Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

"River views and a wealth of glorious countryside combine to make this a wonderful setting for lovers of the great outdoors..."


Perfect for a relaxing break, Ness Castle Estate lies in the heart of magnificent game fishing and golfing country, and with lovely walking on the doorstep, it is an ideal location for nature lovers and sporting enthusiasts alike. River Lodge (ref SYYA) is a magnificent, detached, ‘Colorado’-style lodge providing complete relaxation and seclusion for larger parties. For smaller parties, Weir Cottage (ref SXXS) and Red Squirrel Lodge (ref SYYB) are single storey and adjoin one another, whilst spacious Ghillie’s Lodge (ref SYYC) and Benula Lodge (ref SYYM) stand detached. All have river views and are just minutes away from the city of Inverness.
Your Ness Castle Lodges experience can be augmented with personalised beauty treatments with their specially appointed therapist. Take time out to enjoy a full day of pampering, or book a morning session to set you up for the day. From facials and Swedish massage to relaxation techniques, eyelash tinting and more treatments like Hopi Ear Candles, a spa session - or two! More information on what’s on offer is available on arrival.
Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle, Loch Ness cruises and dolphin spotting on the Moray Firth are among the myriad of delights within easy reach. For those wishing to explore a little further afield the magical Isle of Skye, visiting the beautiful, romantic Eilean Donan Castle on the way, or a leisurely boat trip to the Orkney Isles which offer beautiful, rugged scenery with an abundance of wildlife and many archaeological sites make great days out. Whisky lovers can visit one of the many distilleries on the famous Strathspey Whisky Trail, sampling some of the finest whiskies in Scotland. At nearby Inverness, visitors will find a wealth of historic and cultural attractions as well as good shopping, bars and restaurants. Salmon fishing, by arrangement is 1 mile. For those wishing to explore a little further, day trips to the Orkney Isles, Isle of Skye and Glencoe are possible. Beach 16 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub 2½ miles.

Set in open countryside, above the charming seaside village of Portmahomack, Sheaf Dale is a beautifully presented cottage with a private hot tub in the gardens and a rear gated parking area, ideal for trailers with canoes, bicycles or other equipment. This single-storey, terraced, whitewashed stone cottage is tucked away along a quiet lane on the owner’s working arable and sheep farm. It has been painstakingly restored and renovated throughout and provides a good standard of accommodation in a peaceful yet accessible location. The large, airy living room looks out across the fields, and there is a spacious, well-equipped kitchen/dining room, with plenty of room for up to six guests. The master bedroom features a super kingsize bed and a wall-mounted TV, and both the double bedroom and the bunk bedroom are superbly presented with colour-coordinated soft furnishings. Exposed stone walls and large canvases of the local area add to the property’s charm. There is a secluded lawned garden with a sandstone patio area that leads down to the feature hot tub, making this an ideal property for couples, honeymooners and families wishing to have a relaxing, pampering holiday.

The picturesque seaside village of Portmahomack is just 1 mile away, with its sweeping sandy beach and stunning mountain backdrop, it is a superb spot to walk, picnic, swim or kayak. There is a small harbour with a pier, ideal for a spot of crabbing or fishing. The village has a good selection of amenities, including a shop, pub and café, as well as a renowned seafood restaurant. A traditional links golf course, Tarbat Golf Club which is open to visitors, is just a short walk away and there are numerous other renowned golf courses in the area including Royal Dornoch and Tain Golf Course which looks across the Dornoch Firth to Dornoch. The region is renowned for its archaeological sites and at the nearby Tarbat Discovery Centre there is a fascinating display of Pict, Norse and Medieval artefacts. Within a 10-minute drive lies the Royal Burgh of Tain, established as a Royal Burgh in 1066, and the Tain Museum houses the famous original Tain Silver Collection. Predominantly built out of local sandstone, Tain is a charming historic town which offers an excellent selection of small shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs, as well as a wide variety of sporting and recreational facilities. Nearby places of interest include the whisky distillery centre, home of the famous Glenmorangie Distillery where you can take a tour and sample the single malt, the famous Falls of Shin, one of the few places to see salmon leaping close to hand, and the enchanting town of Dornoch, with its magnificent cathedral, sandy beach and championship golf course.

This lovely cottage is ideally located for exploring the whole of the Highland region. When you return at the end of the day, relax in the hot tub whilst you drink in the uninterrupted views across the countryside to the sea beyond. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Sheaf Dale can be booked together with The Paddock (UK5049) and Grieve’s Cottage (UK12250) to accommodate up to 15 guests.

Sluice Keeper’s Cottage has Georgian windows and is full of character and charm throughout. As you enter the property there is a reception hall, and the kitchen is hand crafted with granite surfaces and a traditional oil powered Aga and is very well equipped with great views. The comfortable lounge has leather furniture wrapping around a wood burner, and there is a formal dining room with French doors leading to a patio. Outside, the property has a fully enclosed, lawned garden with a terrace area to take in the views.
This stunning historic property is located just 8 miles north of Royal Dornoch with its spectacular beaches, and is only 3 miles from the popular town of Golspie with a selection of shops, restaurants and bars. Sluice Keeper’s Cottage has breathtaking views over the Loch Fleet, and an abundance of walks from the front door. It is also perfect for cycling enthusiasts. Fishing is available just a short walk away (at cost), and a permit is required. Beach 4.6 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles.

Enjoying wonderful views across the Caledonian Canal to Ben Nevis, the Aonach Mor ski range and Glen Nevis, this bright and spacious detached bungalow is situated on a working croft in one of the most spectacular parts of the Highlands. There is a wealth of activities in the area, including skiing, climbing, hill walking, mountain biking, sailing, fishing and golf. Although rural the property is not isolated; the local shop is ¾ mile and pub and restaurant are a short walk away. During the summer the West Highland steam train, as seen in Harry Potter Films, passes close by enroute to Mallaig, where ferries depart for Skye and the small isles. Fort William, ‘the outdoor capital of the Highlands’ is just 4 miles away. It boasts a variety of excellent facilities, including swimming pool, and restaurants. The property makes an ideal base for touring the numerous places of interest in the region, including Glencoe, Loch Ness and the beautiful unspoilt Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Shop ¾ mile, pub and restaurant 500 yards.
Stepps Cottage can be booked together with W40834 Lapwing Rise (sleeps 7) which is next door.

Set in 170 acres on a private lodge park in rural Fife, but only a 5 minute drive to St Andrews and sandy beaches, The Lodge will appeal to couples and small families. The accommodation is beautifully presented, with a bright living room and bi fold doors leading to decking and your hot tub and lovely views across the open fields. Leading from the living room is the snug which doubles up as the third bedroom with a double sofa bed. The bright kitchen with breakfast bar and dining table is fully fitted and well equipped for preparing a family celebration meal. There are two generously proportioned bedrooms, all thoughtfully decorated with colour co-ordinated soft furnishings, the master bedroom has an en-suite shower room and there is a family bathroom and utility room.
If you’re not planning to venture far on your holiday, you have a private garden, decking with garden furniture and a hot tub to fill in your time or wander around the grounds, there is a farm shop and café on site. Just a 5 minute drive and you’re in the centre of the historic city of St Andrews with medieval historic buildings to visit, museums including the Museum of Golf, packed full of great places to eat and drink, shops, miles of sandy beaches, sea life centre and harbour. World renowned as the home of golf, there are courses to suit all abilities from family friendly to championship courses. If you enjoy walking on your holiday, the Fife Coastal Path has miles of pathways along the coast with stunning views and quaint fishing villages, coves and sandy beaches.

Situated 200 yards from Loch Sunart in the bay of Camas Inas with access to a rocky beach and the cottages own mooring, this newly renovated cottage is perfectly situated to explore the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, the most westerly part of the UK. In the grounds of the cottage is a garage for storing kayaks, paddle boards and bicycles. It is just one minutes’ walk to the loch where you can swim or fish and have close up views of passing dolphins and otters. There is also horse riding, canoeing and water rafting locally as well as clay pigeon shooting.
The cottage is all on one level with five steps up to it with two bedrooms, one which can either be a double size bed or twin beds lounge bathroom and kitchen. A cot is available for babies.
The double glazing and central heating are complemented by an open fire (with fireguard) and a supply of logs provided. Designed to make you feel cosy and comfortable, the cottage is decorated to remind you of Victorian Scotland but has every modern comfort. There are lots of stunning hill and loch-side walks in the area with Castle Tioram being one of the most beautiful sights to see in Scotland. Glen Coe and Ben Nevis with skiing are not far but you can also take a short drive to pubs, award winning restaurants, cafe’s, distillery, or smokehouse to enjoy local produce of seafood or venison. Drive further down the Pensinsula to the award winning organic Ardnamurchan Distillery or to Kilchoan and the Ardnamurchan lighthouse and then take the ferry across to Mull and visit Tobermory and several fish restaurants all selling local fresh caught produce.
Nearby there is a post office and two general food shops. The fish man comes every Tuesday with freshly landed fish including langoustine and lobsters. Venison and organically grown vegetables can be bought locally. You can also order a delivery from a local supermarket in Fort William for basic supplies although there will be items like tea, bread, milk, eggs, and wine in a welcome hamper for you on arrival.
There is a local GP and the area has its own ambulance, coastguard, fire service and police on the peninsula.