Sunday, 10 January 2016

Pets Welcome!

Pets Welcome
With so many woodland and coastal walks  it is so easy to find the perfect tranquil spot to unwind and give you that well earned peace a holiday on the West Coast can bring.

For a huge majority of us, there is always that problem of finding a place to stay that welcomes pets.

Some kennels offer a great service in taking care of your pets while you have a break, but here in Scotland there are many fabulous walks that your dog will love just as much as you would!

I decided to ask online so I could quickly gather a list of all pet friendly place to stay in and around Tarbert, so in no order of preference here is what we have so far;

West Loch Hotel, a short walk from the centre of the village on the shores of West Loch, easy access to forestry walks, you are also very close to the starting point of The Kintyre Way, a beautiful walk that criss crosses the whole of the Kintyre Peninsular.
The Kintyre Way


Also at West Loch are a selection of cosy lodges set on a hill they have spectacular views over the Loch.
West Loch Shores are set right beside Corranbuie, a natural woodland beside forestry land, you can follow the track all the way along to bring you back to Tarbert village.

The track is popular with other walkers, runners and dog walkers.
Although more often that not you can walk the full track without seeing another soul.
Also at West Loch you will find Kayak Majik, you can hire a canoe, try sea kayaking, even meet some of our local seal population,
A truly relaxing way to explore the lochs.

Argyll Haven also sits at the West Loch, another lodge sat in a quiet and beautiful location yet not too far from the village centre, surrounded by forest overlooking the loch. What better place to unwind!

Have you ever tried Glamping?
Well now you can, and what's more you can bring your dogs too!
Stonefield Farm Holidays have small and cosy wooden wigwams, allowing you to enjoy the fun of camping outside but with the comfort of a sturdy and cosy shelter with washing and cleaning facilities.
There is also a coffee and farm shop on site serving fresh, local produce.

Tarbert From The Hills
In the village The Tarbert Hotel allows pets, with a friendly bar and delicious food it is another popular place to stay!

Also overlooking the beautiful Harbour is The Islay Frigate Hotel, it has a popular bar, a harbour view restaurant and a beer garden out the back, a pretty little sun trap to sit and relax in.

Overlooking the Tarbert Church is the Cullins Bed and Breakfast, a perfect base to relax after a day of exploring.

Just outside of the village, before you come in to Tarbert are Barfad Self Catering Holiday Cottages set in farmland, surrounded by woodland and near the shores of Loch Fyne.
There are 2 Cottages Available At Barfard the underlined text takes you to their site for further details. Lesley from the Loch Fyne Gallery told me on the All Things Tarbert Facebook Page
"Years before I had my cottage in Tarbert, I stayed at Barfad Farmlands a couple of times with dogs, the cottages were lovely, and direct access to White Shore was fab for the dogs. I met people with dogs over the summer who stay regularly, so they obviously still allow them"
So much exploring for a pup to do!
Barmore Farm Holiday Cottages at Stonefield are also pet friendly, currently their website doesn't have all the info, but there are more details and photos at Hoseasons holiday site.

Sitting right on the shores of Loch Fyne near Stonefield castle is Shore Cottage, a peaceful retreat in beautiful surroundings.

Skipness is one of my personal favourite places, you can walk there from Tarbert, see the map on the Kintyre Way Website for the specific details for the track.
Be warned you may meet livestock on some sections.

The Seafood Cabin offers freshly prepared sea food along with tea and coffee, see their website for opening times and the menu.

If you visit Skipness do visit the castle, in the Summer the tower is opened allowing you to climb up to the top for magnificent views on a clear day.

Skipness Holiday Cottages are in a fantastic location, with beautiful walks and stunning views over to the Isle Of Arran, it is breathtakingly beautiful all year round.
Contact Sophie and ask for a brochure and booking form
Scotland, it's very cool in Winter! <3
On the other side of West Loch is The B8024, with spectacular views of Kintyre and the Inner Hebrides, Jura, Islay, Gigha, if you come all the way to Tarbert you really should take a gentle drive along this road!

Dunmore Villa and Anchor Cottage sit right on the shore, totally wonderful if you love the sea!
Both are large, private self catering holiday lets with total privacy.

A short drive past the villa and slightly up the hill on your right is Dunmore Court, with self catering cottages in a shared courtyard.
Surrounded by ancient Oak woodland and wildlife with beautiful views from the hills.

Back over on the right hand side, with views over the loch, a few miles from Dumore Court is Barr Na Criche offering self catering or bed and breakfast holiday accommodation. It is a perfect get away from it all! Relax on the shores of the loch, walk miles through forest or countryside track or drive into one of the little villages for fine foods and excellent hospitality!
Standing Stones Loch Stornoway, Knapdale


Port Bàn Holiday Park is further along the road, it is set in a beautiful location and you are able to rent or buy a static caravan here.
You can also camp there with pitches for tents and hook ups for tourers and caravans.
Totally pet friendly, the whole site has poop bags and bins, making cleaning up easy, please keep all dogs on the lead on site.

Still within roughly a 30 minute drive from Tarbert Harbour is the beautiful Ellary Estate the cottages and chalets are situated on the Loch Caolisport side of Ellary Estate.
The cottages all stand in their own grounds, offering privacy and seclusion and are equipped with everything that you are likely to require on your holiday.

Just across the loch from Tarbert Harbour is the Portavadie Mariner with a superb spa and leisure centre.
The cottages and studio apartments are dog-friendly so you can bring your dog too!
The ferry trip takes less than half an hour, so it's easy to pop over and back again.
Take a look at all the facilities on offer at Portavadie there is so much to see and do you will be wanting another holiday after your holiday! Set in beautiful surroundings with luxury accommodation.
Ferry To Portavadie. Photo by Blue Wave Services.

The George Hotel at Inveraray also accepts dogs, take a look at some of the virtual tours on their website for an excellent view of the rooms available.

Going further afield but still within easy travelling distance Mellow Melfort accepts all pets.
They have accommodation to suit a wide range of needs.

If you have holiday accommodation and allow pets in or near Tarbert please contact me and I will add your details.

If you are booking a holiday with your pets, please make sure you inform the owner you intend to bring pets, be sure you are happy and agree with any terms and conditions they may have prior to booking.
Please clean up after your pets and keep them under control around wildlife and livestock.
Thank you