We make a point of being dog friendly as dog owners ourselves we have discovered there is a world of difference between dogs allowed and dogs welcome.  Here at Dolphin View Cottage we really believe in welcoming dogs for their dog-friendly holiday.  We do not have restrictions on dog breeds but do ask in consideration to our neighbours that they are friendly, well behaved and will not be left alone in the cottage.  We are flexible on numbers but please bear in mind the cottage is a one-bedroom cottage with a normal sized living room – You are not going to fit 4 Newfoundlands in there and be comfortable!  (No prejudice against Newfies, we are just being practical).

We do not make an additional charge to bring your canine best friend(s), up to three dogs are welcomed free of charge.

I provide dog bowls, dog towels, a roll of poo bags, dog treats, a torch and dog toys – the toys are yours to take away.  The back garden is enclosed by a high fence between 5 and 6 foot high, and the gate to the back garden is of the same height.  Also provided for your use whilst staying are dog tags with my mobile number on just in case your own dog tags have your home telephone number on them.  The front garden is also enclosed but the wall is lower (to enjoy those sea views). I also have hard plastic beds and a large dog cage that can be taken over to the cottage if you want to travel light and your dogs are used to these items.  

It's good to know that in this part of Scotland, all beaches are dog-friendly, all year round.

Suggested walks and day excursions for dog owners - Note: All beaches in the area are dog-friendly, all year round.

Ardersier & immediate area

I recommend turning right from the cottage then following the shore path towards Fort George, this is a nice level path with poo bins for the first part of the walk.  Once you get past the houses, you reach Ardersier Common, dogs can be let off the lead as you have the common on one side and the sea on the other, lots of rabbits here so very exciting scents for dogs!  Ardersier Common is designated a National Nature Reserve and is especially good for butterflies and moths such as the Dingy Skipper, Grayling and Small Blue.  At the end of the common you will reach Fort George.  The cottage has a visitor pass that allows two people free entry, it’s well worth a visit as the walk around the ramparts gives spectacular views up and down the Moray Firth. Built after the 1746 defeat at Culloden of Bonnie Prince Charlie, George II created the ultimate defence against further Jacobite unrest. Fort George is  mightiest artillery fortification in Britain. Its garrison buildings, artillery defences bristling with cannon, and a superb collection of period arms provide a fascinating insight into 18th century military life.  It is still an active military base but open to the public.  Dogs are allowed in the grounds but not the buildings.

Leaving Inverness on the A82 after 9 miles you will come to Abriachan Garden Nursery, Loch Ness-Side, Inverness IV3 8LA – For plant lovers this is well worth a visit, the family run nursery allows you to take your dog on their woodland walk and in the garden nursery (Donation required). Your dog must be kept on a lead. These are uniquely beautiful woodland gardens by Loch Ness, with their fantastic mix of native and exotic plantings.  The winding woodland paths edged by mossy stone walls lead up the hillside to stunning views over Loch Ness  Their plant nursery sells a wide selection of hardy and unusual plants. They are known for their exceptional range of shrubs, perennials and alpines and their Auricula collection, which is one of the best in the country. Drumnadrochit is a lovely village with a pleasant village green and a dog-friendly, real ale bar at the Benleva Hotel.  Onwards to Fort Augustus where the A82 crosses the Caledonian Canal via a swing bridge. It’s interesting to stop and watch the boats going up and down the flight of five locks. Visit the Caledonian Canal Visitor Centre showcasing the history of Thomas Telford’s Caledonian Canal – free admission. Dogs are not allowed in the centre but it’s a small exhibition so one of you could wait outside while the other takes a look. The Bothy bar in Fort Augustus is dog friendly.  Return either the way you came or ideally by the scenic south shore route, don’t miss the spectacular 100ft waterfall of the Falls of Foyers – good area for red squirrels but a steep, deep gorge so keep dogs under close control. On the way back the Whitebridge Hotel and the Dores Inn are dog friendly. The Camerons Tea Room and Farm shop at Foyers and the Waterfall Cafe Foyers both welcome dogs in the cafe and tea room.

Black Isle

At Fortrose make sure you go to Chanonry Point for a close up view of the dolphins when the tide is right – an hour after low tide is usually good.  The Anderson Hotel in Fortrose is dog friendly and serves good food and real ale as does the Allangrange Arms in Munlochy, both allow dogs in the bar area. Walks along Rosemarkie beach, The South Sutor at Cromarty and Fairy Glen in Rosemarkie are highlights on the Black Isle.  

Glen Affric

Favourite photographers’ excursion especially for the Autumn colours. Justly renowned for the glory of its woodlands, this classical blend of natural forest, shimmering loch and rugged hill has inspired many Victorian artists, and notably the 'Monarch of the Glen' painted by Landseer was set amidst this fine panorama. (there will be deer and sheep in Glen Affric but not likely along the paths).

Note:  All beaches in the area are dog-friendly all year round

Around Loch Ness

• Whitebridge Hotel, Whitebridge, Stratherrick, Nr. Inverness IV2 6UN is a long established Highland Hotel amid the foothills of the Monadhliath Mountains, approximately 3 miles from Loch Ness. The area abounds with wildlife and is a haven for bird-watchers and naturalists alike. Meals are served in the Main Bar and Wee Bar every day from 12 until 2pm, and from 6pm until 8.30pm and the proprietors welcome your well-behaved dogs. Real Ale.
• The Waterfall Cafe, Foyers, Inverness IV2 6XU is open daily and offer a Breakfast and Lunch menu. They also offer a wide selection of hot and cold drinks and all menu items (and drinks) are available to take away during opening hours. You are welcome to bring your dog with you into the cafe. There is also a large outdoor decking area in front of the cafe for customers to sit and enjoy the pure air of the Highlands and possibly spot a Red Squirrel in the wooded area opposite. (Note: the cafe closes at 3pm on a Sunday)
• The Dores Inn, real ale and good food.
• The Camerons Tea Room and Farm Shop, Foyers, South Side Loch Ness, Inverness IV2 6YA are dog friendly - open 7 days a week.  (It is only a quarter of a mile from the famous Falls of Foyers waterfall. Look out for the sign to Camerons Holiday Cottage and the highland cattle in the fields.) The Farm Shop offers fresh seasonal produce as well as local crafts, cards and gifts. Paintings and prints on the walls by local artists are for sale.
• Benleva Hotel Drumnadrochit, brew pub with food. dogs allowed in bar

Black Isle

• The Allangrange Arms, Millbank Road, Munlochy, Ross-Shire IV8 8NL, 3 miles off A9 on B9161, just in Munlochy Village. Open for coffee & breakfast (eat-in /takeaway) from 7 to 11, with food normally available, throughout the day until 9pm sometimes later. The menu has a good selection of quality food including Vegetarian options.  Well behaved dogs are welcome inside, but should be kept to the bar - a max of 4 dogs at any one time.
• The Anderson Hotel Fortrose, dog-friendly, real ale and food.
• Beach Café Rosemarkie beach.  Only allows dogs at outside tables.
• Culbokie Inn is dog friendly
• Cromarty Arms
• The Plough Inn, Rosemarkie
• Bad Girls bakery Muir of Ord

West

• Cluanie Inn
• Argyll Hotel Ullapool
• Ferry Boat Inn, Ullapool
• The Old Inn Gairloch