Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

Bonnie Doon is a delightful, semi-detached, one-bedroom, well-located modern cottage within 10min easy walking distance of Aviemore centre via pedestrian path. It is tucked away in a quiet cul de sac and has the Strathspey Steam Railway line to the back of the property and an outlook to the mountains at the front of the property. The rear garden is a good size and reasonably private with barbecue facilities and a bike post. Bonnie Doon has a well-equipped kitchen, Smart TV and good-sized bathroom. There is a travel cot available for couples with an infant, and your dog is very welcome too!
Bonnie Doon really is the ideal base for couples who enjoy relaxing, cycling, walking and snowsports. It is a brilliant all year-round holidayvenue and a cosy base to return to after a day in the outdoors. Aviemore isset in the hub for the stunning Cairngorms National Park, and you are ideally located for setting off to the mountains where a host of adventure awaits you whether you visit in the summer or winter. Hiking, mountain biking and fishing are popular in the summer, and come winter you can pursue the best skiing, snowboarding and winter walking in the UK. Being in Aviemore means you have extensive amenities and also gives you a great opportunity to explore other places in the area. Visit the charming neighbouring villages of Carrbridge, Boat of Garten and Nethy Bridge, and continue to see the Speyside distilleries. You could also explore this area on foot by walking the Speyside Way, or hopping on and off the steam railway.

Set on the Farr Estate in beautiful Strathnairn, Carn Cottage is a recently refurbished heritage property that offers a high standard of holiday accommodation. The cottage itself has a very large wrap-around garden, perfect for the children and dogs to run and roam around. There’s also a great decking area at the rear of the property with a BBQ. Entering the cottage there’s a fantastic open plan living space with a wood burner taking centre stage. A utility room is very welcome considering all the outdoor adventuring you’ll be doing. There’s a double bedroom with en-suite also on the ground floor, perfect for the less mobile. On the first floor there are three further bedrooms and three more bathrooms to complete the accommodation. One of the first floor bedrooms is a single though, so the cottage sleeps a maximum of seven people.
Even though only 20 minutes from the centre of Inverness, being at the cottage and on the Estate feels like you’re a million miles away from civilisation. Staying at Carn Cottage offers the best of both worlds, you can escape into the countryside whilst at the same time be connected to the Highland capital and its touring routes. You don’t have to stray far from Carn Cottage to have an authentic and amazing Highland holiday. Here you can bike, hike, boat and fish all from the cottage on the Estate. In fact, only a short walk from the cottage, there’s a private loch waiting to be fished (permits are included in the rental of Carn Cottage). Rowing boats are available for fishing. There are hiking routes through woodland and up onto the Farr Estate moors, and these double up in many instances as bike trails too. Also worth mentioning, is that the River Findhorn is only a short drive away up the road directly opposite the cottage, and to fish for salmon on the river pre-booking permits is necessary (contact Farr Estate for information).
If you do wish to explore further afield beyond the Farr Estate, and we encourage you to do so because there’s so much to see in the Highlands and at Carn Cottage you’re brilliantly positioned to head off in different directions and get a lot out of the area. The minor road that passes Carn Cottage leads down the strath to the A9 which will transport you quickly to Inverness and the NC500 beyond or south into the Cairngorm National Park. You can actually link up hikes and biking routes from the Farr Estate with roads, tracks and paths that lead to Loch Ness via the amazing scenery that makes up the southern side of Loch Ness. In short, there’s so much to see and do on the doorstep and further afield. One thing we can say though is that a week at Carn Cottage on the Farr Estate won’t be enough, and if you can manage longer you’ll be so grateful for the extra time to explore. It’s a fantastic place to stay. Beach 24 miles.

Situated above Loch Linnhe with uninterrupted views over towards Corpach and Trislaig, you can watch the sea and golden eagles above from the decking of this pod, as well as the roe deer visiting you in the morning. Unlike other pods, Cheviot comes with a full-size shower, a wood burner, a kingsize bed, a sofa bed for two children and a kitchen with a mini fridge and freezer. This is the perfect spot to relax in and enjoy the area with many activities and attractions within driving distance.
The nearest pubs, restaurants and shops are within 1 mile from Cheviot pod. The train station (which is less than 2 miles will away) will take you on the Harry Potter Steam Train and over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, passing some of the most spectacular scenery and beaches that cannot be seen from the road down to Mallaig. The latter is renowned as a fishing village and also where you can get a ferry over to the Isle of Skye (remember to pre book the train as it fills up quickly).
Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK and is one of the munros you can enjoy a walk up to the summit. The Nevis Range hosts the European Bike Trials.
South of Fort William you have Glencoe; no matter what time of year you travel through Glencoe it is a mystical land and will not fail to impress. Again, it offers great walks for all abilities and there is also a ski lift for those that enjoy the winter sport (in the summer the dry ski slope is open for tubing, a great fun day for all the family). If you are looking for something to do on a rest day in Fort William itself, there is a cinema, soft play, ten pin bowling, swimming pool or enjoy a walk over to Neptunes Staircase.
Using Cheviot pod as your base, you can also visit the Acharacle Peninsula; the fish capital of the Highlands, Oban; Loch Ness; the Isle of Mull, Rum and Eigg and many more.
Undoubtedly whilst sitting with a drink on the decking watching either the sunset or the Northern Lights, you will undoubtably be planning your next visit to this amazing area and pod.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 8 guests.

Dornie Lodge is located in a rural, peaceful location just a short drive from Beauly, Inverness and Loch Ness. The lodge is one of six privately owned properties on a former small private park. The town of Beauly is 4 miles away where you will find a selection of restaurants, cafeés and bars. There is also a supermarket, butchers shop, gourmet eat-in/takeaway deli and a convenience store. The city of Inverness and Loch Ness are both 15 miles away where you will find local amenities and tourist attractions including Eden Court Theatre.
All rooms are on the ground floor, with a wide door and ramp access. The main living area is open plan with a wood burner, dining area with table and four chairs with views over the surrounding woodlands. There are two bedrooms, one kingsize and one double, both with wardrobe and bedside table. A wet room completes the accommodation. Outside is a patio area with seating, a fire pit and a barbecue built into the chimney stack. Beach 16½ miles.

Beannachd is a spacious holiday home in Lonemore near Dornoch and enjoys spectacular, uninterrupted views toward the Dornoch Firth. With three bedrooms, this detached house also has large garden, off-street parking, Wi-Fi and is dog friendly. This makes it a great family holiday home with easy access to the north Highland routes. This tranquil location is just 2 miles from the centre of Dornoch and makes the ideal base for relaxing and for travelling further afield throughout the northern Highlands. Beach 2½ miles.

This is a stunningly furnished, Scandinavian style self-catering log cabin sleeping up to six guests in the Croftside area of Aviemore.
Equipped with everything you could need for your special holiday, it is situated just a 15-minute walk from the centre of Aviemore, where you will find a wide range of shops, cafés, restaurants and leisure amenities nearby, including a swimming pool and cinema. The property is partially surrounded by a covered decking area, accessed from the spacious living area where you can enjoy a drink or something to eat after an energetic day out.
There is no shortage of things to do and see in the area. Rothiemurchas Estate, near Aviemore, is a wonderful area to explore, with a range of activities on offer. Visit a brewery or follow the Strathspey Whisky Trail; take a trip on a restored steam train; see bison, elk, bears and wolves roaming free in the Highland Wildlife Park; visit Britain’s only herd of reindeer; go white water rafting or clay pigeon shooting or hit the slopes in winter for skiing, snowboarding and dog-sledding. The choice is endless!

Located in a central and quiet area of Aviemore with great access to the plethora of activities that the area has to offer, this three bedroom detached bungalow with garden offers a family and dog friendly home away from home. All located within a 10-minute walk of Aviemore town centre.

Great central location for easy access to all routes North, South, East and West. In a quiet residential area of Culduthel, less than a 10 minute drive to the city centre. Well equipped, family and dog-friendly. All rooms are on the ground floor. Situated in the Culduthel area of the city, just off the southern distributor road with easy access to Loch Ness. Nairn is around 30 minutes away and Aviemore is 35 minutes. There is a bus stop nearby with a regular bus service to the city centre. Beach 16 miles.

Isla’s Cottage is ideal for couples and small families seeking a seaside holiday in a Highland seaside resort. This pretty terraced cottage has been renovated by the current owners to retain many original features whilst providing contemporary facilities. On the ground floor there is a pretty open plan living/dining room with wood burner which is set into an original fireplace. The kitchen is small but well-equipped. There is also a double bedroom on ground floor. There is a steep spiral staircase to first floor where you can access a further twin bedroom, this bedroom does have restricted headroom due to sloping ceilings.
Located in the town of Nairn, Isla’s Cottage is close to plenty of amenities such as a butcher’s, bakers, restaurant, bars, cafes, chemist, post office and various other small local shops. There are also two sandy beaches and a harbour all within a mile of the property, and two golf courses. To keep everyone entertained there are many attractions, including Culbin Forest walks, coastal walks, Nairn River walks, Cawdor Castle, Culloden battlefield, Fort George, kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding. Having so much to see and do you are spoilt for choice. Fishing nearby and pub within 1 mile.

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.