Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

This gorgeous cottage, within its own walled garden, enjoys a gloriously sunny position on the seashore with spectacular views from most rooms towards the islands of Raasay, Rona and Skye. Reached via a quarter-mile track, the house was originally converted in the 1980s, whilst retaining interesting original features and has been extended and renovated in 2022. Formerly classrooms, the part-panelled living room and well-equipped modern kitchen feature lovely high ceilings, and there is a large picture window in the sitting room, ideal for viewing wonderful sunsets and abundant wildlife.
Sandy beaches are to be found at Sand Beach (3 miles) and Applecross Bay (7 miles); the village of Applecross itself is home to a couple of great restaurants, including a multi-award winning restaurant serving fresh seafood dishes, as well as a Post Office/local store. The sheltered, fertile coast around the village is idyllic, you can wander along lanes banked with wild iris and orchids and explore beaches and rock pools on the shore.
Several National Trust for Scotland properties make for good days out, including Strome Castle, and the Countryside Centre at Torridon (open May to September), the latter providing an insight into local flora, fauna and geology. From Torridon village, a scenic drive takes in the shoreline before winding past cliffs and gorges up to Diabaig, whilst 8 miles to the north, Lake Maree is dotted with Caledonian pine clad islands and lies as a scenic gem. The surrounding area also offers some of Scotland’s best deer-sighting country. This property is in an excellent location for outdoor pursuits including hill-walking, climbing, kayaking, paddle boarding and cycling. Fishing and golf are also both within driving distance. Shop 9 miles. Beach 3 miles.

This charming, spacious, attractive, well furnished and equipped holiday cottage enjoys a rural location and is in a large enclosed garden, with adjoining woods. It is conveniently located 4 miles from Nairn, which has miles of sandy beaches, 2 championship golf courses, bowling, tennis and shops; and ½ hour drive from Inverness. Close to Cairngorms with skiing, mountain railway, mountain biking and superb walking and climbing. Cawdor, 1 mile away, is a conservation village with quaint houses, PO and a tavern. Horse riding can also be found 1 mile away. Adjacent is the castle with gardens and grounds, which are open in the summer. Shop and pub 1 mile.

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.

Wallace House is an imposing, historic, detached stone house, situated in the heart of the renowned village of Dornoch. Built in 1800, on land owned by the Duke of Sutherland, this bright and spacious home was completely renovated in 2018 and is ideally located for a family beach holiday. The main living room has been thoughtfully furnished with superb sofas and a warm, welcoming wood burner. The high ceilings and stunning exposed stone fireplace add to the character and charm. There is a large kitchen/dining room, which is well-equipped with built-in units and a wine fridge. The original staircase, with ornate polished wood banisters, leads up to the three generously proportioned bedrooms. All rooms are superbly presented, with good quality furniture and colour coordinated soft furnishings. Wallace House is ideal for families and groups looking for a very good standard of self-catering accommodation with all amenities just a short walk away.

This wonderful property is situated along a quiet lane, just off the main square in the centre of the historic village of Dornoch, a Royal Burgh since 1628. This attractive village, built of mellow sandstone, is one of the prettiest in the Highlands. The centrepiece is the 13th-century cathedral, with original stained glass windows. Dornoch also has an excellent selection of unusual and attractive shops, as well as a number of good restaurants and bars, all just a few steps away. The renowned Championship golf course of Royal Dornoch is just 200 yards along the lane. The nearby sandy beach is ideal for families and dog walkers alike. Situated just off the renowned North Coast 500 route, which encompasses some of the most outstanding landscapes to be found anywhere in the British Isles, there are numerous places of interest within easy reach. Loch Fleet Nature Reserve is close by and attracts a wide variety of wading birds and has been designated as an Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Just a short drive away is Dunrobin Castle, seat of the Dukes of Sutherland for over 600 years. Visitors are welcome to explore the castle and grounds, which were modelled on the Palace of Versailles. Golfers are spoilt for choice, with not only Royal Dornoch on the doorstep, but a number of other championship courses within a short drive, and the property has a stone built store, perfect for golf clubs, and with power for charging trolleys. Fishing, sailing, kayaking, hill walking, climbing and mountain biking are all local pastimes. Beach 300 yards. Shop 200 yards, pub and restaurant 50 yards.

Situated on a promontory and enjoying spectacular sea views, Ethel’s House is a detached stone cottage set in its own garden, adjacent to a working croft. Much loved by its original family, this traditional stone cottage was painstakingly moved stone by stone to a higher vantage point in the village of Armadale on the far north-west coast of Scotland. The current owners have completely renovated this charming cottage and it now provides a good standard of accommodation in a truly superb setting.
Entering through the pretty patio gardens that look out across the sea, a hallway leads through to the main accommodation. There is a delightful living room with leather sofa suite and a cosy wood burner. The kitchen/dining room is extremely well-equipped with contemporary built-in units and a good sized solid wood dining table. All the windows look out across the bay. There is a large shower room on this floor. Upstairs there are three very attractively decorated and furnished bedrooms. Skylight windows ensure that visitors can encounter the dramatic sunrises and sunsets afforded by the clear unpolluted skies in this part of the Highlands (and for those who prefer, black out blinds are built-in too!). The cottage has oak flooring on the ground floor, high quality wool carpeting in the bedrooms and underfloor heating throughout.
Situated just off the renowned North Coast 500 route, in the quiet hamlet of Armadale, this cottage is ideal for visitors wishing to explore this totally unspoilt area. Sea otters are regularly spotted on the shoreline below the cottage and whales, basking sharks, porpoises and seals all frequent the local waters. There are superb walks direct from the cottage and numerous outdoor activities close by, including kayaking, sailing, hill walking, fishing, surfing, golf and plenty of archaeological sites and historic places of interest. In winter months it is often possible to see the Northern Lights from the cottage garden. The nearby villages of Melvich and Bettyhill, both within 10 minutes’ drive, have a good selection of amenities, including pub, restaurant, café and a small local shop. The beaches along this coastline are renowned for their wide sandy bays with high sand dunes, and spectacular mountain backdrops. Beach ½ mile. Shop 7 miles, pub and restaurant 3 miles.

Mackenzie Cottage is a traditional style, detached cottage situated in the charming and renowned village of Poolewe in the north west Highlands. The cottage is beautifully presented throughout, with lots of attractive personal touches reflecting a Highland theme. There is a cosy living room on the ground floor with a feature electric wood burner. The kitchen/dining room is bright, contemporary and very well equipped. There are two double bedrooms upstairs, one with a 6’6" bed that converts into twin beds if required. This room enjoys superb views over the river to the hills beyond. Situated just 30 yards from the beach and with excellent local amenities a short stroll from the cottage, it provides an ideal base for a wonderful Highland holiday.
The immediate area is renowned for its wonderful beaches and breathtaking scenery. Wildlife abounds and otters, seals and a myriad of bird life can be seen locally. The sub-tropical gardens of Inverewe are simply stunning and offer visitors a memorable day out. Due to its temperate climate, which is warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream, an exceptional variety of plants flourish here. The pretty village of Poolewe has excellent local amenities, all within easy walking distance, including café, village shop and even a swimming pool. The surrounding area offers a wealth of activities and places of interest. Loch beach 30 yards.

Wester Lonemore is a large, south facing cottage with wonderful views across the Dornoch Sands. This single-storey cottage enjoys a superb setting, with incredible and far-reaching views across the sea to the hills beyond. There has been a new Air Source Heat Pump central heating system added for a greener heating solution. A large entrance porch provides plenty of space for sporting and outdoor gear. The door from here leads into the main living area. This horse-shoe shaped room is set around a warm, welcoming and original open fireplace. Large picture windows drink in the seascape and ever-changing views of skies and sunrises. The kitchen/dining area is bright and modern, with feature Rangemaster cooker and all modern appliances. There are three bedrooms, all attractively presented with colour co-ordinated soft furnishings. The lovely sun room provides an ideal spot to sit and watch the myriad of wildlife that frequent the gardens and its surroundings. A large pond attracts a wide variety of birds and wildlife. A modern family bathroom completes the picture.

The country gardens are a real feature of the cottage, attracting many rare and unusual species, including goldfinch, curlews, oyster catchers and lapwings. Rare osprey and red kite are seen close by and deer can be spotted from the windows. It is just a short 500 yard walk from the cottage down to the secluded sandy bay of Dornoch Sands. The charming seaside village of Dornoch is just 3 miles away. Here there is an excellent selection of high quality independent shops as well as restaurants, cafés and bars. Set around the 15th-century sandstone cathedral, Dornoch is a delightful village to meander and explore. It is also home to the world famous Royal Dornoch natural links golf course. There are six more courses within a 20-minute drive. The sandy beaches of Dornoch and Embo are also popular with visitors and locals alike. Wester Lonemore is ideally located for exploring the very best of the Highlands and is just a few minutes from the renowned North Coast 500 route. Beach 500 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles.

A beautiful stone cottage based in Skerray, Scotland. Perfect for the North Coast 500. WiFi. Country views. Enclosed garden. Bettyhill 6.4 miles; Tongue 7.5 miles.

Cuckoo’s Nest is a comfortable detached family holiday home on a croft, set beside the shores of Loch Ewe. It’s the perfect Highland retreat on Scotland’s wild west coast away from modern life, where you can truly switch off and relax. The accommodation provides a very comfortable place to spend a week or short break if touring the North Coast 500. Comfortably sleeping 5 adults, this three bedroom cottage also has the option of a cot for a younger visitor. The living room is a great space for a family, with a wall-mounted TV and centrally placed open fire. There’s a selection of board games for those hard to miss wet days of the west coast, and a huge window to watch the ever changing weather across the loch. In the kitchen you will find all modern conveniences, including an induction hob and cooker, microwave and even a slow cooker for those days when you’re out exploring the local area. The dining area in the kitchen has a large family table with ample space for 5 and a younger one in a highchair. There is a useful utility room off of the kitchen perfect for muddy feet and paws. There are three good sized bedrooms, with the master having a kingsize bed, a second bedroom with a double and the third with a single. The bathroom has a wonderful large drench shower and a bath.
From the front door there are walks aplenty, and only a short stroll away, there is a bay and slipway where you can launch kayaks from to go wildlife watching in Loch Ewe. You’ll have a good chance of seeing otters and seals, as well as harbour porpoises and possibly dolphins. The fishing is fantastic too, and from the slipway you’ll be able to catch mackerel for supper if you wish. Also, if you have your own boat and trailer, you can launch from this slipway. Beyond Cove you will find remains of WW2 bunkers used to protect the entrance of the deep sea loch which was a safe harbour for Russian convoy submarines, you can find out more about the history in the Russian Convoy museum in Aultbea.
There is an outstanding local red-hued sandy beach only one mile from the house called Firemore Beach. Poolewe is only 8 miles away with its shops and places to eat, as well as local market every Tuesday between April and October. Inverewe Gardens sits on the shores of Loch Ewe in Poolewe and Gairloch is only 8 miles further away, plus the magical landscape of Wester Ross is at your disposal to explore. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 8 miles.

“Rhianchaitel” is Gaelic for Cattle Field. This part of Bettyhill where the the house is built was an old croft that obviously often had cattle roaming around. Built over a hundred years ago at the beginning of the twentieth century, Rhianchaitel House is a rather grand croft house. You can see the ruin of the older property in the grounds near to the house, and that single storey croft house would’ve been 17th or 18th century. Arriving in the rugged village of Bettyhill on the far north coast of Scotland, you’re greeted with a collection of cottages across the hilly coast, centred around a shop, a café and a hotel with bar and restaurant. Rhianchaitel is walking distance from the village centre, approximately halfway down the hill towards the beach. Walking down the hill you come across the track circling back towards the house where it stands proud with no neighbours. The accommodation is spacious for five people and the house welcomes up to two dogs. Now even though it isn’t an enclosed garden, it’s a great spot for dogs as the end of track where there’s the occasional slow moving vehicle is about 200 yards away from the house. Dogs can have a great time roaming around the house in the garden and grounds.
Entering through the back door, which you’ll mostly do, there’s a useful hallway for boots after days out exploring. There’s a single bedroom on the ground floor near to the back door. The kitchen/dining room wit adjoining utility area is next and is a fantastic space for the family to gather in to plan days out and reminisce of days well spent at or near Rhianchaitel House. There’s a magnificent floor to ceiling window in the kitchen that gives a spectacular view of the beach and surrounding hills. The kitchen/dining room has everything you’d want from the space plus a handy Flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. The living room is also on the ground floor and again has a large Flat-screen TV for everyone to gather round on comfy sofas. Up to the first floor there are two bedrooms, one with a kingsize double and another with a double bed. The double bedroom has an amazing view down to the sandy beach. Also on the first floor is a spectacular bathroom complete with shower cubicle and a free-standing bath. Rhianchaitel House is the holiday home you’ll want to return to during your stay up in the far north of Scotland after long days out exploring. It’s also likely to be a family favourite that you want to return to in future years. There’s so much to see and do on the far north coast, and the NC500 touring route, which passes through the village will be very helpful. There are more amazing sandy beaches beyond Farr Beach at Armadale, Strathy and Melvich. To the west you have Tongue and its unbelievably scenic backdrop of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope which you can explore en route to the arty outpost of Durness. There’s too much to mention here, but hiking, biking (road and mountain bike), surfing, golfing, fishing (fly fishing on some of Scotland’s best salmon rivers, as well as trout lochs and sea fishing, whisky and chocolate tasting, wildlife trips. The list goes on and on. You better book a few weeks to enjoy it all!