Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

Am Bothan is a delightful, single-storey, detached cottage with veranda and seating enjoying stunning views across Loch Ewe to the mountains beyond. Nestled, but totally private within the gardens of the owner’s home, separated by a shared driveway, it is perfect for couples or a small family wishing to explore this totally unspoilt and truly awe-inspiring part of the Scottish Highlands.The immediate area is renowned for it’s sandy beaches and breathtaking scenery, wildlife abounds with otters, seals, feral goats, deer and a myriad of bird-life.
National Trust Scotland owned, Inverewe Botanical gardens are 3.5 miles away. Due to its temperate climate, which is warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream, an exceptional and surprising variety of plants flourish here. The pretty village of Poolewe is 2¾ miles away and has two cafés, a food cart serving stone baked pizzas, village shop with post office, off license and supermarket, pub and municipal swimming pool. The surrounding area offers a wealth of activities including mountain biking, kayaking, hill walking, climbing and sea fishing. The Fisher Field Forest which you can trek to,has been listed as one of the last remaining truly wild places in the United Kingdom. Wild swimming can be had just minutes from the door in Naast cove which you can see from the cottage veranda. Boat trips can be booked from nearby Gairloch for sightings of porpoises, minke whales and other sea life. Also trips to the Shiant Isles renown for it’s bird life including sea eagles,puffins, guillemots and cormorants. There are numerous superb beaches close at hand. Further afield you can visit some of the small villages dotted along the coast or take a day trip to the beautiful Isle of Skye. Sandy Firemore beach 3 miles. Cove, looking out to the Atlantic Ocean with memorial, remembered for the Norwegian Convoy of the 2nd World War, is 5 miles away. The owners are both artists and offer one to one or small group drawing lessons at an additional cost. African drumming lessons can be arranged too. One certainly is not at a loss for inspiration at Am Bothan.

Set in open countryside, above the charming seaside village of Portmahomack, Sheaf Dale is a beautifully presented cottage with a private hot tub in the gardens and a rear gated parking area, ideal for trailers with canoes, bicycles or other equipment. This single-storey, terraced, whitewashed stone cottage is tucked away along a quiet lane on the owner’s working arable and sheep farm. It has been painstakingly restored and renovated throughout and provides a good standard of accommodation in a peaceful yet accessible location. The large, airy living room looks out across the fields, and there is a spacious, well-equipped kitchen/dining room, with plenty of room for up to six guests. The master bedroom features a super kingsize bed and a wall-mounted TV, and both the double bedroom and the bunk bedroom are superbly presented with colour-coordinated soft furnishings. Exposed stone walls and large canvases of the local area add to the property’s charm. There is a secluded lawned garden with a sandstone patio area that leads down to the feature hot tub, making this an ideal property for couples, honeymooners and families wishing to have a relaxing, pampering holiday.

The picturesque seaside village of Portmahomack is just 1 mile away, with its sweeping sandy beach and stunning mountain backdrop, it is a superb spot to walk, picnic, swim or kayak. There is a small harbour with a pier, ideal for a spot of crabbing or fishing. The village has a good selection of amenities, including a shop, pub and café, as well as a renowned seafood restaurant. A traditional links golf course, Tarbat Golf Club which is open to visitors, is just a short walk away and there are numerous other renowned golf courses in the area including Royal Dornoch and Tain Golf Course which looks across the Dornoch Firth to Dornoch. The region is renowned for its archaeological sites and at the nearby Tarbat Discovery Centre there is a fascinating display of Pict, Norse and Medieval artefacts. Within a 10-minute drive lies the Royal Burgh of Tain, established as a Royal Burgh in 1066, and the Tain Museum houses the famous original Tain Silver Collection. Predominantly built out of local sandstone, Tain is a charming historic town which offers an excellent selection of small shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs, as well as a wide variety of sporting and recreational facilities. Nearby places of interest include the whisky distillery centre, home of the famous Glenmorangie Distillery where you can take a tour and sample the single malt, the famous Falls of Shin, one of the few places to see salmon leaping close to hand, and the enchanting town of Dornoch, with its magnificent cathedral, sandy beach and championship golf course.

This lovely cottage is ideally located for exploring the whole of the Highland region. When you return at the end of the day, relax in the hot tub whilst you drink in the uninterrupted views across the countryside to the sea beyond. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Sheaf Dale can be booked together with The Paddock (UK5049) and Grieve’s Cottage (UK12250) to accommodate up to 15 guests.

The Roundel is set in a most fantastic rural location with uninterrupted views over the open rolling countryside of Fife. It is the perfect location for weekend celebrations or getaways for your whole family who can revel in the space, ambience and warmth of this remarkable holiday home. On the ground floor, the focal point of this semi-detached house is the living/dining room, which has three sets of patio doors leading to the garden. Its floor-to-ceiling windows take full advantage of the views. For younger members of the group, there is a special toy corner. Outside, there is ample space for everyone to enjoy, and the patio with garden furniture is great for al fresco dining.
There is much to do in the area, and guests are in an ideal location for exploring coastal Fife. In a small quiet hamlet, The Roundel provides a rural location with miles of sandy beach and dunes less than 6 miles away, and the bustling city of Dundee and historic St Andrews are both only 15 minutes away (6 miles) with activities for all ages and tastes. Just 10 minutes away lies the picturesque market town of Cupar, which is ideal for picking up supplies. For families there is the Scottish Deer Centre, St Andrews Aquarium, sandy beaches at Tentsmuir Forest and beach, as well as riding stables.
The historic city of St Andrews can be reached within a 15-minute drive, making The Roundel ideal for guests visiting friends and family who are based at St Andrews University or attending one of the graduation ceremonies. As a popular tourist location, St Andrews offers a great selection of quality cafés, bars and restaurants, excellent shopping as well as a sandy beach, harbour and many historic buildings. Renowned worldwide as the ‘Home of Golf’ and regularly playing host to the Open Championship, this is a golfers’ paradise with eight courses to suit all abilities, as well as the British Golf Museum.
Dundee has lots to offer for a day out, the Olympia Sports Centre has a swimming pool, great for keeping your childen entertained on wet days. A visit to RRS Discovery at the multi award-winning Discovery Point makes for a good day to see how Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton made their epic journeys. Falkland Palace and its garden are well worth a visit - this is one of Scotland’s finest Renaissance palaces and is steeped in history. Fans of the TV series ‘Outlander’ will recognise the location which was used as 1940s Inverness, and there are many more locations in the area that were used in the series. Beach 6 miles. Shop and restaurant 2 miles, pub ½ mile.

Situated on a promontory and enjoying spectacular sea views, Ethel’s House is a detached stone cottage set in its own garden, adjacent to a working croft. Much loved by its original family, this traditional stone cottage was painstakingly moved stone by stone to a higher vantage point in the village of Armadale on the far north-west coast of Scotland. The current owners have completely renovated this charming cottage and it now provides a good standard of accommodation in a truly superb setting.
Entering through the pretty patio gardens that look out across the sea, a hallway leads through to the main accommodation. There is a delightful living room with leather sofa suite and a cosy wood burner. The kitchen/dining room is extremely well-equipped with contemporary built-in units and a good sized solid wood dining table. All the windows look out across the bay. There is a large shower room on this floor. Upstairs there are three very attractively decorated and furnished bedrooms. Skylight windows ensure that visitors can encounter the dramatic sunrises and sunsets afforded by the clear unpolluted skies in this part of the Highlands (and for those who prefer, black out blinds are built-in too!). The cottage has oak flooring on the ground floor, high quality wool carpeting in the bedrooms and underfloor heating throughout.
Situated just off the renowned North Coast 500 route, in the quiet hamlet of Armadale, this cottage is ideal for visitors wishing to explore this totally unspoilt area. Sea otters are regularly spotted on the shoreline below the cottage and whales, basking sharks, porpoises and seals all frequent the local waters. There are superb walks direct from the cottage and numerous outdoor activities close by, including kayaking, sailing, hill walking, fishing, surfing, golf and plenty of archaeological sites and historic places of interest. In winter months it is often possible to see the Northern Lights from the cottage garden. The nearby villages of Melvich and Bettyhill, both within 10 minutes’ drive, have a good selection of amenities, including pub, restaurant, café and a small local shop. The beaches along this coastline are renowned for their wide sandy bays with high sand dunes, and spectacular mountain backdrops. Beach ½ mile. Shop 7 miles, pub and restaurant 3 miles.

This detached and quintessential, romantic hideaway lies deep in the Sutherland hills on the owner’s croft with sheep and beef cattle. Over 200 years old and accessed by a track, it has 2ft thick stone walls and traditional tin roof, and has undergone a unique and innovative conversion, together with an adjoining stone barn. Transformed into a holiday home offering a bright and contemporary living space, it retains the very best of its original charm. A large wood burner and uninterrupted views across miles of open hillside, as well as a hot tub on the elevated decking outside, add to the experience.
The stunning main living area is open plan, with a large wood burner at one end and a well-equipped, contemporary kitchen with handmade units at the other. Steep ladder stairs lead up from the kitchen to a bedroom, which occupies the whole of the mezzanine area. Very low double doors open through to the ground floor en-suite bedroom, but due to the height and depth of the stone wall, it is advisable to access this bedroom from the part-covered walkway around the perimeter of the cottage. This charming bedroom has a hairdryer provided and a feature claw-foot bath, as well as an adjoining en-suite. At the opposite end of the cottage is a bright shower room, accessed via the part-covered decking. Another bedroom (also with hairdryer provided) is located within a separate stone barn conversion 20m from the main cottage, and enjoys the same incredible views down the glen to the hills beyond. Capercaillie Cottage is superbly well equipped and furnished, with deep leather sofas and high quality appliances throughout. It is set within 1 acre of grounds, with raised decking and hot tub located just outside the main entrance, with a feature ornamental pond below.
The owners work 300 acres of the surrounding croftland and hills, which you are welcome to explore with their prior permission. Wildlife is prolific in the area, with red deer, pine martens and abundant birdlife, including rare red kites, golden eagles, oystercatchers and curlews. Whilst the location is completely secluded, the charming village of Rogart is 4 miles away, with its thriving village pub and restaurant, shop, post office and railway station. Visit historic and archeological sites, as well as romantic castles such as Dunrobin, seat of the Dukes of Sutherland. Mountain biking along lovely forest trails, golf, fishing and various watersports are all available. The picturesque seaside town of Dornoch, with its award-winning sandy beach and championship golf course, is just 20 minutes’ drive away. For the less energetic, sit back, relax, enjoy the hot tub and watch the ever-changing scenery from this inspiring and totally unspoilt location. Beach 12 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 4 miles.

Allt Beag (Gaelic for ’little streams’) is a bright, detached, architect-designed house perched on the edge of Loch Kishorn in the pretty village of Achintraid, in the heart of the north west Highlands. It is set in its own grounds and enjoys stunning views across the sea loch to the hills beyond. The main living area is open-plan, with high vaulted ceilings and a large welcoming wood burner. Sliding patio doors open onto a decked area with picnic table and chairs; a superb spot to sit and drink in the wonderful surroundings. A small snug on the ground floor with a piano and wall-mounted maps of the local area provides a quiet space to relax in and plan the next day’s trip. There are two double bedrooms on the ground floor, one en-suite, and a family bathroom. Stairs lead up to two further bedrooms, with twin and single beds. All bedrooms are attractively presented and possess the same superb views. The rural country gardens surround the house and contain grassy slopes, small ditches and wild flowers and trees, which are a haven for wildlife.
The immediate area is renowned for the wildlife. Otters, eagles, seals and deer are all seen in the locality. There are spectacular views to the Bealach na Bà, one of the highest passes in Britain, whilst a visit to nearby Applecross via this amazing road is a must. There is a wealth of activities available in the area, including climbing, hill walking, cycling, horse riding, sailing and kayaking. Sandy beaches, small coves and beautiful mountain ranges make up the terrain in this remote and wild region. The nearby village of Lochcarron, just 6 miles away, provides a good selection of facilities, including small shops, a pub, cafés and restaurants, as well as a golf course open to visitors. Beach 200 yards. Shop and pub 6 miles, 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.

Sunrise is a beautifully presented, detached cottage, situated in a stunning location and sitting right on the road of the NC500 route which is one of the top 10 scenic routes in the world. This bright cottage, set in 1½ acre grounds, enjoys commanding views across the sea with the Highland hills beyond. Situated off a small no-through lane, on a hillside, the property offers peace and seclusion, yet is within close proximity to all amenities.
This single-storey property offers a large, well-equipped kitchen/dining room with a large fridge/freezer and a spacious living room with a Swedish wood burner and high picture windows, looking out across the bay to the hills. The large hall boasts a table tennis table, perfect for spending some quality time with family. The double bedroom has its own en-suite, an electric blanket, a pure wool duvet or traditional goose down duvet, and mini toiletries on arrival. For dogs, a welcome tray and dog towels are provided. The garden extends over an acre, and there are some steep banks within the grounds, but it provides the perfect place for letting man’s best friend burn off energy.
Sunrise is situated in the small hamlet of Navidale, with the charming coastal fishing village of Helmsdale just over a mile away. Fishermen can be seen fishing for lobster, crabs and clams along the coast, and visitors can often purchase fresh local shellfish direct from the boats. There are miles of shoreline walks close by, and fossils are regularly found along this particular stretch of coast. Helmsdale has a good selection of restaurants and small shops, as well as a fascinating museum detailing the unusual history of the area, including the 19th century gold rush. There is also a 9-hole golf course in the village and the renowned course of Brora is just 10 minutes’ drive away. Travel north to visit the Castle of Mey, John O’Groats and even the Orkney Isles. Try panning for gold in the Helmsdale river and visit the fairytale castle of Dunrobin. Beach ¼ mile. Shop and restaurant 1½ miles, pub 1 mile.

Situated in the pretty village of Ballachulish, with amazing views from the front up towards some spectacular mountain scenery, Rocky Mountain View has been furnished and equipped to a very good standard to ensure a comfortable and relaxing holiday. Only 1 mile from historic Glencoe, this lovely, semi-detached cottage makes an ideal holiday base from which to explore this beautiful part of Scotland, including Lochaber, Argyll and the western and northern Highlands. The area is surrounded by spectacular scenery, mountains, lochs and hidden glens, and there is an abundance of wildlife.
Glencoe’s famous rugged mountain range is extremely popular with climbers and walkers, whilst mountain biking, skiing, golf, sailing and forest walks are just a few of the many activities available. Loch Leven, which is just a short walk away, boasts a variety of water sports, including kayaking and canoeing. The Nevis Range gondola and the Jacobite West Highland steam train are a short drive away in Fort William, and from which you can view some of the most spectacular scenery on offer. Fort William, the ’Outdoor Capital of the UK’ is just 13 miles away and boasts a variety of shops, pubs and restaurants.
Take the short crossing on the Corran Ferry and head for Ardnamurchan Point, the most westerly point in Britain, or the beautiful island of Mull. The area is steeped in history, and coupled with the magnificent natural terrain has been used as a backdrop in many well-known films such as Harry Potter (Glenfinnan Viaduct) and Braveheart. A short walk will take you to the Isles of Glencoe Hotel and Leisure Centre with its swimming pool, and a regular bus service is available. A holiday at Rocky Mountain View is where many happy memories will be made. Shop, pub and restaurant 500 yards.

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.