Inspiration

Dog-friendly cottages in Scotland with epic walks straight from your door

Guest Expert

5 min read

Walking in Scotland feels like adventuring into the wilderness. Huge skies unfurl over stunning scenery, spectacular wildlife puts on a fine display, and thrilling walks shoot off in all directions. Whether you and your dog like the challenge of a strenuous hill climb or prefer gentle ambles through dappled woodland, beside flowing rivers and along sandy beaches, you’ll find a stroll that takes your fancy. We’ve chosen a handful of self-catering cottages in glorious countryside, so all you have to do is pull on your boots, open your door, and see where the trail takes you.

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Isle of Rona

Rona is tiny – only five miles long – and thrillingly remote, with a permanent population of two. Here, it’s all about simple pleasures in a sublime setting. Swim, fish, walk and scamper along trails that crisscross the island, pass through ancient woodland and climb Rona’s highest peak, Meall Acairseid, ending in wondrous panoramic views. The wildlife here is something else, with otters, sea eagles, dolphins, porpoises, minke whales and basking sharks all frequently spotted. It can mean keeping your dog on a lead around farms and conservation areas, but it’s worth it for some rare sightings. You stay in the island’s only option – The Mission House, a simple, cosy place with games and books aplenty and sea views all around.

From owners Bill and Lorraine: Our red deer are a magnificent spectacle in autumn – listen to the stags roar and return to enjoy a dram by the fire.

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Slackbrae at Brucefield Estate

Scottish meets Scandi at this very pretty eco-cottage with vaulted ceilings and vast windows, a generous welcome hamper brimming with local produce, and a herb-scented garden. There are over a thousand acres of pasture, ancient woodland, meadows, willowy heath and wetland to roam, with dogs needing to be kept on a lead. Explore the natural habitats managed as part of the estate’s 10-year wildlife plan or join a guided wildlife walk around the estate to learn more about its fascinating history. Listen to the dawn chorus, hire a bat detector, sit round the fire pit in the evenings and tell stories.

From owner Victoria: We have a range of walking and cycling routes including woodland trails on our doorstep and traffic-free routes using cycle paths or small country lanes.

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Ballantrae River Cottages

You can smell the sea air as you drive into sleepy Ballantrae. Dotted along a small road, each river-facing cottage has a well-tended garden and a terrace, so sit out with a G&T, fire up the barbecue and drink in the peace. Inside, they’re homely and attractive with hints of luxury, books, games and country magazines. Rest and read, chat and chill; bring the dog – you’re minutes from a long sweep of dog-friendly beach – for gentle strolls in the morning or watching the spectacular sunsets over Ailsa Craig. Otherwise drop down onto the meandering river path and let your dog have a splash about.

From guest Vicki: It doesn’t get any better than this. Overlooking the river with gardens, green pastures and a far-reaching view of the sea. Fantastic, well-equipped kitchens, bathrooms that make you want to take them home with you and beautiful decor throughout.

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Eagle Bay Cottages

Arrive to find a guide detailing eighteen local walks, from gentle moorland strolls to invigorating beach walks and strenuous hill climbs, across both Lewis and Harris, with a sauna waiting to ease your aching limbs. Both cottages have stunning views over the sea loch and beautiful, remote landscape where otters, seals and eagles are all regularly spotted. Watch a film, borrow a book from the library, sip a sundowner on the small patio or simply look out at stormy or starry skies. Walk 2km to the North Harris Eagle Observatory to watch golden eagles in action, explore the Iron Age House on Great Bernera and the Neolithic Standing Stones at Callanish. In the smart kitchen you’re left a generous hamper filled with local treats for breakfast on your first morning.

From guest Patricia: We arrived late in the evening to the cottage all lit up, classical music playing and a lovely selection of cakes, fruit basket and lots of other goodies, including some rather tasty smoked salmon!

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The Old Laundry, Dunalastair Estate

On the vast 17,000-acre Dunalastair Estate, walks fan out from your door. Don your waterproofs, grab the binoculars and look out for red squirrels, osprey, deer, otters, pine marten, curlew and eagles. The glen of Rannoch has super routes through ancient forest and wild moor and the ‘big hoose’, a ruin with an eerie beauty that’s inspired writers, photographers and painters, lurking in its centre. You stay in a sweet cottage hunkering in a wooded glen at the end of a private lane with long views of hills and mountains from every window. It’s all on one level, with a big four-poster, plinth-mounted tub and glowing stove in the studio room. Go wild swimming on the loch, hike up Munros and down dells, play tennis on the estate.

From inspector Pamela: The Old Laundry provides an elegant highland getaway and an impressive base from which to explore the great and beautiful outdoors.

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Old Parkhill Cottage at Hyrneside

You stay in a stylishly restored cottage overlooking the River Tay with farmland, forest and trails to discover: part of the 124 km Fife Coastal Path runs through the farm. Climb to the remains of an Iron Age hill fort for stupendous views, stroll through beautiful ancient beech trees on the Hyrneside Wood Trail or follow the farm’s Riverbank Trail to SSSI reedbeds bursting with migratory birds. A wildflower meadow out the back, sunset views over the river and an Ooni pizza oven mean balmy evenings are magical. You’re close enough to take day trips into St Andrews, Dundee and Edinburgh.

From guest Helen: We had a lovely stay at Parkhill Cottage, the perfect end to our Scotland road trip! We can’t wait to return to explore more of the Fife coast.

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Browse all of our dog-friendly holiday cottages in Scotland >

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Carmen McCormack

Guest Expert

Carmen is a freelance writer specialising in travel. She once lived in a bus in north Wales, skipped off to study in Barcelona, and now calls Bristol home. When she’s not tapping away on her laptop, she can be found reading (a lot), lake swimming (a little), and pottering on the allotment with husband and two kiddos. She’s currently dreaming about cold cerveza and torta in Mexico.

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