From the rugged mountains of the Highlands to the pristine beaches of the islands, and the watery wonders of the lochs to the cultural curiosities of the castles, towns and cities, Scotland has lots to offer all types of visitors including canine companions. With so much countryside to explore, it’s a fantastic destination for time away with a four-legged friend. There’s also a wide choice of stunning dog-friendly holiday properties available north of the border, including these absolute gems.
1. Strathspey Lodge, near Aviemore
Strathspey Lodge is a stylish and luxurious retreat with outstanding views across the Scottish Highlands. Enjoying a peaceful setting within the small hamlet of Duthil, close to Aviemore, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, it is the perfect location for lovers of the outdoors. Your dog will love the forest trails and lakeside walks, as well as the high mountain hikes if you’re feeling adventurous. The property offers a stylish and cosy luxury retreat, while also providing all the benefits of a modern open plan family holiday home. This is the perfect choice for families or couples looking to enjoy a luxury holiday in an area renowned for its scenic beauty.
Sleeps 8 – 2 Dogs Allowed – from £1705 for 7 nights
2. Drumhead Bothy, Aboyne
Drumhead Bothy is an immaculate open plan property with a large apex window overlooking a gorgeous garden and green countryside. Surrounded by hills and forests, it’s a wonderful place for walking the dog. It’s only a few miles from the stunning village of Aboyne, which rests on the banks of the picturesque River Dee. It’s also a convenient base for day trips into the high mountains of the Cairngorms National Park where miles and miles of trails await.
Sleeps 4 – 1 Dogs Allowed – from £473 for 7 nights
3. Ramerish Retreat, Laurieston
Located in the heart of the Galloway Forest Park, this retreat is the perfect getaway for keen walkers with two legs or four. This former stable block has been stylishly converted into a fantastic looking holiday home that has all the comforts you could need for a week away in Scotland. Galloway Forest Park is the UK’s largest park with 300 square miles of wild beauty waiting to be explored. It’s also the UK’s first Dark Sky Park, recognised as one of the twelve best stargazing sites in the world. The coast at Kirkcudbright is only a short drive away.
Sleeps 6 – 2 Dogs Allowed – from £679 for 7 nights
4. Dryburgh Stirling One, Dryburgh
With its turreted towers, this holiday property looks impressive on the outside. But it’s also a lavish home-away-from-home on the inside. Its location is pretty special too, as it’s only a short walk to the beautiful River Tweed. Here you can walk for miles along the river bank and in the surrounding countryside. Or you can hop in the car to visit Hadrian’s Wall, Berwick-upon-Tweed or Edinburgh.
Sleeps 4 – 2 Dogs Allowed – from £1,092 for 7 nights
5. Grieve’s Cottage, Montrose
Couples can relax in this luxury cottage surrounded by glorious countryside with miles of walking trails. Situated in the grounds of Old Montrose House, next to the Montrose Basin Nature Reserve, Grieve’s Cottage is one of four luxury holiday properties. This Scottish holiday cottage is a one-bedroomed cottage with an open plan living space on the ground floor and a spacious bedroom above. Guests have access to the large walled garden, while the picturesque town of Montrose is a short drive away.
Sleeps 2 – 1 Dog Allowed – from £499 for 7 nights
6. Alder Lodge, Dolphinton
Secluded in 20 acres of private woodland, this is a great place to get away from it all. This property is a fantastic wooden lodge with beautiful chalet-style interiors. Facilities include a hot tub and log burner for relaxation after dog walks in the surrounding countryside. The woodland itself has about 4km of paths through the trees, while further trails can be explored throughout the Pentland Hills. It’s a wonderfully remote holiday cottage, although only 30 minutes by car to Edinburgh.
Sleeps 6 – 2 Dogs Allowed – from £1539 for 7 nights
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7. Dunolly Cottage, Aberfeldy
With its views of the River Tay and surrounding mountains, Dunolly Cottage is a wonderful rural retreat in Scotland. Originally built in the 1890s, this beautiful cottage was recently refurbished as a luxury holiday home. The enclosed garden includes a patio area overlooking the river, which is a good spot for admiring the scenery. With an abundance of dog walking paths on the doorstep, it’s a lovely spot for time away with the dog. While more adventurous hikers will enjoy treks into the hills and mountains of the Highlands.
Sleeps 6 – 2 Dogs Allowed – from £949 for 7 nights
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