Inspiration

Dog-friendly holiday cottages in seaside Scotland for epic coastal walks

Guest Expert

5 min read

Scotland is blessed with a wild coastline and its wildlife-rich landscape is truly intoxicating. It’s common to spot sea eagles soaring over towering cliffs and glistening lochs, and minke whales, dolphins and puffins diving through white-horse waves as you scrunch across near-deserted sandy beaches, many of which welcome dogs year round. We’ve chosen a handful of dog-friendly cottages near the coast, so grab a lead and a pair of binoculars, pull on your boots (and maybe your waterproofs, this is still Scotland after all) o discover rugged coastal paths, white sands, hidden sea caves and many more treasures. If your dog has good sea-faring legs, then don’t miss a boat tour or kayaking trip, too.

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The Birdhouse

The Gaelic name of the Applecross peninsula derives from the word for sanctuary and if you are in need of that, you’ll find it here. The views alone, the stunning Cuillin mountains on one side of you and the sea on the other, are enough to still your heart and let your spirit soar. Pack up a picnic and walk to a choice of beaches, stride hills and dales by rivers and lochs, sea kayak, fish or swim. Torrdian is 40 minutes in the car for more wonderful walks, a mighty loch and views. Return to a perfectly romantic and gorgeously restored bothy in a pretty garden on a hillside by the sea, surrounded by wildlife.

Owner Val: Walk your dog or wild swim at Sands Beach, four miles along the coast road from the Applecross Inn – then head back for a meal.

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Aspen Lodge

You can walk and cycle from the door, launch a kayak straight into the sea loch at the bottom of the garden or set off with a picnic for a day on the beach, just a five-minute drive away. Dogs are allowed on the beaches all year round. Your stone and timber lodge on the little-known Ardnamurchan Peninsula has a hillside setting and views from every window. There’s a large, open garden with streams and footpaths leading from the door and down to the loch. You can climb a small mountain, Ben Hiant, for beautiful views or take a summer boat tour of the loch and watch for minke whales, dolphins and puffins.

Owner Samantha: Walk the gorgeous Silver Circuit for fantastic scenery ending up at a fairytale ruined castle on its own tidal island, covered in beachcombers’ treasures.

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The Barn at Williamstone Farm Steadings

The modestly named barn is just a ten-minute stroll to stunning beaches from this stone-built steading set in acres of farmland, but still very handy for coastal North Berwick. Inside are funky light fittings, contemporary furniture, and an up-to-the-minute kitchen and bathroom. Outside you’ll find everything well-equipped, with a barbecue and garden furniture. Head off for coastal walks and wild swims, bird-watching and riding, or climb up The Law for incredible views of Bass Rock – home to the largest colony of northern gannets in the world. Don’t miss a visit to Steampunk café for an expertly crafted coffee made with locally roasted beans.

Guest Kathy: Our stay exceeded expectations! Absolutely delightful from start to finish – beautiful building, gorgeous decor, lovely owners.

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Harbour House

Pretty Portree, surrounded by sheep-dotted hills, is on the southernmost part of the Trotternish peninsula. Drive round the headland to see the islands of Rona and Raasay, set off on a wilderness safari, marvel at the fortress of Dunvegan, or the copper stills of the Talisker distillery. The walking is boundless and you’re spoilt for choice from the short coastal Scorrybreac loop (watch for sea eagles) to a challenging scramble up Old Man of Storr or a wander through the weird and wonderful rock formations of the Quiraing. There are idyllic watery views from your mid-terrace, 1820s cottage facing the bay. Fire up the wood-burner on wintery nights – logs are on the house – and cosy up with books, bean bags and games.

Inspector Nicola: A lovely cottage right in the thick of things in sleepy Portree. Walk to pubs, restaurants, shops and beach. It’s all very beautiful and will restore your soul.

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Arrowdale

A delightful house yards from the sea with glorious hills behind. Take long walks from the door, hit the coastal track for grand picnic spots, wander through a meadow to a rocky beach, or hop in a kayak (there are two) for wonderful adventures. A 30-minute paddle takes you to a magical sandy beach – completely inaccessible by car – and in glorious weather you can spend the entire day here swimming, sunbathing, picnicking or playing games. Return to a serene space: lovely, light and warm with a big window seat for gazing towards the water, books in every room, and a glowing wood-burner. The Shieldaig Lodge Hotel for fine dining is a mere half a mile away and a good pub, The Badachro Inn, is two miles.

Guest Tina: A stunning home surrounded by amazing scenery. Delicious home baking, sparkling wine and doggie biscuits to welcome you to your holiday.

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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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