner on cooler days or sit in the garden with a glass of wine.

If you are feeling more energetic, try the owner’s tennis court, or with permission from the owners, a tour of the restored walled garden can be arranged. This rural haven has excellent access to dog friendly walks, cycle paths, and outdoor amenities, but within easy access of Edinburgh 24 miles, Perth 33 miles and Stirling 18 miles. Shop 1½ miles, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

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.

This beautifully finished, detached, Highland lodge is situated almost exactly in the central point of Scotland; a monument marking the point is just a short walk down the lane. The Den is perfectly located to explore the Cairngorms National Park, but because it is so central in the Highlands and the country, there are also amazing sights to see within a short drive. Ben Nevis lies to the west, whilst Inverness and the Black Isle are to the east.
The Den is set in a lovely, quiet site with space all around and views of the Cairngorms. It is less than ¾ mile from the A9, and is very conveniently located for a short break to explore this amazing part of Scotland, maybe as part of a larger tour. Arriving at The Den, you will be immediately pleased with its location and how it has been finished. Its spacious, open plan layout has been decorated beautifully, and has an enormous amount of light flooding in. A patio door leads out onto the large decking area, which has an excellent aspect of the mountains. It is the perfect spot to sit in with a glass of wine in the evening. The site has a lot of shared space to explore with children, including a large play area. It is also a great site for dogs because there are many walks to explore right from the doorstep. If you have your own horse, stabling is available by direct arrangement with the owner, who lives on the adjacent farm. The village of Newtonmore is only a few miles away with pubs and restaurants, as well as a supermarket. Shop 4 miles, pub and restaurant 3 miles.
The Den can be booked together with Cruachan (UK13683) to accommodate up to 10 guests.

Situated on the spectacular west coast, this semi-detached house, attached to Cuillin View Apartment (ref UK12829), is located close to the village of Arisaig (Gaelic for ’the safe place’). With miles of sandy beaches on the doorstep, the area is renowned for its wonderful scenery, incredible wildlife and wealth of sporting activities including sea kayaking, sailing and canoeing. There is a sea kayaking centre in the village, with professional guides and equipment for hire. Small private craft can also be launched from the harbour slipway, and cruises to the nearby islands of Eigg, Muck and Rum run from the harbour. Sightings of Minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, otters and puffins can all be encountered at various times of the year.

Only 200 yards away is Traigh Golf Course which is one of the prettiest courses in Britain. This 9-hole course, right on the edge of the sea, is a classic seaside links in a breathtaking setting. The immediately surrounding area is a haven for walkers and there are a variety of spectacular routes direct from the property, suitable for all abilities. The town of Fort William, just 40 minutes drive away, is rightly known as the outdoor capital of the UK and the wealth of activities, outdoor pursuits and places of interest available are world renowned. Climbing and hill walking in this area are second to none, and the Nevis range offers an amazing variety of other sporting activities all year round, including para gliding, skiing, snowboarding and a world class mountain bike course.

The less energetic can take a spectacular ride on the gondola that runs up the side of Aanoch Mor and enjoy a meal at the famous mountain restaurant at the top, or enjoy a cycle ride along the scenic Great Glen Cycle route that runs along the side of the Caledonian Canal (bikes available to hire locally). In the summer months, the West Highland steam train or Hogwart’s Express of Harry Potter fame passes through Arisaig as it runs along the wonderfully scenic route through to Mallaig. Visitors to Mallaig can take the boat across the sea to Skye, returning via Skye Bridge to complete a spectacular circular tour. Beach 200 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles.
Cuillin View House can be booked together with Cuillin View Apartment (ref UK12529) to accommodate up to 9 guests.

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.

Come and marvel at the sea views from Armadale House located in Portmahomack. Occupying a central position in the town, the house is close to the harbour and the town’s amenities. With a sandy beach nearby, this holiday home makes for a perfect location for exploring Easter Ross, Sutherland and the wider Highlands, as well as enjoying the local walks and family time at the beach. Portmahomack is one of the seaboard villages of Balintore, Shandwick and Hilton of Cadboll. The closest largest town of Tain is 10 miles away, where you will find restaurants, supermarkets and places to eat;the world-famous golf town of Dornoch is 23 miles, and the Highland capital of Inverness is 40 miles.
Armadale house is a two bedroomed traditional property with parking on the street outside, boasting a ground floor living room and well-equipped kitchen/diner that are sure to make your stay warm and welcoming. The property is also an ideal choice if you are travelling with dogs; the owners have catered for their home from home comforts too. A holiday to Scotland should be on everyone’s agenda, but a stay in Armadale house should definitely be on yours. Beach 50 yards.