Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands
With stunning landscapes, majestic mountains and historic wonders, The Scottish Highlands is a truly magnificent place to visit. Whether you're looking for a cosy cottage or luxury hotel, there's a brilliant choice of dog-friendly accommodation and outdoor space for you and your pup to enjoy.
- Ullapool, ScotlandArdlearag 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!£229From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Helmsdale, ScotlandSituated 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.£131From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Rosemarkie, ScotlandEnjoying a peaceful rural setting on the outskirts of Rosemarkie on the beautiful Black Isle, these detached properties have been equipped and furnished to ensure as relaxing and enjoyable holiday as possible. The Black Isle makes a perfect base for exploring the many delights of the Northern Highlands. Visit the lovely fishing villages along the Moray Coast or take a distillery tour along the Moray Whisky Trail. Inverness, the Highland capital, Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield are just a short drive and the stunning West Coast is a fantastic day out. The many activities in the area include mountain biking, golf, water sports and boat trips, quad biking, walking and climbing, to name just a few. For the less energetic, sit back, relax and watch the ever changing vistas. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.£94From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Nigg, ScotlandSet 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.£79From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Nairn, ScotlandRiverside View is located within Fishertown on the edge of Nairn, the location is ideal for guests wanting to explore this beautiful part of Scotland. The property is located just a short stroll from the beach and has a good number of very good local restaurants within a short walk from the front door. The property has stunning riverside views and has a small enclosed garden to sit and relax watching the river rolling past.
Riverside View is ideally located for enjoying all the facilities of Nairn, an award winning seaside town. It is also easily accessible by public transport, for those who may like to arrive by train or bus, or to forget the car whilst there and explore by local transport; a bus stop is just 50 yards from the cottage.
The pretty harbour area is well worth a visit, with numerous small craft using its facilities. A boat trip is likely to produce a close encounter with the famous resident bottle nosed dolphins that are frequently spotted close to shore. There are numerous places of interest in the area, including Cawdor Castle, Culloden battlefield and a large nature reserve that runs along this superb coastline. Dog walkers are particularly fond of this part of the Highland coastline, with sea and forest walks in abundance. Inverness, the capital city of the Highlands is just 20 minutes’ drive away. Beach 300 yards. Shop 400 yards, pub and restaurant 200 yards.£88From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Inverness, ScotlandBalmore Farmhouse is located just a few miles south of Inverness and is only 2 miles away from the infamous Loch Ness. The property has been fully renovated to a good standard and offers guests a superb level of comfort and space.
Enter into the spacious reception hall, leading to a living room with comfortable leather sofas that wrap around the cosy wood burner. The kitchen/dining room is well-equipped with all you could need during your stay, and provides great views over the countryside. The utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer offers a useful space for cleaning mucky clothes after a busy day of adventuring. On the ground floor there is a kingsize bedroom with a private dressing room and an en-suite shower room that is also accessed from the hallway.
On the first floor there are three large bedrooms, two with kingsize beds, and one with a single bed, all served by a family bathroom. Outside there is ample parking and a large enclosed garden. Balmore Farmhouse makes an ideal holiday base for exploring the many delights of the Northern Highlands. Located on the outskirts of the Highland capital of Inverness and close to Loch Ness and the Moray Coast, the area is renowned for its natural beauty along with the many activities available, including golf, kayaking, water sports, mountain biking, climbing and hill walking to name just a few. Discover some of the many historic castles, such as Culloden Battlefield and Fort George, or stroll along some of the many unspoilt beaches. Beach and bar and restaurant 3 miles. Shop 2 miles.£170From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Thurso, ScotlandKeith House is a substantial, three-storey, semi-detached, stone town house built in the 1800’s. It occupies a prominent position in the heart of the historic town of Thurso and was originally built for the Keith family. This characterful house has been extended, adapted and updated over the centuries. Straddling three floors, with two separate entrances on different streets, it oozes charm and character whilst providing modern amenities and facilities. The house proffers a feeling of spaciousness and elegance, with plenty of original features throughout. The main staircase is simply stunning, with polished wood banisters and spindles curving up through the heart of the building.
Stairs from the main entrance door lead up to the spacious living room on the first floor. This is divided into two areas by a large pillar, and deep and comfortable sofas and chairs provide plenty of seating. There is a second smaller living room on the same floor with a television and further seating. There is a beautifully presented, large double bedroom on this floor, as well as a bathroom and separate shower room. The staircase winds its way up to the top floor, which at one time would have been the servants quarters. Here there are two twin bedrooms (some restricted head room as combed ceilings).
The kitchen/dining room is on the ground floor, accessed by a separate staircase from the main living room. This bright and spacious family-sized kitchen was originally the stables for the house. French doors lead out from here to a delightful and secluded courtyard. With cobble stones, mature shrubs, herbs and flowers, it is a real feature of the property and provides an ideal spot to sit and enjoy a glass or two of wine whilst planning the next day’s excursion. An archway leads out to a side road with access to local parking which is free at all times.
Keith House is located in the centre of Thurso, a town steeped in history. Built by the Vikings and added onto over the centuries, many of the buildings date back to the 18th and early 19th centuries, at the height of the herring fishing industry. It now offers visitors a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. There are excellent facilities right on the doorstep, including restaurants, bars, cafés and shops. Local facilities also include a swimming pool, leisure centre, cinema, boating lake, quad biking and sailing. There are lovely riverside walks direct from the house, and the nearby harbour is also worth exploring. There is a wide variety of sports and activities in the region. The renowned surfing beach of Thurso is just a short walk away, whilst Dunnet beach, with its high sand dunes and spectacular beach, is well worth a visit. There are many excellent golf courses in the region, together with horse riding, fishing, sailing and cycling. Beach 200 yards. Shop 100 yards, pub 30 yards and restaurant 50 yards.£114From price per night based on 7 night stay
- St Andrews, ScotlandSet in the attractive conservation village of Ceres, Morrice House will appeal to families, couples and friends. Originally a registry office, this end-terraced cottage has a pretty cottage garden ideal for al fresco dining or relaxing with your morning coffee. There are lots of countryside walks and trails to follow from the door, and the village has a traditional butchers, store, café and hotel. Whilst wandering around the old lanes with their historic buildings, it is easy to see why it has been named the most attractive village in Scotland. The village green is a good place for children to play and is the location for the annual games.
This year we are celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the St Andrews Open Golf Championship. The Open Championship starts on Monday 11th July 2022 for the qualifying rounds, then the main days of the open are 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th July.
Morrice House lies just 3 miles from the picturesque market town of Cupar, which is the ideal place for picking up supplies. For families, the Scottish Deer Centre, Sea Life Centre and award-winning sandy beaches at Tentsmuir Forest and beach are all places of interest.
The historic city of St Andrews is only 8 miles away, making Morrice House 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 and harbour and many historic buildings. Renowned worldwide as the home of golf and regularly playing host to the Open Championship, this is a golfer’s paradise with its championship courses, as well as the British Golf Museum.
For days out, visit Falkland Palace and garden, one of Scotland’s finest Renaissance palaces which is steeped in history. Fans of the epic TV series ‘Outlander’ will recognise the location which was used as 1940s Inverness, and there are many more locations in the area used in the series. Within easy driving distance, Dundee is only 15 miles, Perth 23 miles and the vibrant capital city of Edinburgh can be reached in just over an hour - or you can take the train from Cupar station where there is a regular service. Beach 8 miles. Morrice House is 7 miles from St Andrews- there are bus stops either side of the road to take you to your destination.
There is a local pub across the road from the property for your meals during your stay£90From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Thurso, ScotlandDalcharn is a fantastic cottage in an awe-inspiring location on the north coast of Scotland. Located on the outskirts of Bettyhill, it is perched on a hillside overlooking the mouth of the River Naver to Torrisdale Bay with its sandy beach and dunes. Dalcharn is a very spacious cottage with beautiful views. Enter the turn of the century cottage and arrive in the kitchen/dining room at the rear of the property. The space has a large wood burner which heats this room, and the neighbouring living room has an electric wood burner and sensational views to the river and bay. Also on the ground floor is a second living room with sofa bed, TV for games consoles and DVDs (if you bring them with you) and a still working pump organ! On the first floor are three bedrooms and the family bathroom, which are all spacious and comfortable. Outside there’s an enclosed garden for dogs to roam around when not running around on the beach or up in the hills.
Bettyhill is a village that was created in the early 19th century when the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland moved 15,000 people as part of the Highland Clearances from Strathnaver, which runs south from the cottage for 20 miles towards Altnaharra. Bettyhill is a rarity of the Clearances period because it’s a resettlement village taking the Duchess’ name. The now very quiet Strath is dotted with only a few houses and is mostly the domain of the serious fly fisherman.
To the east of Bettyhill is an older village called Farr, and the two places have sort of merged together now. Farr Bay is your closest beach from 51 Dalcharn being just under a mile away. It’s a fabulous sandy beach which often has good swell for surfing. Strathy Bay, Melvich and Thurso East are well known hot spots for surfing in the UK, so be sure to make the most of it during your stay (lessons are available locally too if you’ve never tried).
Fishing is outstanding in the far north of Scotland. Some of the most productive salmon rivers in the country are tucked away across Sutherland and Caithness. However, the majority are incredibly exclusive and expensive. An advantage of Dalcharn though is that you’re by the mouth of the River Naver which has its lower beat managed by the local angling club. The club offers day permits for £20 on a first-come-first-served basis available at The Store in Bettyhill (very close to the cottage). You’re in prime position here to gain access to some outstanding salmon and sea trout fishing. Other rivers and lochs nearby are possible, so do research and contact estates and angling groups in good time.
Hiking and cycling (road and mountain biking) are popular pastimes here with many routes to try. Ben Hope is not far, the most northerly Munro in Scotland and a fantastic vantage point to look down over Scotland to the south (on a clear day!). Being just off the North Coast 500 at Dalcharn you can venture off further afield and explore many fascinating places in no time at all. However, once you’re at Dalcharn it’s honestly difficult to leave because all you want from a holiday is right here! Beach 1 mile.£124From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Dingwall, ScotlandThe Brahan Estate is famous around the world for the ‘Brahan Seer’, an estate worker in the 17th-century called Kenneth Mackenzie or ‘Kenneth the Sallow’, whose prophecies came true, namely the Battle of Culloden. The estate was also home to the Seaforths, Chiefs of the Clan Mackenzie. Brahan Estate is the site of many a romantic episode relating to the Jacobite Risings.
The interior of the cottage is perfect for a family of four, two couples or even a couple wanting more space. The living/dining room is a great space with a cosy open fire. Most rooms offer views our over the surrounding Highland countryside.
There are many historical tales to soak up during your stay at Balnain 1. The geography of the estate, with the mature River Conon taking centre stage and meandering through the landscape, is truly wonderful. This rich natural environment boasts an abundance of flora and fauna to spot and enjoy during your stay.
The river is sure to be of interest to keen fisherman, with brownies as well as salmon a possibility. Loch Ussie is also well worth exploring, with both the river and the loch free to fish for those staying in estate properties. Other sports available on the estate include clay pigeon shooting, stalking, hiking and even golf on the wee estate course. Please contact the owners prior for more details.
Balnain 1 is set between the Royal Burgh of Dingwall and the village of Contin, perfectly placed for those wanting to explore beyond the beautiful confines of the estate and see the majesty of the Scottish Highlands. Within an hour and a half you can be on the Isle of Skye, exploring the Torridon Range, or strolling along the awe-inspiring coasts of Sutherland. As a base for exploring the Scottish Highlands, Balnain 1 is absolutely perfect. Beach 17 miles. Balnain 1 can be booked together with Seaforth Cottages (UK32542) to accommodate up to 13 guests.£78From price per night based on 7 night stay