Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

Keith House is a substantial, three-storey, semi-detached, stone town house built in the 1800’s. It occupies a prominent position in the heart of the historic town of Thurso and was originally built for the Keith family. This characterful house has been extended, adapted and updated over the centuries. Straddling three floors, with two separate entrances on different streets, it oozes charm and character whilst providing modern amenities and facilities. The house proffers a feeling of spaciousness and elegance, with plenty of original features throughout. The main staircase is simply stunning, with polished wood banisters and spindles curving up through the heart of the building.

Stairs from the main entrance door lead up to the spacious living room on the first floor. This is divided into two areas by a large pillar, and deep and comfortable sofas and chairs provide plenty of seating. There is a second smaller living room on the same floor with a television and further seating. There is a beautifully presented, large double bedroom on this floor, as well as a bathroom and separate shower room. The staircase winds its way up to the top floor, which at one time would have been the servants quarters. Here there are two twin bedrooms (some restricted head room as combed ceilings).

The kitchen/dining room is on the ground floor, accessed by a separate staircase from the main living room. This bright and spacious family-sized kitchen was originally the stables for the house. French doors lead out from here to a delightful and secluded courtyard. With cobble stones, mature shrubs, herbs and flowers, it is a real feature of the property and provides an ideal spot to sit and enjoy a glass or two of wine whilst planning the next day’s excursion. An archway leads out to a side road with access to local parking which is free at all times.

Keith House is located in the centre of Thurso, a town steeped in history. Built by the Vikings and added onto over the centuries, many of the buildings date back to the 18th and early 19th centuries, at the height of the herring fishing industry. It now offers visitors a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. There are excellent facilities right on the doorstep, including restaurants, bars, cafés and shops. Local facilities also include a swimming pool, leisure centre, cinema, boating lake, quad biking and sailing. There are lovely riverside walks direct from the house, and the nearby harbour is also worth exploring. There is a wide variety of sports and activities in the region. The renowned surfing beach of Thurso is just a short walk away, whilst Dunnet beach, with its high sand dunes and spectacular beach, is well worth a visit. There are many excellent golf courses in the region, together with horse riding, fishing, sailing and cycling. Beach 200 yards. Shop 100 yards, pub 30 yards and restaurant 50 yards.

Riverside View is located within Fishertown on the edge of Nairn, the location is ideal for guests wanting to explore this beautiful part of Scotland. The property is located just a short stroll from the beach and has a good number of very good local restaurants within a short walk from the front door. The property has stunning riverside views and has a small enclosed garden to sit and relax watching the river rolling past.
Riverside View is ideally located for enjoying all the facilities of Nairn, an award winning seaside town. It is also easily accessible by public transport, for those who may like to arrive by train or bus, or to forget the car whilst there and explore by local transport; a bus stop is just 50 yards from the cottage.
The pretty harbour area is well worth a visit, with numerous small craft using its facilities. A boat trip is likely to produce a close encounter with the famous resident bottle nosed dolphins that are frequently spotted close to shore. There are numerous places of interest in the area, including Cawdor Castle, Culloden battlefield and a large nature reserve that runs along this superb coastline. Dog walkers are particularly fond of this part of the Highland coastline, with sea and forest walks in abundance. Inverness, the capital city of the Highlands is just 20 minutes’ drive away. Beach 300 yards. Shop 400 yards, pub and restaurant 200 yards.

Balmore Farmhouse is located just a few miles south of Inverness and is only 2 miles away from the infamous Loch Ness. The property has been fully renovated to a good standard and offers guests a superb level of comfort and space.
Enter into the spacious reception hall, leading to a living room with comfortable leather sofas that wrap around the cosy wood burner. The kitchen/dining room is well-equipped with all you could need during your stay, and provides great views over the countryside. The utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer offers a useful space for cleaning mucky clothes after a busy day of adventuring. On the ground floor there is a kingsize bedroom with a private dressing room and an en-suite shower room that is also accessed from the hallway.
On the first floor there are three large bedrooms, two with kingsize beds, and one with a single bed, all served by a family bathroom. Outside there is ample parking and a large enclosed garden. Balmore Farmhouse makes an ideal holiday base for exploring the many delights of the Northern Highlands. Located on the outskirts of the Highland capital of Inverness and close to Loch Ness and the Moray Coast, the area is renowned for its natural beauty along with the many activities available, including golf, kayaking, water sports, mountain biking, climbing and hill walking to name just a few. Discover some of the many historic castles, such as Culloden Battlefield and Fort George, or stroll along some of the many unspoilt beaches. Beach and bar and restaurant 3 miles. Shop 2 miles.

East Lodge is a luxurious, historic, and characterful holiday home in the Highlands of Scotland. The wider flora and fauna surrounding East Lodge is spectacular. Within only a short walk from the lodge you will see red deer and numerous birds, including iconic Highland birds of prey. The flowers, shrubs, and trees beyond Scatwell’s grove and up Strathconon are varied and mature adding weight to why this glen is possibly the most beautiful in Scotland.
East Lodge itself is a Category C Listed Building (Historic Scotland) and as soon as you lay eyes on the property upon arrival you can’t help noticing historic features. Entering East Lodge through the main arched doorway, you then step into a spacious inner hallway. On the left you have the living room with stunning bay window, characterful stone hearth framing the wood burning stove and a luxurious Chesterfield sofa. Also off the inner hallway is a study and the fantastic open plan kitchen/dining area. The kitchen is well-equipped and perfect for those that like to bake and cook. Off the kitchen to the rear of East Lodge is a lobby and boot room with access to the garden as well as a cloakroom/utility. On the first floor of East Lodge there are three characterful bedrooms two kings and a twin. All three bedrooms are different and enjoy woodland and rural views. Also on the first floor is the spacious bathroom with walk-in shower.
Outside of East Lodge the owners have landscaped the large garden; the lawn has been seeded and will be looking its best later in 2022. However, the garden is still a lovely place to be as you’re surrounded by mature Scatwell trees from around the globe. You can sit up on the patio at the top of the garden by the fire pit and feel at ease in this beautiful place.
From East Lodge we urge you to get out and explore this amazing part of the world. Up the glen there are many walks to enjoy and there’s fantastic fly fishing for trout and salmon only a short walk away. Beyond Strathconon there are some of the best golf courses in the world waiting to be played on, including Royal Dornoch and Castle Stuart; and the NC500 awaits only a short drive away from East Lodge to transport you to some of the best sights in Europe, including Applecross, the Isle of Skye and the utterly incredible Assynt. Inverness and mighty Loch Ness are only a short drive away as well. Beach 25 miles.

From its idyllic setting in a small bay 200 yards from the shore, a complete coastal panorama can be enjoyed across the Sound of Sleat from this substantial holiday home: there are magnificent views northwards to Ben Sgritheall, Loch Hourn and Knoydart; eastwards to Loch Nevis, and southwards to Ardnamurchan Point. Beautifully appointed and extremely well-equipped (with three en-suite bathrooms), it is approached by a shared driveway, and stands in 3-acres of wild private garden with a small stream and a little glen. As well as the stunning sea views, the principal rooms offer the chance to observe an abundance of wildlife, including herons, curlews, eagles and even the occasional otter.
Delicious meals can be enjoyed at five hotels, all within 7 miles: Toravaig Hotel, Ardvasar Hotel, The Isle Ornsay Hotel, Duisdale Hotel and Kinloch Lodge Hotel, the first hotel on Skye to be awarded a Michelin Star for its astounding restaurant in 2010. Day-trips can take in the Talisker Distillery, Dunvegan Castle and Portree, whilst (via ferry) touring can be enjoyed to Eigg, Rhum, Lochalsh – and even Fort William on the scenic West Highland line. Boat trips can be taken from Elgol (an hour’s drive) to magical Loch Coruisk in the heart of the Cuillin. Very popular in recent years, the sea safari boat trip from Armadale pier (3 miles), to the Old Forge on Knoydart for lunch or dinner, or the longer trip to look at the dolphins, Minke and hump back whales (regularly seen in July and August). Walks from the most demanding on the Black Cuillin which dominates this island to gentle strolls whilst good walking can be found in the more immediate area around the cottage itself. Kyle of Lochalsh bridge 19 miles. Mallaig ferry 3 miles. Shop 3 miles.

In a superb position towards the southern end of Skye, this completely modernised 150-year-old cottage stands on the sea shore overlooking the Sound of Sleat, at a point highlighted as an outstanding viewpoint by Ordnance Survey. There are magnificent panoramic views northwards to Ben Screel, Loch Hourn and Knoydart, eastwards to Loch Nevis, and southwards to Ardnamurchan Point. The holiday cottage is tastefully furnished and well equipped, with all three bedrooms enjoying their own separate facilities. It stands in 3 acres of wild garden, and the principal rooms and roof terrace offer splendid opportunities to observe the local wildlife, which includes herons, curlews, eagles and even the occasional otter. The roof terrace has a glass and aluminium balustrade and balustraded bridge to the hill at rear of cottage, leading to the unfenced path which goes up into woodland or down into the garden. There are wonderfully scenic walks direct from the door, either along the shoreline, or for the more adventurous, one of the classic Skye walks taking the loop road to Tarskavaig with unbeatable views to the Cuillins. There are ferry trips to the islands of Eigg, Rhum and Lochalsh, and day trips can include Elgol, with a boat trip to the magical Loch Coruisk, hidden in the Cuillins or the Seafari rib boat to Knoydart and dine at The Forge Inn. Other places to visit include Talisker Distillery, Dunvegan Castle, Portree, with its attractive harbour and heritage centre, which traces the history of Skye. Six miles away is Lady Claire MacDonald’s Kinloch Lodge Hotel and Cookery School, where morning cookery courses are held. Mallaig ferry 3 miles. Kyle of Lochalsh ferry 19 miles. Ardvasar Hotel, Isle Ornsay Hotel and Duisdale Hotel all within 5 miles. Armadale Castle, with its history centre, garden walks, tearooms and restaurant, 3 miles. Toravaig Hotel 1 mile.

Welcome to Chestnut Cottage, a charming retreat nestled in the heart of Corpach, a picturesque village in the enchanting Highlands of Scotland. This idyllic holiday let promises an immersive escape into the natural beauty and rich cultural tapestry of this region.
Corpach, surrounded by majestic mountains and serene lochs, provides an ideal setting for those seeking a tranquil yet adventurous holiday. With its breathtaking landscapes and proximity to iconic attractions, guests at Chestnut Cottage are in for an unforgettable experience. Nature enthusiasts will revel in the myriad outdoor activities available just beyond the doorstep. Embark on invigorating hikes along the Great Glen Way, where panoramic views of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, await intrepid explorers. For a more leisurely adventure, stroll along the Caledonian Canal towpath, soaking in the serene ambiance and watching boats navigate the locks.
History comes alive in Corpach, with its roots deeply embedded in the past. Visit the poignant Commando Memorial, a tribute to the soldiers who trained in the nearby hills during World War II. Explore the nearby Old Inverlochy Castle, a medieval fortress with a storied past, offering a glimpse into Scotland’s rich heritage. Corpach’s strategic location also makes it a gateway to the mystical Isle of Skye and the renowned Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films. Guests can embark on scenic drives through glens and glades, discovering hidden gems and enjoying the warm hospitality of charming local pubs and eateries.
Whether you seek adventure in the great outdoors, a cultural journey through history, or simply a peaceful escape surrounded by nature’s wonders, Chestnut Cottage in Corpach provides an unrivalled base for an enchanting Highland holiday. Immerse yourself in the magic of this captivating destination and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Lapwing Rise has four double bedrooms, all en-suite, sleeping eight guest. You also have a fabulous hot tub to relax in. 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 0.75 miles and pub and restaurant are a very short walk away. During the summer the West Highland steam train, as seen in Harry Potter Films, passes close by en route 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 0.75 miles, pub and restaurant 500 yards.
Lapwing Rise can be booked together with UK33901 Stepps Cottage (sleeps 8) which is next door.

Ideally located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, this 100 year old semi-detached stone cottage makes a stylish holiday base, offering mountain walks from the door and a terraced garden with mountain views. Within a few miles, Cairngorm Funicular Railway, winter ski area, Highland Wildlife Park, the Rothiemurchus Highland Estate and Aviemore offer everything for the outdoor explorer, and spa facilities, tea rooms and shopping. Historic sites, distilleries, golf, castles, scenic walks, skiing, fishing, RSPB reserves, horse riding, cycling and water sports locally. Shop and restaurant 300 yards.

’Blink and you’ll miss it’, a phrase many have uttered about Dornie, and the same can be said of Loch Long. Dornie is a lovely little village along the shores, just across the road from world-famous Eilean Donan Castle. When passing the castle with it on your left, Dornie is off to the right, with Loch Long slithering inland between high hills and mountains. On the opposite side, there is a wee road the runs parallel to the loch into the heart of the mountains. Bramble Bank is along this road on the shores of the magnificent loch.

A few miles along the road you enter the small crofting community of Allt na Sugh - spelt in other ways too, and this is where you will find Bramble Bank, nestled down to the right just above the shores of Loch Long. The property is a spacious detached lodge nestled into the heather-clad hills. Bramble Bank’s aspect from its very own plateau above the loch is truly outstanding with views across the water to the peaks of Sgurr na Cloiche and Sguman Coinntich. It’s an inspiring glen and emblematic of the Scottish Highlands. To be based at Bramble Bank is a peaceful dream, and would suit those wanting to have a bolthole that’s in an awe-inspiring location.

The lodge would be perfect for a couple looking to go walking in the nearby hills and mountains of Kintail. The Falls of Glomach are a short walk away, and Glen Elchaig is an inspiring hike too. There are many routes to explore, and with a dog in tow, you would have a fantastic walking holiday from Bramble Bank. It would make a great base too to explore the surrounding area by car. It is only a short drive along one of the most beautiful Highland roads to the main road linking Inverness and Skye. You can reach the Isle of Skye in 20 minutes from Bramble Bank, and explore the entire island during your stay. Loch Carron, Applecross and Torridon are fairly close to the north, and Glenelg to the south is only a short drive away.

The lodge itself is simply set up. You enter through French doors into the living room which allows you to take in the loch and mountain views. The living room is open plan with the dining room and kitchen. It’s spacious and has triple aspect, so very light. Outside of the property there is space to sit and enjoy surprisingly warm summer evenings. It’s a beautiful spot and you’ll be pleased to be spending time looking out from Bramble Bank. You’ll have a very good chance of spotting red deer, sea eagles, golden eagles, otters and pine martens all from the doorstep. Beach 12 miles. Shop 11 miles, pub and restaurant 4 miles.