Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

Situated 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.

The Ivy Wing and The Cottage are situated in the courtyard of Barrock House, and surrounded by landscaped grounds and mature woodland. This provides shelter for an abundance of bird and wild life with pleasant walks close at hand and the scenic beaches of Sinclair and Dunnet Bay are just 5 minutes by car. The Cottage makes the perfect base for touring this unspoilt and tranquil part of the Highlands. Visit the Castle and Gardens of Mey, the Queen Mother’s Highland home, John O’Groats, Wick Heritage and Lyth Arts Centre, or take a wildlife or distillery tour. Golfing, fishing, sea trips or walking along the many miles of rugged coastline are just some of the many activities available. Lyth is situated just 10 miles north of Wick and 15 miles from Thurso, making the beautiful Orkney Isles easily accessible by car ferry for day trips. Both properties can be booked together for larger groups (ref’s W42082 and W42083). Shop, pub and restaurant 4.5 miles.

Upon entering The Bakehouse, the open plan living space is bright and airy. It has an inviting wood burner, feature stone hearth and high-standard fixtures and fittings. There is a large bathroom and spacious double bedroom, which also has a comfortable sofa bed for flexible sleeping arrangements.
An Asgard 4-bike cycle-storage unit is in the grounds; this can be booked by either guests staying at Apartment 2 or The Bakehouse. Please contact the owners to check availability and reserve (free). Once the 4-bike secure store is booked by either party, it is then for their exclusive use only.

Newtonmore is situated in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and is a walking and birdwatching paradise. There are many hiking and cycling trails on the doorstep of The Bakehouse, as well as world-class fishing along nearby River Spey, and skiing in winter. You can also hire kayaks and canoes at Arsaig and explore the deserted islands of the west coast, as it is an easy day trip. There are also world-renowned whisky distilleries along the river.

Nearby is Aviemore and Inverness, both with much to see and do for visitors. However, Newtonmore itself is very well-catered for with pubs, restaurants and shops. Shop and restaurant 500 yards, pub 300 yards.
This property can be booked together with Caman House, Apartment 2 (ref UK5249) to accommodate up to 6 guests.

Spacious, detached property set in 7 acres of gardens in Northern Scotland. Ideal for large groups. Hit tub, Rural location. Open fire. Bonar Bridge 12.8 miles; Lairg 15 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.

Mey Bee is a gem of a cottage in the far north of Scotland enjoying views across rural Caithness and out to see to the Orkney Islands. The owner has done a marvellous job creating this peaceful, attractive cottage from what was once a ruin. Mey Bee is now a beautiful cottage and one that anyone staying in will wish they had more time in the place, it’s that lovely. You may wish to book for longer than you think, you’ll be pleased you did so.

The setting is inspiring and calming. Set within an acre of wildflower meadow the cottage sits under the large Caithness skies because the landscape in the far north is relatively flat, meaning that the views are vast from the cottage. The cliffs of Hoy can be seen when clear and if the light is right The Old Man of Hoy can be made out. Dunnet Head rises above the surrounding landscape., and generally sea views are enjoyed out of most windows of Mey Bee - thankfully, the owner has created window seats to enjoy said views.

Arriving at Mey Bee you’re immediately struck by the tranquillity of the place. It has a calmness which is epitomised not only by the wonderful surrounds but also the Zen garden to the rear of the property. Before going into the property, you’ll no doubt want to explore right round the cottage. The owner has created lovely curving paths of local stone and little footpaths through the plot to explore. There are many places to erect a tent as well if you wanted to spend a night under the grand skies and stars as well. The front garden has a lovely sitting area, a vegetable patch for guests use, and a firepit nestled within the wildflower meadow. It’s a beautiful place to be.

Entering the cottage via the back door there’s a utility room which is excellent for leaving boots and drying coats, as well securing bikes and other sports equipment. There is a woodshed outside that also serves as a bike shed. Beyond the utility is the amazing open plan living/dining/kitchen space. There are two wood burners in here, one in the fireplace in front of the sofa, and another by the dining/kitchen area, the latter being the solid fuel central heating and also an extra oven. This space also enjoys lots of lights coming in the windows with window seats, sea views are wonderful from here.
There’s a large bathroom with great bath, and the owner has thoughtfully erected large candles in here for guests to enjoy a peaceful, comforting bath. And finally, the double bedroom is yet another relaxing space with two large windows bringing in the landscapes.

It’s a lovely, peaceful, comfortable cottage that you won’t want to leave once you’ve arrived. However, it is recommended you do a bit of exploring of course. The walks locally are tremendous, you can explore the coastline for as far as you wish in both directions from just down the road at the marvellous Harrow harbour. The Castle of Mey is the neighbouring property to Mey Bee and can be seen across the fields from the rear of the cottage. The NC500 is only a minute away so you can tour till your heart’s content to amazing sights across the north coast and northeast coast. It’s a truly outstanding cottage to spend a week, two or three.

A large country house situated in Munlochy, near Inverness, in the Black Isle of Scotland. Hot tub. Tennis court. Spacious. Munlochy 1.3 miles; Inverness 8.7 miles; Rosemarkie 7.8 miles; Beauly 13.1 miles.

Northfork Cottage is situated between Wick and John O’Groats, and enjoys a lovely position overlooking Sinclair’s Bay.
The sea view from the cottage is amazing and endlessly interesting. Beyond the paddocks in the foreground surrounding the cottage the Ackergill Links with Wick golf course is clearly visible. Beyond the dunes Reiss Sands stretches for nearly 3 miles along the shore of Sinclair’s Bay. Also, in view is Ackergill Tower, the remains of Castle Sinclair Birnigoe and Noss Head lighthouse. You’ll be mesmerised by the view throughout your entire stay.
Only a few miles out of Wick in Quoys of Reiss, you’re under a mile walk to Reiss Sands beach and the first tree of Wick golf club. This house would suit those wanting to be playing some high-quality links golf.
There are so many fascinating places to visit near to Northfork Cottage and the owner is incredibly well informed as well as willing to help direct you to both well-known sights and hidden gems.
Places you have to visit whilst staying at Northfork Cottage though include: John O’Groats, Duncansby Head, The Castle of Mey and Orkney. Orkney is only a short hop across the Pentland Firth, and as the owner will point out, by looking at Sinclair’s Bay you can tell if the crossing to Orkney will be good or best avoided.
The accommodation is geared up for the amazing view. Entering through the front door there’s a useful utility room. You then enjoy the open plan living/dining/kitchen. The living area has a fantastic large window in front of which you can sit in two comfortable chairs simply watching the amazing view. It’s honestly mesmerising! There’s also a Smart TV that rivals the size of the enormous window, so when you want to shift gaze, you have an excellent screen on which to fix.
There’s a double bedroom at the back of the cottage with a view out over paddocks to the interior of Caithness. There’s also a second living room come reading room that has a single futon for flexible sleeping arrangements. The accommodation is complete with a shower room.
It’s a great spot enjoy amazing views. And the owner is incredibly helpful to ensure you get the most out of your time visiting Caithness. Beach ¾ mile.

Borlum House Farm in Reay on the far north coast of Scotland is a brilliant location to be based for a memorable short break or longer holiday. The restored early 18th century farmhouse and buildings are surrounded by highland cows, lambs and chickens. The Annex is a converted barn attached to the farmhouse that was originally maid quarters.
The farm was originally part of the Sandside Estate which was owned at one time by Mr Pilkington of Pilkington Glass. Records date back to 1729 and it is known that the farm was a sheep farm with dairy for cheese-making. Situated in an enviable spot up the hill from Reay and overlooking the magnificent north coast of Scotland right out to sea, arriving at The Annex you’ll be delighted with the location you’ve picked for your holiday.
Just off the NC500 that goes through Reay, Borlum House Farm is perfectly placed as a base to explore the far north coast. As well as Sandside Bay Beach with Fresgoe Harbour, just down from Reay, and Reay’s fantastic links golf course, there’s so much to see and do that the NC500 touring route will help you reach.
Other amazing beaches nearby include Melvich and Strathy, which are loved by surfers. Historic Thurso is nearby and so too is the ferry port for trips over to Orkney, a great day-trip from Borlum House Farm. Beyond Thurso you must visit Dunnet Head, the Castle of Mey, John O’Groats and Duncansby Stacks. To be honest, the list of amazing places to see goes on and on, and alas we can’t feature all here. But be certain that there’s so much to do during your stay at Borlum House Farm.
The accommodations are finished to a high standard. Both cottages include a kingsize double bedroom with en-suite double shower cubicle. Highland Soap products and lovely bathrobes are provided. The open-plan living/dining/kitchen space is great, complete with Smart TV and woodburning stove. Outside each property there is a private and enclosed garden as well the freedom to explore the grounds of the farm and meet the animals. There’s also a firepit and BBQ Grill shared with each cottage at the farm. Beach 1½ miles. Pub and restaurant 6 miles.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 4 guests.

Not far from Inverness, tucked away up beautiful Strathnairn is the lovely cottage for two Farr Out. Set on the Farr Estate with amazing Highland scenery all around, it’s a great place to base yourself for exploring near and far. Recently refurbished in 2022, Farr Out offers a high standard of holiday accommodation. Entering through the front door into the hallway there is an open plan living/kitchen/dining area to the left and the double bedroom and bathroom off to the right. The open plan living space is spacious for two people and has everything you would want when back from days out exploring the local area. The bedroom is very comfortable and the bathroom has a large shower. Outside of the property there is a patio with garden furniture, and only a few yards away there are some unusual but inquisitive neighbours, a group of llamas.
Farr Out is tucked away in a converted old steading on the Farr Estate and is set in a lovely rural location. It feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle that most of us are used to. However, it’s only 20 minutes out of charming Inverness, so in a way you have the best of both worlds staying at Farr Out, country and city living, in one holiday. Another advantage of being close to Inverness is that you’re near to famous touring routes like the North Coast 500 which starts and finishes in the city. However, if you don’t want to venture too far you don’t have to because there’s so much to see and do close by. You can cycle, hike and fish from the cottage on the estate. There are routes up onto the estate moors that you’re welcome to explore. Loch Farr which is situated on the estate is available for fly fishing free of charge (rowing boats are provided for fishing). The road that runs through Farr is a celebrated route to Fort Augustus, and it has been rated as one of the most scenic in Scotland. It was used in the iconic film ’Local Hero’ as well and there are many minor roads off it that journey down to the south side of Loch Ness, which is surprisingly close to Farr Out, another amazing benefit to staying at this lovely property.