Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

Modern, comfortable detached holiday home just outside Dornoch, uninterrupted views toward the Dornoch Firth. Within a 20-minute walk or 3-minute drive from Dornoch town centre is this 3-bedroom detached house with large garden. It has off-street parking, Wi-Fi and is dog friendly. Great family holiday home with easy access to the north Highland routes. Lower Whinhill is 1 mile to the west of Dornoch on the Lonemore road. A great spot for a peaceful stay, yet only minutes from the facilities in Dornoch. With unspoilt views over the Dornoch Firth ideal base for relaxing and for travelling further afield throughout the north Highlands. To the north is direct access into Camore Woods (walks from 30 minutes to 2 hours). Across the road is the Lochans, where you can hire rods and fish for trout and practice your golf on the driving range or pitch and putt course. There is also access to the excellent sandy beach accessible from the Lochans.

If you are looking for a getaway-from-it all break with peace and quiet in beautiful surroundings, Smithy Burn is for you. The former croft sits in a unique position high up on the moor and has stunning views – on a clear day you can see Ben More Assynt which is 28 miles away. Adjacent to the Allt na Ceardaich, which translates as ‘the burn of the forge’, the original steading was once a forge on the drove road which runs down to the upper river Brora. Wildlife is abundant, and whilst having breakfast or sitting in the sunroom you might see; red deer, red kites, an osprey or even an eagle.
The croft has been remodelled by its interior designer owners in 2023 and the colourful result takes advantage of the amazing views as well as being very comfortable and well equipped for up to six guests. The owners moved the staircase to create extra space and light, added a bathroom and sunroom, and created a bar area with drinks fridge where the old stair used to be. The croft now comprises a well-equipped kitchen/dining room which easily seats six, a cosy living room featuring a wood burner, and double sofa-bed, and a large sunroom with views to the east, south and west. There is a ground floor bedroom with kingsize bed, a wet room with shower, basin and toilet, a separate toilet and a good-sized laundry room.
On the first floor is a twin bedroom with two extra-long single beds, and a new bathroom with double ended bath, basin, toilet and views across the hills. Outside there is an enclosed south facing lawned garden which includes plenty of parking space, a kennel, and a firepit with barbecue. There is a storage barn with plenty of space for bicycles, golf kit and fishing rods.
The location makes it ideal for exploring Sutherland, Caithness and Ross-shire and we are close to the NC500. Fine beaches, paddle boarding, kayaking, hill walking, stalking, fishing and shooting are all available locally. Golfers of all abilities can enjoy the championship course at Royal Dornoch as well as 18-hole courses at Brora, Golspie and Tain. A number of 9-hole courses are also within easy reach.
There is a well-stocked village shop and post office, a railway station and a pub 4½ miles away at Pittentrail. Golspie is a 20-minute drive and has a good range of shops, both Dornoch and Brora are about 25 minutes by car and fishing is available nearby. Shop 4 miles.

In the picturesque village of Fort Augustus at the southern tip of Loch Ness, this well-equipped detached holiday home makes an ideal base for touring. Walk or cycle along the Great Glen Way, take a pleasure cruise on Loch Ness or meander along the banks of the Caledonian Canal, watching the boats as they manage the locks. Visit historic castles and museums, explore remote magical glens, or follow the famous Whisky Trail. There are plenty of outdoor activities nearby and an abundance of wildlife. Fort William, Inverness and the Isle of Skye are all easily accessible. Shop ¼ mile, pub and restaurant 400 yards.

Cruives Lodge is located in a quiet location on the banks of the River Beauly and is perfect for a large family holiday, with every room providing ample space for everyone to enjoy. Walking through the front door takes you into a spacious reception area, directly in front of you is large living room with comfy sofas, TV and patio door out to the garden with its breath-taking views and sounds of the river.
The huge dining room features a large table with 18 dining chairs, and boasts amazing views of the river. Through the hall is the fully equipped kitchen, with centre island and Range master cooker. There is a large rod and boot room for drying coats and footwear after a busy day exploring the area. Leading off from here is a utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer, alongside a small cloakroom.
The property boasts six spacious double bedrooms, five of which have their own en-suite (an en-suite bedroom is located on the ground floor, ideal for those with mobility issues). The sixth bedroom is located next to the family bathroom.
Outside there is parking for six vehicles and to the front of the property is a seating area with table and chairs and a brick barbecue. The property has direct access on to the river with no secure barriers, so please be aware of this if your booking includes young children.
Cruives Lodge is located approximately 1 mile from the village of Beauly, which has a selection of local shops including a butchers and bakery, cafés, restaurants and bars. There are many lovely walks in the area, and you can take in the beautiful scenery directly from the lodge. Inverness City is 20 minutes away and offers something for everyone. There are four golf courses nearby, one of which is Castle Stuart which has hosted The Scottish Open. Enjoy fishing in the River Ness, visit the Eden Court Theatre, take in a film at the cinema, or spend a day at the trampoline park or the Aquadome.
Why not book a boat trip up Loch Ness and experience the scenery, visit Urquhart Castle and maybe spot Nessie, the infamous Loch Ness Monster? Cruives Lodge is the perfect base from which to explore the local area and then relax in beautiful surroundings in the evening. The lodge and its location will not disappoint as your base for your holiday in the Highlands.

Sleeping up to six guests, Broom Cottage is a traditional 1900s sleeper-built cottage with wonderful walking and biking trails right on the doorstep.
Perfect for families and outdoor adventurers, the Cairngorms National Park offers incredible landscapes and wildlife. Hike up nearby Ben Macdui or visit the Highland Wildlife Park and the Highland Folk Museum. Head to the water-sports hubs of Loch Insh or beautiful sandy Loch Morlich, where you can enjoy sailing, canoeing, paddle-boarding and windsurfing - with tuition available if required.
Grab your clubs for a game of golf in Newtonmore, visit the swimming pool or catch a game of shinty! And you won’t want to miss the Newtonmore Highland Games in August, or the Hogmanay fireworks and torchlit procession! Nip along the road to Kingussie for its golf club, its shops, the remains of Ruthven Barracks or a Highland adventure by horseback.
A snowsports hub, Aviemore sits about 16 miles north, hosting a historic ceremonial stone circle, the Strathspey Steam Railway, the Craigellachie National Nature Reserve....and of course the Cairngorms ski resort! Fort William, Inverness and Ben Nevis are also within easy reach! This area offers so much for the visitor, so whether you choose to ski, walk, cycle, birdwatch or simply relax, you will enjoy your holiday and most certainly love this cottage. This is an excellent base for family holidays, with so much to see and do nearby.

Wee Corsee is located in a quiet area in Nairn only a short walk to the local amenities. Nairn has lots to offer such as a beautiful sandy beach, two golf courses for the enthusiastic golfer, fishing, a selection of local shops, two supermarkets, and a selection of cafés, restaurants and bars.
The property has double gates to the off-street parking for two vehicles, there is a relaxing seating area at the side of the property with a barbecue perfect for al fresco dining. Walking through the front door takes you into the hallway with a storage area for coats and footwear, there is a basket with some towels for any of our wet four-legged friends. The ground floor has a spacious double bedroom with kingsize bed, plenty of storage and ambient lamps, and even a Smart TV for those slower mornings. This room also benefits from an en-suite shower room with a walk-in shower. Upstairs there is a bright open plan living area with comfy sofas and Smart TV then the dining area has a table and plenty of seating for four guests. The modern fully equipped kitchen has everything you need to cook a hearty home-cooked meal, there is a separate utility area should you wish to use it. The second bedroom is on this floor it is a large room similar to the master but with a super kingsize zip and link bed - this can become a twin room on request. There is a family bathroom that has a bath with a shower over. There is a selection of games, DVDs and reading material to entertain the younger guests.
Wee Corsee is the perfect location to base yourself to explore Nairn and the surrounding area, Inverness the capital of the Highlands is only 20 minutes away, with Culloden Moor also on your doorstep. Nairn has a train station which allows you to fly to Inverness Airport and take the train from the newly opened station to Nairn in less than 10 minutes. Wee Corsee and the town of Nairn will definitely not disappoint as your base for your holiday in the Highlands. Beach 500 yards. Pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

Enjoying a peaceful setting within the small hamlet of Duthil, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Strathspey Lodge commands stunning views across open countryside and on towards the Cairngorm mountain range. This beautifully presented detached house has been tastefully finished with bespoke furniture and local artwork. The property offers a stylish and cosy luxury retreat, while also providing all the benefits of modern open plan family living. This is the perfect choice for families or couples looking to enjoy a luxury holiday in an area renowned for its scenic beauty. This part of the National Park boasts a superb range of shops, restaurants and bars, along with a variety of outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, golf, horse riding, fishing, mountain and quad biking, climbing and hill walking, and an array of watersports on Loch Insh, Loch Morlich and the River Spey. Try zip lining, zorbing and perhaps a Segway trip, all really good fun for the family. Take a trip on the Strathspey Steam Railway or enjoy panoramic views from the top of the Cairngorm Mountain Railway. The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, the Highland Wildlife Park and Scotland’s National Outdoor Centre at Glenmore Lodge are all within easy reach. Aviemore, the year round outdoor hub of the Cairngorms, is only 15 minutes away at the head of the Speyside Way.
Only 2 miles away is the village of Carrbridge with its historic packhorse bridge. Here you can enjoy a fun-filled day out for all ages at the Landmark Forest Adventure Park, or soak up the Highland atmosphere at the local pub or cafe. Pick up essentials or find an array of locally made gifts and crafts at one of Carrbridge’s various shops and galleries. Just a mile up the road from Strathspey Lodge is the well regarded MacDonald Country Club, which welcomes visitors to use both its leisure and dining facilities.
The area is blessed with numerous stunning golf courses including Spey Valley, Boat of Garten, Grantown on Spey and Carrbridge. Further afield, world famous courses such as Nairn, Royal Dornoch and Castle Stuart Golf Course are all accessible for a day trip. From Strathspey Lodge, visit Loch Ness, the beautiful west coast, the Isle of Skye or the Orkney Islands. The Moray Firth coastline is peppered with little fishing villages and beautiful beaches, where you may catch sight of their famous bottlenose dolphins - this area was voted in the ‘top 20 best coastline destinations in the world’. Also in Moray, you can visit whisky distilleries on the malt Whisky Trail – the only one of its kind! Strathspey Lodge is a place where wonderful memories will be made, and really does provide a superb base from which to explore the many delights this area has to offer. For the less energetic, sit back and relax in front of the wood burner and soak in the ever changing vistas. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Beech House is situated in one of the most idyllic and unique locations in the Scottish Highlands, with wide and awe-inspiring views across the Great Glen to the North face of Ben Nevis, which dominates the landscape and can be admired whilst luxuriating in the hot tub! Built as the new croft house for Seangan in 1986 and subsequently extended, this exceptionally large, bright and spacious house is situated on a working croft on the banks of the Caledonian Canal. The farm has been in the current family for well over a hundred years and the owners welcome visitors to experience the peace and tranquillity of the Highland croft lifestyle in one of the most renowned and unspoilt area of the British Isles. The hot tub and barbecue area are covered so can be enjoyed in all weathers, and to the front of the house is a large covered decking area with spectacular views to Ben Nevis.
Situated just 5 miles from Fort William, the opportunities for sport and outdoor recreation are second to none.  Climbing, hill-walking, canoeing, sailing, golf, fishing, skiing and cycling are all available within close proximity and the Great Glen Way stretching from Fort William to Inverness is close by. Whether you would like to tackle one of the many Munros in the area (mountains about 3,000 feet), or prefer to wander through the foothills of Glen Nevis, (where the film Braveheart was made), with its pretty riverside walks, or even take the gondola ride up the ski slopes to savour the spectacular views from the top, there is something for all abilities.
The world mountain biking championships are held here annually, and the trails offer a variety of routes for all levels. Take a trip to Mallaig on the ’road to the isles’ just 2 miles from the property, or travel via the famous steam train of Harry Potter fame, which runs along this route. From there, it is just a short ferry ride away to the Isle of Skye, and the smaller isles of Muck, Eigg and Rhum. A day out on the Arnamurchan Peninsula, via the Corran car ferry (5 minute boat ride) is a must. With its beautiful coastline, its pretty hamlets and villages untouched by time, and its lighthouse situated on the most westerley point in Britain, this will prove to be a unique and memorable experience. The rugged beauty of nearby Glencoe, the seclusion of Loch Arkaig (location of the film Rob Roy), and the quiet tranquillity of the Caledonian Canal all contribute to the incomparable qualities of this area and combine to make this lovely house an ideal base for exploring the heart of the Western Highlands. Beech House is particularly suited to a two family or extended family holiday as it can accommodate larger groups. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.
Beech House can be booked together with Birch Lodge (28880) and Hawthorn Lodge (CC511328) to accommodate up to 18 guests.

Aonach Cottage offers complete tranquillity in a truly peaceful setting. Only 3 miles from sea lochs and the amenities of Glencoe village, the cottage has all the comforts and flexibility of home, among the spectacular and dramatic mountain scenery of Glencoe. It sits below some of Scotland’s highest mountains, and enjoys panoramic mountain views, including a stunning view of the Aonach Eagach Ridge and towards Bidean Nam Bian. There are numerous walks from the door, including to the Corbett Meall Lighiche and the lesser-known Munro, Sgor na h-Ulaidh. The views from the windows are just stunning. With no light pollution, you can enjoy star gazing across the dark night sky. From the front door you can wander further up the peaceful glen alongside a mountain burn and enjoy beautiful scenery and a feeling of being in the hills, even if you are not a hill walker.
Sharing a completely enclosed deer-fenced area of the mountain with its sister cottage Bidean Cottage (UK41933) and the owners’ farmhouse, Aonach Cottage is accessed by a 1-mile hard surfaced farm road off the main route through Glencoe. Glencoe is a lovely highland village with many amenities including a mini-market, café, hotel, pub, filling station, church and dentists and there are some fabulous restaurants, cafés, and pubs nearby, all serving good, local food. The nearby village of Ballachulish has a small supermarket, doctor’s surgery, tourist information with coffee shop and a bar/restaurant. Steeped in history, Glencoe is surrounded by the most breath-taking scenery of mountains and lochs and the area offers a large range of sports and outdoor activities, including winter sports, hill walking, climbing, mountaineering, fishing and water sports, mountain biking and golfing. The town of Fort William is 18 miles or 30 minutes’ drive, from the cottages and offers shopping and a wealth of activities. Oban, known as the ’Gateway to the Isles’, is only 36 miles away. Glencoe Mountain Resort, with skiing, mountain biking and other activities is a 20-minute drive through the glen.
The cottages can be booked together to accommodate up to 12 guests.

This beautiful, detached property is ideal for a week away in a scenic location. The town of Forres is easily accessible, boasting various shops, pubs and cafés where you can stock up on any essentials and delight in an evening away from the kitchen. Alternatively, travel to the seaside town of Nairn, where you will find fantastic amenities, or why not visit some local smaller highland villages close by.
There are plenty of popular attractions in the area, which offer the chance to discover the adventurous landscape of Scotland, including the Cairngorm Mountains, the famous Loch Ness and the glorious views and coastal attractions from Findhorn. This property and location have it all! For historical Scottish attractions, venture anywhere the list is vertically endless. From Brodie Castle and grounds less than a 15 minute drive away, to slightly further afield, Castle Urquhart, Loch Ness and attractions, Elgin Cathedral, Culloden Visitor Centre and battlefield. And proudly, Sueno’s Stone is a Picto-Scottish Class III standing stone. Situated in Forres just 7 miles away, it is the largest surviving Pictish style cross-slab stone of its type in Scotland, standing 6½ metres.
For sport and Adventure fanatics, Aviemore is just 35 minutes away, being a very popular highland town at the base of the Cairngorms Mountains, and is the heart of every sporting adventure any time of year. Everything you could want from mountain or quad biking, Skiing, winter sports, walking, climbing, water sports, and even Dog sled championships are held here! Ace Adventure is 5 minutes away, offering a huge range of sporting and water activities like canoeing, white water rafting, and cliff jumping to name a few, or, also offering paint balling, family rafting, canoeing, tubing and more for youngsters and families. Landmark Forest activity park is in Carrbridge 30 minutes away with climbing wall, high wire course, maze, raft ride and rollercoaster, making a brilliant family day out! A 5 minute drive away will land you at Randolph’s Leap and Slue walk, which equally are both breath-taking and spectacular.
Beach lovers can spend a day at one of the beautiful beaches in Moray Firth. Visit Findhorn Bay, beautiful Nairn Beach, the astonishing Cullen Bay and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience dolphin and Killer whale watching from the Moray Coastline or one of the many boat trips to get a little closer!
Whisky enthusiasts? This area, Moray and Speyside, is known as Malt Whisky County and The Laurels is slap-bang in the middle, with many distilleries we even have a Malt Whisky Trail. Only a 10 minute drive to the Benromach distillery, in Forres. A little further you have the very popular Speyside, famous for the abundance of local distillery tours, including The Macallan Estate, whilst a little further you will also find Dufftown on the stunning Speyside Way, with seven distilleries including Glenfiddich and Balvenie.
You’ll also find endless trails and walks along the roaring river, see where The Spey collides with the River Findhorn. High-rocky verges and swooping drops, these walks are hidden Local gems, and not to be missed!
Walking and biking a little closer to base? The large Garden is a great space for relaxing or games, and at the bottom of the garden is The Dava Way. This is recognised as one of Scotland’s Great Trails and is unquestionably one of the country’s finest long-distance walking and off-road cycling routes. It follows the old Highland Railway line for 24 miles (38 km) between Forres and Grantown-on-Spey! We are situated next to old Dunphail train station the most point of this trail. And if you look across the road from the house you will see the old platform hiding, but nature has started to take back! Having lots of outdoor space, you don’t need to go far past the doorstep! Walking adventures! The neighbouring woods, and Moore land 2 minutes’ walk from the door. Needless to say, this is the ideal base for holidaymakers wanting to visit the local area and many attractions that this location has to offer.