Dog-Friendly Holidays Argyll and Bute

"Stunning locations in breathtaking scenery..."

In a magnificent setting by the sea, Ardmaddy Castle sits in its own bay with unrivalled views over Seil Sound and the world famous local Slate Islands, designated one of Scotland’s National Scenic Areas. Graded ‘4 Star’ by the Scottish Tourist Board, these four cottages (SBZ, SRW and SRY) and Caddleton Farmhouse( UNP) are set in secluded, peaceful locations around the estate and offer an ideal base for exploring this stunning part of the West Coast of Scotland.
Caddleton Farmhouse (UNP) has a large carport providing dry, level access to a large games room/cloakroom which leads through to a spacious living room and well-equipped farmhouse-style kitchen with low level hob and worktops, dining and sitting areas with open fire and leading to a large conservatory overlooking the garden and sea.
The castle’s spectacular gardens are open all year round through Scotland’s Gardens Scheme and are a delight for gardening enthusiasts. The area is renowned for its abundant wildlife with porpoise, dolphins, basking sharks, otters, deer, eagles and wealth of seabirds often seen. Sailing, rowing and motor boats are all available for guests to hire, and there is free fishing on Ardmaddy’s stocked hill loch. There is also a central games room with table tennis and a pool table, whilst Caddleton Farmhouse (UNP) and The Stables (SBZ) have their own games room. Guests can also use the castle’s tennis court.
The bustling harbour town of Oban known as the ‘Gateway to the Islands’ is only 12 miles away and has wonderful seafood restaurants, shops and bars. From Oban there are boat trips to the Inner Hebridean Isles, including Mull, Iona, Staffa, Colonsay and Tiree. For the outdoor enthusiast, local activities include horse riding, coasteering, canyoning, canoeing, sailing, diving and golf. Fort William and Glencoe are a short drive away offering very popular climbing and skiing. Explore beautiful gardens and ruined castles in an area rich in historical legacy or take a leisurely walk or cycle along one of the many forest tracks. Visit Bonawe Iron Works, Cruachan Hollow Mountain, the Sealife Centre and Inveraray Jail. Or relax and enjoy the unspoilt natural beauty surrounding the cottages at Ardmaddy. Shops 12 miles, pub/restaurant 2½ miles.

Innish Beag is a cosy escape for two on the Isle of Seil, connected by road bridge to the mainland, making it the most accessible island of the Inner Hebrides. Cross the bridge and enter an island idyll, surrounded by beautiful countryside, friendly folk and lovely sea views over the Bridge. An ideal romantic couple’s retreat, with a loft bedroom and stunning sea views, Innish Beag will not disappoint! There is a warm and welcoming open plan kitchen, dining and living areas with stunning sea views towards the Bridge. Wooden stairs climb up to the wood-lined loft bedroom with cosy double bed, where the views only get better!! Served by a spacious bathroom on the ground floor, there is everything a couple will need for an island break! Outside, you have access to a large lawned front garden, where you can sit and immerse yourself in the views. The rear hillside garden is lawned with mature shrubs and features a hidden barbeque area.
Innish Beag is within just a few yards of an excellent pub and eatery, and although rural, the island is really well served for amenities. With an excellent local store at Balvicar, plus several shops, pubs and restaurants on the island, you will not have to travel far to find a place to eat out or find something to do or explore. The Isle of Seil is one of the Slate Islands, known as the “Islands which roofed the World” and has been linked to the mainland by the Clachan Bridge (Bridge Over The Atlantic) since the late 18th century. An abundance of wild life in the area; eagles, buzzards, kestrels, otters, deer, badgers, and a friendly local community, makes it an ideal place to get away from the bustle of city life and unwind.
There are several fantastic boat trip operators nearby offering a chance to see the amazing wildlife including a high speed Rib Boat trip through the Corryvreckan whirlpools. There is a nine hole golf course on the island, charters, kayaking, diving and numerous walks. The bridge which connects the Isle of Seil to the mainland enables easy access for exploring the Oban area and mid-Argyll as well as Glencoe and Fort William. Beach 14½ miles. Pub and restaurant 85 yards.
Innish Beag (ref UK38782) can be booked together with Innish (ref UK38783) to accommodate up to 10 guests.

A stunning detached family holiday home boasting stunning loch views near to Oban on the west coast of Scotland. Family and pet-friendly. Secure gardens. Spacious. Connel 6.2 miles; Oban 10.5 miles; Inveraray 38.2 miles.

Situated amongst the rolling countryside of the ever popular Isle of Bute, these two renovated cottages (Milton Cottage is detached, Milton Byre adjoins another property) offer an ideal holiday location from which to explore the dramatic coastline and stunning scenery of the island. For the outdoor enthusiast, walking, cycling, golf, fishing, sailing and watersports are in abundance. The wildlife is outstanding with deer, pheasant, otter and eagle readily seen. Visit the Victorian Gothic mansion of Mount Stuart, Bute Museum, Rothesay Castle and the fabulous gardens of Ascog Hall and Ardencraig. Many events throughout the year, including the now famous annual Jazz Festival and the spectacular Highland Games, traditional agricultural shows, concerts and art festivals. Shops and pub 2 miles.

Situated in the small community of Lunga midway between Oban and Lochgilphead, with stunning views of the inner islands of the Firth of Lorn, on the Northern shore of the Craignish peninsula, The Dancing Fox enjoys a hill-top location in one of the most scenic areas of Scotland. Just 3 minutes’ walk from the pristine waters of Lunga Bay with its ancient pier, it’s a natural adventure playground, surrounded by trees with magnificent sea views towards the magical Islands of Jura, Scarba and Shuna.

Artistically decorated with an eclectic mixture of vintage, antique and contemporary furniture and stunning art works, you will find yourself captivated by this amazing house. Downstairs, there is a sociable split-level, open plan living area, bespoke vintage kitchen and dining area with a patio door opening out onto the garden, as well as a separate comfortable spacious sitting room with a relaxing window seating area enjoying views over the gardens. The four bedrooms offer flexible sleeping arrangements to suit larger families. There are two large, tranquil bedrooms downstairs with leafy views over the gardens which are served by a delicious bathroom featuring an enormous rockpool stone bath, watched over by two stone seals. Upstairs, the spacious master bedroom with dressing room has a Juliet balcony with amazing sea views, a large, thoughtfully furnished dormer bedroom sleeping 4, both served by a magical bathroom with roll top bath and shower which enjoys secret views over the tree tops. There is a large, convenient utility room downstairs and a large lean-to shed, ideal for storing bikes/kayaks/skis with outside tap and sink and plentiful parking.

The large, creative garden is filled shrubs, artwork, secret seating areas and viewing spots. Following a track 150m downhill, takes you to Lunga pier and the horse-shoe shaped Lunga Bay with sandy, pebbly beach where you can swim in the pristine clear waters or launch small boats and kayaks. You can roam freely across the wilderness of the Craignish Peninsula and enjoy spotting wildlife along the coastline. There’s also a riding centre just 100m from The Dancing Fox where instruction and trekking is available. The Dancing Fox is well served for amenities within walking distance, with Craobh Haven marina and village just a mile away by single track road, which has a grocery shop, a craft and coffee shop, a launderette and a ship’s chandlery.

Arduaine, is just a 3-mile walk, where there is another hotel and bar and National Trust gardens. You can also walk or cycle three miles across the hill track to Ardfern with village shop, café, pub and hotel as well as sailing, canoeing, fresh water, sea fishing and boat excursions. Ardfern can also be reached by a 5 mile drive by road. The Ardfern road continues along the peninsula to within a mile of Craignish point, with views of the Corryvreckan whirlpool. Right on your doorstep and within 9 miles is the renowned prehistoric Kilmartin Glen, the Moine Mhor, a lowland raised bog of international importance, and the ancient hill fort of Dunadd. A 20-mile drive north takes you to the town of Oban, the Gateway to the Isles, also known as the Seafood Capital of Scotland, with huge variety of cafés, shops, restaurants, golf course, cinema and leisure centre. The county town of Lochgilphead, 20 miles south, has a variety of specialist shops, cafés and restaurants, a swimming pool, golf course and sports centre.

This Grand, 1860 Victorian Villa features a living room with wood burner, two sofas, a baby grand piano and TV with Netflix & Prime TV. Also on the ground floor is a private office and separate dining room with table and chairs for eight people. The large kitchen with table and seating for six people is well-equipped with everything you could need during your stay, including a beer/juice fridge and wine fridge. Leading off the kitchen is the utility area with storage, sink, dishwasher, washing machine & tumble dryer. A separate door leads off the utility area to the Spa & Wellness centre.
On the first floor are three bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room and one large bathroom with bath big enough for two (the jets do not work, but with the addition of bubbles and candles, you will have a relaxing time). The second bedroom has a superking bed and the master bedroom has an Emperor bed. On the second floor is a top landing with open sky glass view platform. Up here you will find a further two double bedrooms and one twin bedroom and a shower room.
Spa & Wellness Centre: On entering there is a comfortable seating area. You then move into the large open plan area housing a table tennis table, A seven-foot pool table, a computerised soft-tip dart board and an 18’ (5.5m) Wellis Amazonas Swim-Spa for the perfect workout. After your fun in the Swim Spa, why not then try the Smart Sauna?
Please note that the owners are currently adding a new shower & separate toilet facility to this area, which will not interrupt your fun and relaxation. The owners are also creating two separate mezzanine areas with small cocktail bar, along with a games area. These areas are not yet ready and will not interfere with any of the other facilities currently on offer.
A spacious enclosed rear garden area provides ample opportunity to relax. There is a fire pit, barbecue and garden furniture, from where you will see yachts sailing past on the Clyde Estuary.
Island Seaview Villa with Swim Spa & Sauna is ideally situated to explore the island of Bute for it’s fantastic, sheltered beaches and the famous grand architecture of Mount Stuart. Drive out to the ruined chapel of St Blanes from the 12th-century and a Bronze Age stone circle. The island is also famous for its birdwatching, where you may be lucky enough to spot the Osprey’s around Loch Fad or even a white-tailed sea Eagle at Etterick Bay. There are basking sharks, humpback whales, dolphins and seals aplenty.
There are many walks around the island, including the popular West Island Way. Bute is a superb destination for cyclists. Fishing is available on the island and around it’s coastal waters, as well as loch Fad where boat hire is available to fish for rainbow and brown trout or pike. There are three golf courses on the island, along with a putting green in Rothesay town.

Experience the ultimate in luxury in a truly unique cabin deep in the heart of the Argyll forest. Pine Marten Cabin is a round log cabin constructed entirely of wood, offering a “get away from it all” experience in the peace of a beautiful Highland glen, with a private hot tub and dining area on its own fairy-lit private raised patio. Sit out under the stars and let your imagination run wild!
Inside the cabin, it’s like staying in a Canadian trapper’s cabin – with all modern luxuries. Relax on a gorgeous velvet sofa, with a dining table and chairs and a fully fitted kitchen. The living room features a widescreen TV with Netflix and excellent Wi-Fi. The bedroom has a kingsize bed with the finest Egyptian cotton bed linen, and the bathroom offers a full-length bath and shower carved into the wood.
Excellent restaurants are situated nearby, and although the lodge is situated in a very quiet and unspoilt glen, it is just ten minutes from the nearest shops, pubs and restaurants. Pine Marten Cabin is set in the most ancient landscape in Scotland – Kilmartin Glen, a quarter of an hour away, has the highest concentration of Neolithic monuments in Europe. The lodge is also well placed for daily boat trips to the stunning West Coast islands, from Mull to Jura or Islay. Enjoy a trip out to the Corryvreckan whirlpool, with the chance to see dolphins, porpoises, sea eagles, seals and minke whales. Or hire bikes, and cycle down the world-famous Crinan Canal. Further afield and offering a great day out are the towns of Oban, the Gateway to the Isles to the north, Inveraray, the capital of Argyll, to the east and Campbeltown to the far south on the Kintyre Peninsula. Beach 7 miles. Pub and restaurant 2½ miles.

This spacious house is set in a delightful position in the coastal town of Rothesay, on the beautiful Isle of Bute. One of the most accessible Scottish islands, the Isle of Bute is just a short ferry ride across the Firth of Clyde. Here you will find the Victoriana meets art deco-style resort of Rothesay with its palm trees and promenade. Bute has some extraordinarily varied landscapes considering it is only 15 miles long and 4 miles wide.
Set over three floors with a main house and annex, Argyle House is a wonderful base for families and friends to come together for a special occasion or family catch-up. The well-equipped kitchen is perfect for rustling up a holiday feast to enjoy together in the impressive dining room, means there is plenty of space to spread out and relax after a busy day.

When you’re ready to explore, the captivating town of Rothesay offers plenty of amenities from independent shops to pubs, bars and restaurants, not to mention the impressive castle ruins and Mount Stuart House. To the north of Rothesay, through the small community of Porth Bannatyne, lies Ettrick Bay, Bute’s most accessible beach, which is a haven for able swimmers· Bute is perfect for cycling, and the circuit of the island on the quiet roads is about 21 miles with none of the hills being too taxing· There are plenty of lovely beaches for a seaside stroll, and there is sea fishing off the piers if you want to try for mackerel and inland there are lochs to catch rainbow trout and pike· The Firth of Clyde is a sailing paradise, and golf enthusiasts are well catered for on the Isle of Bute· This quaint island even has its own gin distillery, definitely worth a visit! Exploring the rest of Scotland could not be easier; simply catch a ferry across to Glasgow and make the most of the fabulous attractions and amenities on offer. Beach 50 yards.

This stunning Victorian Manor House is located only 200 yards from the Firth of Clyde in the village of Cardross. There is plenty to explore in the area, and a good place to walk is 2 miles away at Ardmore Point with unique rock formations, sea cliffs, fishing, and a notable bird-watching area. Also worth a visit is Dumbarton Castle and Rock, 5 miles away. Dumbarton Castle has a longer recorded history than any other castle in Britain!
There is a small completely self-contained owners-only studio/garden cottage with its entrance, shuttered/screened windows, and a tiny self-contained garden adjoining the main house at Springvale. The owner uses this studio/garden cottage intermittently.
Cardross is a conservation village and has its golf course, established 120 years ago, as well as a bowling, tennis and football club, post office, newsagent and pharmacy, and a village pub that caters for meals. Cardross train station is a 5-minute walk along a shore tarmac path, with frequent service to Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Highlands.
Local attractions include Ardardan Estate Working Farm with a nursery and tearoom and nearby Geilston Garden. Looked after by the National Trust for Scotland, Geilston is a delightful garden typical of the small country estates on the banks of the Clyde, purchased by merchants and industrialists in the 18th and 19th centuries. Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park are very close - it’s just 6 miles to Balloch on the south shore of the loch.
This beautiful area has so much to offer with open spaces, sheltered bays, and islands to explore. Its inland waters are famous as one of the finest water sports venues in Scotland. The area is ideal for walkers and cyclists of all abilities and boasts a magnificent diversity of scenery with dramatic peaks, waterfalls, hidden caves, and mysterious, forest-covered slopes. Ayrshire and Burns’ country lie to the south, and the Western Highlands are to the north. Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Stirling are all easily reached for a day out.

A large guest house and annex over three floors in a prime position in the town of Rothesay, Isle of Bute. Garden with seating and hot tub. Coastal views. Ideal for special occasions and large groups. Port Bannatyne 1.7 miles; Kilchattan 7.8 miles.