Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

Situated only a mile from the village of Drumnadrochit and with wonderful views over Loch Ness, this charming, self contained holiday apartment is on the ground floor of Temple Pier House, an impressive listed building set above the road along the side of the loch. The house retains many original features including small paned windows. Perfect for couples who want a comfortable hideaway with a private hedged garden. Great for walkers, there are many tracks to explore from the doorstep including the Great Glen Way which passes close and continues all the way to Inverness. A boat trip on the loch is a must for a spot of ‘Nessie Hunting’. The charming village of Drumnadrochit has good restaurants, a small but well stocked grocery store, a post office and a bank that opens occasionally. The bright lights of the city of Inverness, 12 miles, offer a superb choice of restaurants, boutiques, museums, and beautiful riverside pathways, with the imposing Inverness Castle, now the city’s courthouse, the impressive St. Andrew’s cathedral and the award winning Eden Court Theatre. Centrally located, this makes an ideal base to access all of the magnificent Highlands. Skye, Fort William and the West Coast of Scotland are within a couple of hours’ drive and the road through Inverness goes onto the A9 and then north to Sutherland or south to Aviemore and further to Perthshire. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

This fabulous historical holiday cottage, fully renovated in 2021, is set in an elevated position overlooking Loch Ruthven, an RSPB Nature Reserve. As well as being famous for the Slavonian grebe, the nature reserve is home to many other amazing wildlife including red kite, buzzard and red deer. The loch shows the signs of glacial activity with scarred boulders dotted along the water’s edge and up into the woodland to the summit of Stac Gorm towering over the Ruthven. Fly fishing is available in other lochs nearby.

Loch Ruthven is situated in the upper parts of Strathnairn, and a few rugged miles south from Loch Ness. The area around the loch and The Grain Store is a relatively unknown part of the Highlands, and many say a hidden gem because of its off-the-beaten track feel yet close proximity to Inverness only 25 minutes’ drive away and a great starting point to explore the North Coast 500 route. The cottage is 240 metres above sea level and has Stac Gorm rising to 430 metres just across the loch. The views of both together from the cottage are awe-inspiring. The walk into the nature reserve, round the loch and up Stac Gorm is brilliant and highly recommended when you visit. Views to the south and south west from the cottage show a brooding landscape of hills. What you see are the Monadhliath Mountains stretching from Strathnairn to the south into the Cairngorms National Park. There are four Munros in these mountains, which keen hikers will be want to explore. The Monadhliath Mountains are not technically mountains, but high hills with many parts of the area being over 900 metres above sea level. It’s a remote, desolate, naturally treeless wilderness, and a breathtaking part of the Highlands.

From the cottage, following Strathnairn east downstream, you reach the main road which takes you to the Cairngorms National Park where there’s an endless list of brilliant things to do for the whole family. From skiing and walking with wild reindeer in the winter, through to walking up some of the UK’s highest mountains in the summer. To the north of the cottage is Loch Ness, the southern side of Loch Ness, which is very different from the northern shore. It’s quiet, and offers the best chance to spot elusive Nessie.

Further afield, you have Inverness which is a wonderful little city at the mouth of the Ness River right on the Beauly and Moray Firths. The Firths are one of the best places in the world to see bottlenose dolphins! And from Inverness there are roads stretching in every direction into different parts of the Highlands. The cottage is also in a ’dark sky’ area with a telescope provided at the property to enjoy the night sky. Shop 6½ miles.

Hazelgrove is a characterful holiday home on the south side of Loch Ness in the small village of Inverfarigaig near Foyers. It’s perched in a spectacular spot with views out over the Loch. Hazelgrove is a magical place to spend a week or two with the entire family. The south side of Loch Ness is arguably the more attractive and certainly much quieter. Along General Wade’s 18th century military road from Inverness you will reach the dramatic little village of Inverfarigaig. The rushing waters of the River Farigaig run through the village and there are numerous trails heading off to explore the surrounding forests and lochs. The South Loch Ness Trail is worth exploring and so too is The Trail of the 7 Lochs, both easily accessible from Inverfarigaig.
Beyond the River Farigaig you soon see Hazelgrove’s sign on the left. The cottage is perched up on the left but within a short stroll of the loch side. Walking up to the timber clad Hazelgrove through mature enclosed gardens you’ll be chuffed with your decision to pick this property for your holiday. You rise up to the cottage’s veranda and Loch Ness dominates the view – it’s spectacular! The rocking chair on the veranda is a nice touch as sitting in this spot is truly good for the soul. Into the property and the vestibule leads into the open-plan living/dining space which makes the most of the view of Loch Ness. There’s an incredible stone fireplace framing the woodburning stove. The kitchen is beyond this space and is well-equipped, including an Aga in addition to an electric oven and hob. Out to the back of Hazelgrove next to the kitchen is a utility room with a washing machine, overhead clothes airer and ironing facilities, and a boot room with access to the wrap-around garden. On the other side of the house are the three bedrooms, two doubles and a single, as well as the family bathroom. All views from the bedrooms are of the garden and surrounding forest making them perfect places to rest and recharge. The outside of Hazelgrove is special. Nestled beneath the trees of the Farigaig forest where red squirrels and pine martens can be spotted, the mature garden is fully enclosed for dogs to run around at will. There’s an even better view from the top of the plot to the rear of the property. There’s a patio with garden furniture for visitors to sit out late in the evening to watch the sunset over Loch Ness. It’s a very special place to spend time.
Hazelgrove is also an excellent base from which to explore the Highlands. Foyers is a great village a short way away with a amazing waterfalls and places to eat and drink. Beyond Foyers the south side of Loch Ness with its network of lanes and trails is brilliant to explore. Fort Augustus isn’t far away and Fort William beyond isn’t a long drive. Inverness is less than thirty minutes drive away, so you’re well connected at Hazelgrove. You can get to Ben Nevis, the Isle of Skye, the Black Isle and the Cairngorms National Park easily from Hazelgrove, but many people will simply want to just stay put by the Loch and enjoy keeping an eye out for Nessie!

Perched above the shores of Loch Ness, Bunloit Farmhouse provides an enchanting Highland escape. As you enter the cottage, you’ll find the spacious living and kitchen areas to the right, both with wood-burning stoves and loch views. On the left is a twin bedroom providing another fantastic vista across Loch Ness. Upstairs a double and single room greet you, sure to provide a peaceful night’s sleep. There are bathrooms on both floors of the property.
The Farmhouse is surrounded by Bunloit Estate, a nature restoration site. As a guest here, you can book an exclusive site tour (email to enquire), or explore the ample nature on the doorstep all by yourself. Despite the wild feel, most essential services are available in the village of Drumnadrochit (3.7 miles), and more still in Inverness (19.5 miles). Activities in the area are plentiful.

Welcome to the breathtaking Ardachy Lodge, nestled on an elevated site overlooking Loch Ness. This exceptional lodge sits on the boundary of the Bunloit Estate, a 511ha rewilding site. As guests here, you can book an exclusive tour of the nature restoration operations to add to your stay (email to enquire).
Entering Ardachy, you’ll find a spacious open-plan living, kitchen and dining area complete with AGA, wood burner, and panoramic loch views through floor-to-ceiling windows. There are ample seating and dining options, with an extending table for added flexibility. Five beautifully appointed bedrooms are each designed with your comfort in mind. The spacious and tastefully decorated rooms offer serene views of the surrounding wilderness, providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Two modern bathrooms and an en-suite ensure that you have all the necessary amenities at your disposal. There are two cloakrooms, at the front and back entrance, and a separate utility kitchen space.
Despite the wild feel, most essential services are available in the village of Drumnadrochit (3.7 miles), and more still in Inverness (19.5 miles). Activities in the area are plentiful. Local hiking routes include the Great Glen Way, Meall Fuar-Mhonaidh and the Abriachan Forest trails. Urquhart Castle, Fort Augustus and Loch Ness boat tours offer a great day out. Alternatively, you can relax where you are, in the calming sanctuary of Ardachy. Whatever you seek, Ardachy provides a memorable escape, offering the perfect base for your Highland adventure.

Taigh Geal is presented in an exceptionally high standard throughout with attention to detail in all areas.
On the ground floor there is a spacious living room in the style of a stately home with thick tartan curtains, deep leather sofas and a feature wood burner; solid wood flooring with quality rugs complete the luxury of the room. It has picture windows with views of the loch and French doors open to the garden. There are double doors leading to the dining room which is set out for formal dining with polished wood table and eight chairs, French doors to the garden, and amazing views of the loch. The modern spacious, fully equipped kitchen has a breakfast bar island with stools and all the appliances needed to cook up a storm. This room also opens through to a snug with comfy seating, TV and French doors to the patio and the hot tub. You also have a utility room and cloakroom on this floor. On the first floor are three bedrooms, all en-suite. The garden has a gravel driveway, hillside, steeply sloping down area towards the loch in places, protected by a small fence - not ideal for small children! The hot tub is positioned on a patio area, with a dining table and chairs for al fresco dining. There is a small gate to the hillside for woodland walks, ideal for dogs.
The property is located in the village of Foyers with a hotel with restaurant and bar located 50 yards from the property, with two more hotels approximately 500 yards away. Fort Augustus is 13 miles away and offers a good selection of local shops, restaurants, cafés and bars. Why not take a boat trip on the loch and look for the world-famous Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster? The trip will take you through the Caledonian Canal with its flight of lock gates.
Inverness, the capital of the Highlands is 19 miles away and offers a wide range of tourist attractions, golf courses, fishing, cinema, sports centre and Aquadome, Eden Court theatre, selection of local shops, supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and bars some with live music. Taigh Geal and the area will not disappoint for your holiday in the Scottish Highlands.
Letting licence No. - H50167F.

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.