Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

Originally the village school that served a small rural community in north west Sutherland, The Old School House has been transformed into a delightful stone cottage surrounded by its own enclosed landscaped cottage gardens. The lounge runs the length of the cottage. With the original high ceilings, large windows and Victorian fireplace, this superb room has a warm, welcoming ambience and provides plenty of space for guests to sit and admire the view whilst enjoying a wee dram or two in front of the open fire. There is a large double bedroom with a super king sized bed, a twin room and a small third bedroom with bunk beds for two children. They are all attractively presented with colour co-ordinated soft furnishings. The gardens are a real delight, with a stone slab path leading up through the flower beds to a garden seat from which there are spectacular views across the bay to Handa Island and the Outer Isles. The mountains of Foinavon, Ben Stack and Arkle are also visible.

The immediate area is haven for outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of the great outdoors generally. Hill walking, climbing, canoeing, kayaking and sailing are all local activities. There is a thriving pony trekking centre in the nearby village of Sheigra, with rides amidst spectacular scenery. Fishing in the surrounding lochs and rivers as well as sea fishing is a popular pastime. The area is also a haven for wildlife, with seals and otters in the bay and numerous varieties of birds attracted to the region.

The beaches in this area are renowned. Sandwood Bay is particularly noted, with a wonderful walk across the machair to its secluded sweeping sands. The nearby beaches of Oldshoremore and Polin are also renowned for their unspoilt beauty. Kinlochbervie is the nearest main village. The most northerly port on the west coast of Scotland, this pretty village has an active working harbour and offers good local facilities, including a shop and post office, as well as a hotel with restaurant open all year to non-residents for meals.

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.

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.

Set in a quiet rural location, this cosy holiday cottage enjoys lovely views across open countryside towards Nigg Bay and the Cromarty Firth. An RSPB Reserve, sea trips, fishing, golf, castles and south, west and east facing beaches all within easy reach. Great for touring the scenic Highlands. Historic Cromarty is a short ferry trip (only available in summer, also accessible by road) with Inverness, the Highland Capital approx 45 minutes’ drive. Shops 4½ miles, pubs 3 miles. Can be booked with property 19987 (which has adjoining garden) to sleep up to 12 guests.

This attractive ground floor holiday apartment forms part of a stone cottage situated in the village of Castletown which is on the North Coast 500. Its high ceilings, original wooden shutters and cottage garden (grassed area outside the main garden provides space for dogs’ exercise) all add to its charm. Four miles of sandy beach adjoins the fishing harbour 800 yards from the property. Sea angling and loch fishing are available. Known for its unspoilt beaches and wide variety of wildlife and, at certain times of year, the Northern Lights are visible. Central to many surfing locations, golf courses, fishing and the Castle of Mey (8 miles). Take a day-trip to the Orkney Isles. An all weather short mat bowling green is available for guests to use. Shop, pub and restaurant 200 yards.

This wonderful detached property, with its own hot tub in a private garden, enjoys a quiet setting, yet it is only 1½ miles from the lively centre of Aviemore. Providing guests with an unforgettable holiday experience, Birch Corner offers spacious and beautifully presented holiday accommodation with your every need having been thought of.
Aviemore nestles in the heart of The Cairngorms National Park at the head of the Speyside Way and boasts a wonderful range of shops, restaurants and bars. The area also offers a very wide range of outdoor activities including skiing, snowboarding, mountain and quad biking, zip lining, climbing, hill walking plus a variety of watersports on nearby Loch Insh, Loch Morlich and the River Spey, to name just a few of the myriad of activities available. Take a trip on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Landmark Centre in nearby Carrbridge or take a trip to the Highland Wildlife Park at nearby Kingussie, all of which are within easy reach. About 12 miles from Kingussie, lies the Ardverikie Estate, which has been the setting for films including the BBC TV’s drama series ’Monarch of the Glen’, as well as the location for movies such as ’The Missionary’ and ’Mrs Brown’.
Another visitor attraction for all the family to enjoy, not far from Kingussie, is the Highland Folk Museum, which offers an insight into Highland life in a living history setting. All in all, this is a fantastic base for exploring the many delights that this area has to offer, and there is so much to see and do for all ages. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

Harland Cottage is a delightful bijou cottage for couples. This single-storey, detached cottage is beautifully presented throughout. The main living area is open plan and a large deep leather sofa looks out through French windows to the pretty cottage garden. The kitchen area is bright and modern, with built-in units and is well-equipped. The double bedroom has a kingsize bed and an en-suite with a large walk-in shower, which can also be accessed via the hallway. The garden is a real delight, enclosed by an original Caithness dry stone wall, there is a patio area with seating and a good-sized lawn area.

Harland Cottage is situated in Castletown, just 500 yards from one of the most spectacular beaches to be found anywhere in the British Isles. Dunnet Beach has 4 miles of sweeping sands, with high sand dunes providing a natural backdrop. There are lovely walks direct from the cottage, through woodland glades to the beach beyond. It is ideal for dog walks as well as numerous outdoor activities and there is also a pretty harbour to wander round. The area is renowned for its surfing, water sports, fishing and golf. For wildlife enthusiasts, there are often deer close by, numerous seabirds including puffins, whales, porpoises and dolphins are spotted along the coastline.

Castletown has a good selection of local amenities, including a pub with a good restaurant and a local mini-market, all within walking distance. The Heritage Visitors Centre is within a mile. The nearby town of Thurso is just 5 miles away and has further amenities, including supermarkets, bars, cafés, restaurants and a cinema. There are lovely riverside walks along the banks of the River Thurso and plenty to see and do in the region. A visit to the Castle of Mey, with its superb garden and interesting history is a must, along with a day trip to Orkney; the ferry is approximately 8 miles away. Caithness is renowned for big clear night skies so there is a good chance of seeing the northern lights during winter months from the top of Dunnet head the most northerly point on the Uk mainland only 4 miles away. The property is also on the North Coast 500.

Lairg is known as the crossroads of the north, making it a perfect place to base yourself to explore this wild part of the Scottish Highlands. Fair View is about a mile out of Lairg up on more open ground which is spectacular at any time of the year. The bungalow is very spacious and upon entering you’re led to the large farmhouse-style kitchen/dining room, with a useful island counter. The large dining table looks out over the expansive landscapes surrounding the property. A double door leads from the kitchen/dining room through to the enormous double-aspect living room which has an open fire and large TV. All four bedrooms are an excellent size and have great views of this wonderful area.
The sky seems enormous and is recognised as a European Dark Sky because of a distinct lack of light pollution. Stargazing with the added bonus of the Aurora Borealis makes it an even more attractive base. There’s wildlife all around with a huge array of birds throughout the year, as well as red deer, pine martens and the elusive wild cat. The area is a perfect place to base yourself to explore this wild part of the Scottish Highlands.
You can cover a huge amount of the North Coast 500 touring road from here by travelling out to different parts of the coastline using the great roads that lead off to the east, north, north west and west coast sections. It’s great to be able to see the route, being able to base yourself in just one place.
The town itself is beautifully situated at the eastern end of Loch Shin, plus it offers the amenities you will need during your stay. Lairg and Fair View are an excellent choice for a base to explore this otherworldly part of the Scottish Highlands. Beach 15 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

This cosy holiday home is a no-smoking detached bungalow with a hot tub at the end of a quiet and peaceful cul-de-sac in the well known and highly sought after Silverglades area of Aviemore. Situated alongside the Strathspey Steam Railway, it’s only a short 8-minute walk along a quiet country lane to the beating heart of Aviemore and all it’s amenities. Holly Lodge is ideally located for those wanting adventure, romance or peace and quiet, Holly Lodge is the perfect place to start and end your day for families, couples and friends alike. For those arriving by car, there’s plenty of space for two vehicles or more with on-road parking if required.

If during your stay you’ve had enough of mountains, lochs and walks for the day, Holly Lodge ensures you’re kept entertained with unlimited Wi-Fi, a NowTV subscription with entertainment and movie packages, as well as a DVD player with a selection of DVDs. There’s also a large selection of board games for all ages if you decide you really want to fall out with each other (play Monopoly at your own risk)!

You can also indulge in the flicker of flames with the wood burner in the living room, which has a complimentary pack of locally sourced wood from a renewable and responsibly managed family business in Kincraig.

Both bedrooms provide professionally cleaned linen, towels, robes and slippers so you can be comfortable and relaxed during your stay. For little ones, there is a travel cot and highchair, as well as plastic dishes, cups and cutlery. The kitchen is also very well appointed in terms of utensils and equipment, including a dishwasher.

If the weather is in your favour, then you can enjoy and relax in the spacious, enclosed garden which provides a place for the kids to play, as well as a brick barbecue which has a starter pack of charcoal and all utensils are provided, so all you need to think about is what is on the menu. The gem in the garden however is definitely the private NS7 Serenity hot tub. The tub is always on, fully maintained and certified for hygiene and cleanliness, and seats six. This provides the perfect way to relax and soothe the aching bones and muscles after a hard days exploring. Don’t worry if you get back late in the day, as the hot tub has built-in lighting so you can enjoy the bubbles even after the sun has gone down, and its a firm favourite with all guests.

Growing from strength to strength every year, Aviemore is the perfect hub for reaching other areas of the Cairngorms as well as for enjoying the local facilities and activities. You’re a pleasant 10-minute stroll from the nearest country pub/restaurant, and the fantastic and varied local shops. If you hop in the car you’re 15 minutes from Loch Morlich or Loch Insh and the fantastic water sports provisions there, as well as Rothiemurchus en route and the amazing outdoor centre for a whole raft of activities. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

Uaine Cottage is a warm and welcoming home from home which has recently been fully refurbished in 2020 to a high standard. Through the front door you’ll find a hallway with plenty of coat hooks for your layers, along with a separate toilet. The living/dining room is a great space with ample seating at the dining table. The kitchen is spacious and you will find all the modern amenities you will need to rustle up hearty meals after long days out exploring in the Cairngorms. There is a door out into the enclosed back garden which has garden furniture and a patio. There are mature trees surrounding most of the garden making it feel very private and to top it off there is a charcoal BBQ to enjoy al fresco dining on the warm summer days. Back into the house there are two spacious bedrooms, one a double and one twin. There is also a modern bathroom with rain shower over bath.
Uaine Cottage is situated in the ever-popular Aviemore. Tucked away in a quiet part of town, close to a bend in the River Spey. However, it is only a ten minute walk from all of the pubs, restaurants and cafés in Aviemore thanks to a lovely little footpath. As well as many fabulous independent places to eat and drink, Aviemore has much more to offer. Being a hub for the Cairngorms National Park, you are ideally located for setting off to the mountains and have plenty of adventure. Whether you visit in the summer or winter, there’s a whole host of activities to enjoy. Hiking, mountain biking and fishing are popular in the summer, and come winter you can pursue the best skiing, snowshoeing and winter walking in the UK.
Being in Aviemore gives you a great opportunity to explore other places in the area, as the the property is situated just off the A9. You can journey down the Spey and 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. Inverness is only 30 minutes away by car, and if you want to go further afield and explore some other mountains, you can be in Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis in just over two hours. Closer to home, Loch Morlich is just 7 miles away, with a wonderful sandy beach known as the highest beach in the UK! Uaine Cottage is a delight, it makes for a perfect holiday home with so much on your doorstep, but its secluded location means you have a peaceful base to rest, relax and recharge. Beach 7 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.