Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

Mackenzie Cottage is a traditional style, detached cottage situated in the charming and renowned village of Poolewe in the north west Highlands. The cottage is beautifully presented throughout, with lots of attractive personal touches reflecting a Highland theme. There is a cosy living room on the ground floor with a feature electric wood burner. The kitchen/dining room is bright, contemporary and very well equipped. There are two double bedrooms upstairs, one with a 6’6" bed that converts into twin beds if required. This room enjoys superb views over the river to the hills beyond. Situated just 30 yards from the beach and with excellent local amenities a short stroll from the cottage, it provides an ideal base for a wonderful Highland holiday.
The immediate area is renowned for its wonderful beaches and breathtaking scenery. Wildlife abounds and otters, seals and a myriad of bird life can be seen locally. The sub-tropical gardens of Inverewe are simply stunning and offer visitors a memorable day out. Due to its temperate climate, which is warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream, an exceptional variety of plants flourish here. The pretty village of Poolewe has excellent local amenities, all within easy walking distance, including café, village shop and even a swimming pool. The surrounding area offers a wealth of activities and places of interest. Loch beach 30 yards.

Cuckoo’s Nest is a comfortable detached family holiday home on a croft, set beside the shores of Loch Ewe. It’s the perfect Highland retreat on Scotland’s wild west coast away from modern life, where you can truly switch off and relax. The accommodation provides a very comfortable place to spend a week or short break if touring the North Coast 500. Comfortably sleeping 5 adults, this three bedroom cottage also has the option of a cot for a younger visitor. The living room is a great space for a family, with a wall-mounted TV and centrally placed open fire. There’s a selection of board games for those hard to miss wet days of the west coast, and a huge window to watch the ever changing weather across the loch. In the kitchen you will find all modern conveniences, including an induction hob and cooker, microwave and even a slow cooker for those days when you’re out exploring the local area. The dining area in the kitchen has a large family table with ample space for 5 and a younger one in a highchair. There is a useful utility room off of the kitchen perfect for muddy feet and paws. There are three good sized bedrooms, with the master having a kingsize bed, a second bedroom with a double and the third with a single. The bathroom has a wonderful large drench shower and a bath.
From the front door there are walks aplenty, and only a short stroll away, there is a bay and slipway where you can launch kayaks from to go wildlife watching in Loch Ewe. You’ll have a good chance of seeing otters and seals, as well as harbour porpoises and possibly dolphins. The fishing is fantastic too, and from the slipway you’ll be able to catch mackerel for supper if you wish. Also, if you have your own boat and trailer, you can launch from this slipway. Beyond Cove you will find remains of WW2 bunkers used to protect the entrance of the deep sea loch which was a safe harbour for Russian convoy submarines, you can find out more about the history in the Russian Convoy museum in Aultbea.
There is an outstanding local red-hued sandy beach only one mile from the house called Firemore Beach. Poolewe is only 8 miles away with its shops and places to eat, as well as local market every Tuesday between April and October. Inverewe Gardens sits on the shores of Loch Ewe in Poolewe and Gairloch is only 8 miles further away, plus the magical landscape of Wester Ross is at your disposal to explore. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 8 miles.

Osprey Lodge is situated in an elevated position, deep in the Sutherland hills, tucked away down a private track, and enjoying unbelievable views across the surrounding hills and open countryside. This superb, detached solid wood lodge enjoys total peace and privacy, set in 50 hectares of croft land. The accommodation is presented to a very good standard throughout. The delightful open plan living space features a welcoming wood burner in the living area, as well as patio doors that open onto the raised decking, with a private hot tub and sitting-out area. There are two beautifully presented kingsize bedrooms with colour coordinated soft furnishings allowing for a good nights’ sleep. This property is very accessible for wheelchair users, with a level entrance and modern bathroom with a claw-footed bath and accessible wet room walk-in shower.

Situated on a working farm where the friendly cattle and sheep roam freely, this is a haven for wildlife and you may also stumble upon osprey, deer, pine martin, red kites, golden eagles and curlews. Whilst completely private, it is just over 1 mile to the pretty stone village of Rogart which is home to a thriving village pub that serves meals, as well as a shop, post office and railway station. It is ideally located for exploring the whole of the Highlands, with many places of interest within a short drive. Dunrobin Castle, seat of the Duke of Sutherland, with its gardens modelled on Versailles is well worth a visit. Or experience salmon leaping up the famous Falls of Shin, and mountain biking, hill walking, fishing, and various water sports are all available locally. The historic seaside town of Dornoch is just 15 minutes’ drive away, where you can visit the sandy beach and the renowned championship golf course, as well as the 12th-century cathedral that dominates the central square. Beach 17¾ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

Ardlearag is an outstanding architecturally-designed and timber-clad holiday home in the North West Scotland. Overlooking the sea loch Little Loch Broom, Ardlearag also has views of the isolated Scoraig peninsula and wee mountain Beinn Ghobhlach across the loch, and to the east An Teallach, a fabulous Munro, is in view and only a few miles away. Staying at Ardlearag is like striking gold. Pulling up at the stunning property you won’t believe your luck. Any length of time booked is guaranteed to be too short.

The property nestles into the landscape right beside the water and is surrounded by mountains. The area around Ardlearag is known as the ‘great wilderness’ and staying at the property makes it easy to see why. The front of the house looks towards the water and mountains -quite rightly - so you enter through the back door. On the left there’s a well-placed utility room, perfect for cleaning up after long days out exploring in the wilds. Quickly you discover the wow factor of the house, which is the vast amount of glass in the open plan living/dining/kitchen area. Views up the loch and across the water are truly sensational. It’s an amazing room making the most of the surroundings, and it’s finished to a fantastic high standard (like the whole house). To return to this room after days out on adventures is pure bliss.

Beyond the house the great wilderness awaits. An Teallach is a fantastic Munro and with it being so close it deserves an attempt or two during your holiday. Ullapool and Assynt beyond are not far away, and to the south the coastal villages of Aultbea, Poolewe and Gairloch with numerous sandy beaches to choose from await. Staying at Ardlearag is a superb choice for the most amazing of Highland holidays. Book now and forever be happy with your choice!

Enjoying a quiet setting with panoramic views across the extensive grounds and on towards the beautiful Cairngorm mountain range, Sunnyside House makes just the perfect base for exploring one of the most scenic and popular holiday destinations in Scotland. The house has been equipped and furnished to a high standard which will ensure you have as supremely comfortable and relaxing holiday as possible, with your every need taken care of. Robes are provided for after a soak in the hot tub and dog beds, cages and dishes are included for your four-legged friends.
Located just a mile or so from the centre of the village of Carrbridge and only 11 miles from the vibrant town of Aviemore, both situated in the heart of The Cairngorms National Park and at the head of the Speyside Way, Sunnyside House can be used as a base to explore or to relax and unwind. Carrbridge has the usual village facilities with a larger range available in Aviemore. The area boasts a super range of shops, restaurants and bars along with a wide range of outdoor activities – skiing and snowboarding, mountain and quad biking, climbing and hill walking and a variety of water sports on nearby Loch Insh, Loch Morlich and the River Spey, zip lining and zorbing are just a few of the myriad of activities available. Take a trip on the Cairngorm Mountain funicular railway, the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre or the Highland Wildlife Park at nearby Kingussie and the Landmark Forest Adventure Park which is just a short distance from the house – a superb day of fun for all ages. Visit the lovely Spey Valley golf course and the Dalfaber Leisure Resort in Aviemore with its wonderful array of leisure activities.
Further afield, take a trip to the beautiful west coast and the Isle of Skye or a day trip to the Orkney Islands is well worth the effort. Visit the Moray coastline peppered with little fishing villages and beautiful beaches – voted in the top 20 of the best coastline destinations in the world. This is an area with so much to offer, see and do for all ages. For the less energetic, you can sit back by the side of the wood burner or soak in the hot tub and let the stresses of everyday life slip away. So many happy and unforgettable memories will be made on your holiday in Sunnyside House. Beach 24½ miles. Shop 1½ miles, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

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.

This charming former fisherman’s cottage, with enclosed garden, is set in the heart of Fishertown which forms part of the lively town of Nairn. Located on the Moray Coast, Nairn boasts a sandy beach which is just a few minutes’ walk from the holiday cottage. A toy cupboard provides amusement at the cottage. Seashell Cottage is ideally situated to enjoy the variety of facilities the town has to offer including a links golf course, fishing and boat trips to see the bottlenose dolphins. Cawdor and Brodie Castle are nearby along with numerous distilleries - take the Whisky Trail on Speyside. Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield and Inverness, the Highland capital are all within a short drive. Shop, pub and restaurant 500 yards.

Enjoying a peaceful yet central setting within the pretty village of Auldearn, this semi-detached, traditional holiday property has been furnished and equipped to a good standard to ensure as comfortable and relaxing holiday as possible. Just three miles from the seaside village of Nairn with its long sweeping sandy beaches and local amenities, Tigh Na Bruiach (Gaelic for ‘House on the Hill’) makes a super holiday base for exploring this wonderful part of the Northern Highlands. Visit Culloden Battlefield, Fort George, Inverness, and Loch Ness, all within a very easy drive. Brodie and Cawdor Castles are just a short distance and well worth a visit. You can meander along the Moray Coast and visit some of the beautiful, unspoilt beaches and hopefully catch sight of the dolphins, seals and large variety of birdlife this area is renowned for. Take a trip along the Malt Whisky Trail – the only one of its kind in the world! Further afield, go to the scenic West Coast, Fort William or the enigmatic Orkney Islands. Golf, mountain biking, kayaking, hill walking and photography are some of the many activities available.

A warm highland welcome awaits you at Blueberry Hill, which enjoys a peaceful setting just a mile outside of the popular village of Beauly. This lovely, cosy holiday apartment has been furnished and equipped to a very good standard to ensure your holiday is as enjoyable and relaxing as possible. Blueberry Hill makes a super base for exploring this fantastic part of the northern Highlands. The village of Beauly has a lovely selection of quality shops and restaurants for you to enjoy. Nearby Muir of Ord boasts the Glen Ord Distillery and Visitor Centre, where you can sample their lovely whisky. Inverness, the Highland capital, is only 15 miles away from the Beauly and enjoys a large number of shops, a cinema, theatre and museums. Take a trip along the Moray coastline, which is dotted with small fishing villages and unspoilt and quiet sandy beaches, and you can also take a trip along the Moray Malt Whisky Trail, the only one of its kind in the world. Enjoy a day at Culloden Battlefield, Fort George or Brodie and Cawdor Castles, all steeped in history and well worth a visit.
Slightly to the south is Loch Ness and Drumnadrochit where you can explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness. To the north you will find the vast unspoilt counties of Sutherland and Caithness. Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park are within an easy drive with so many outdoor pursuits and visitor attractions that you will be spoilt for choice. Visit the stunning beauty of the west coast and the Isle of Skye within driving distance, you can enjoy a super day out where castles, historic sites and great places to eat are abundant. Amongst the many activities the area has to offer you will find mountain biking, water sports, hill and mountain climbing, horse riding, paint balling and quad biking just to name a few. A holiday in Blueberry Hill is where many happy memories of your holiday will be made. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.