Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

Fionn Croft Lodge is a contemporary, architect designed, eco-friendly lodge situated in a stunning location on the renowned west coast. This impressive two-storey wooden lodge, with a unique ‘boat-end feature’ is light, airy and spacious, providing a high standard of accommodation in a wonderful setting.
The main living area on the ground floor is open plan with floor to ceiling, triple glazed windows looking out across the 2-acre grounds to the sea beyond. This spacious room is an ideal spot to sit and enjoy the stunning sunsets, and watch for local wildlife. Whales, dolphins, otters and a wide variety of seabirds are seen close by. A large wood burner offers a warm welcoming ambience and also provides the main heating for the house. The kitchen is partially separated just off the dining area. It is extremely well-equipped throughout, with two ovens and even a coffee making machine. There is a double bedroom on the ground floor and a spacious shower room. The main bedroom on the first floor is truly superb. It has floor to ceiling windows looking out across the sea to the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides. There is a third twin room and a family sized shower room on this floor too.
The lodge is situated on a small working croft in the remote and pretty hamlet of Melvaig. It is the last habitation on a dramatic road that leads from Gairloch to the Rubha Reidh Lighthouse, following the coast along the way. Three miles along the road ends at the north headland, where there is a lovely walk out from the lighthouse, and the chance to spot rare white tailed eagles and other local wildlife. There is plenty to see and do in the immediate area and for water sports enthusiasts, there is a small slipway in Melvaig to launch kayaks and small crafts. The nearby village of Gairloch, just 15 minutes’ drive away, has a good selection of amenities including shops, restaurants, bars, boat trips, fishing trips, golf course and an interesting local museum. With stunning sandy beaches, hill-walking, sailing, cycling, fishing and wonderful wildlife, Fionn Croft Lodge provides an ideal base for a truly memorable Highland holiday. Beach 100 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 9 miles.

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.

The Drift, Shepherd’s Hut has been inspired by a traditional, original design, and has been cleverly conceived by the owners to provide every amenity in a small but beautifully contained space. Perched on the hillside above Skye and the Outer Hebrides, in its own croft land setting, it provides warm, cosy, peaceful accommodation in a totally undisturbed setting. Ideal for couples and singles who truly want to get away from it all. The living, dining, kitchen and bedroom areas are all heated by a cosy wood burner, and the wet room completes this lovely shepherds hut.
The renowned west coast village of Gairloch is just a short 5-mile drive away, which has an excellent selection of amenities, including a good selection of shops, small supermarket, restaurants, bars and cafes. Fishing and sightseeing boat trips run from Gairloch throughout the season, along with hill-walking, climbing, sailing, kayaking all available locally. There are wonderful walks direct from the hut, along with numerous spectacular sandy beaches all along this unspoilt coastline. There are many places to visit, including the Inverewe Gardens near Poolewe, Loch Maree and the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve near Kinlochewe, and to the south, Torridon and the outstanding mountain scenery in this area as well as the pretty village of Lochcarron. A trip to Ullapool is within a day trip from Gairloch and you will pass several highland villages and crofting communities along the way, including Poolewe, Aultbea, Laide, Camusnagaul, Dundonnell. Beach 170 yards.

Located in an elevated position with spectacular views over Melvaig and the Minch overlooking the Isle of Skye, Harris and Lewis from the conservatory as well as the bedrooms. Otterburn 1 is a semi-detached traditional cottage recently upgraded with new kitchen and bathroom. Situated in Melvaig on the west coast, 15 miles from Gairloch in Wester Ross. A 20-minute drive from Gairloch. Views over the Minch to Rona, Raasay and the Isle of Skye.

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!