There’s no denying it: leaving your four-legged companion behind when you go on holiday feels just a little bit wrong. After all, what’s a countryside walk without muddy paws trotting alongside you, or a cosy evening by the fire without a dog snoring gently at your feet?
That’s why at Old Smiddy Cottage, we believe that true dog-friendly holidays mean making space for the whole family — paws included. Nestled in the quiet village of Stronachlachar, just a stone’s throw from Loch Katrine, our cottage is the perfect base for those in search of pet-friendly cottages in Scotland with both comfort and character.
We’ve designed Old Smiddy Cottage with pets in mind (and not just the human ones):
Spacious Garden: A safe outdoor space for morning zoomies or an evening game of fetch.
Tiled Entrance: Perfect for drying off muddy paws after a rainy Highland ramble.
Cosy Fire & Soft Rugs: Ideal for curling up after a long day of adventuring.
Self-Catering with Pets: A fully equipped kitchen makes mealtimes simple, while the local shops in Aberfoyle and Callander mean treats for both you and your pup are never far away.
We’re also surrounded by nature, which means you’re never more than a few steps away from your next walk.
The beauty of Stronachlachar is that you don’t need to travel far to find a walk that will have tails wagging. Some of our favourites including the four below!
Tip: Pack a towel! Even in summer, Scottish puddles are irresistible.
A gentle route along the loch, perfect for sniffing, strolling, and soaking in the view.
For the more adventurous, this trail takes you along rugged paths with sweeping panoramas of the Trossachs.
A car-and-walk combination that offers a mix of woodland trails and lochside spots, ideal for picnics (and dog biscuits).
Varied trails that range from easy ambles to proper leg-stretchers — and plenty of Highland wildlife to keep curious noses twitching.
One of the true joys of bringing your pet along is sharing those little moments: the delighted bark when a stick lands in the water, the triumphant shake after an unexpected dip, the contented sigh when they flop down by your side at the end of the day.
Scotland is full of places that welcome dogs — from rustic pubs with water bowls by the door to trails designed for wandering at a dog’s pace. Choosing self-catering with pets gives you the freedom to set your own routine, cook when you fancy, and enjoy the peace of the countryside without worrying about kennel pickups or pet sitters.
Step right outside the cottage and you’ll find trails winding through Queen Elizabeth Forest Park—perfect for nature-spotting, den-building, or a family game of ‘who can find the weirdest-shaped tree’. (Spoiler: there are some strong contenders.)
Pop by the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre in Aberfoyle for walking routes and interactive exhibits. There’s also a café with cake—need we say more?
Location, location, location – Step outside and you’re instantly in the heart of the Highlands.a
Comfort meets tradition – A stone-built cottage with all the modern touches you need.
Truly pet-friendly – No awkward rules, just a warm welcome.
Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer retreat, you’ll find Old Smiddy Cottage to be the perfect blend of pet-friendly Scotland charm and Highland hospitality.
Plenty of outdoor space for running wild or sipping wine while they do
Wood-fired hot tub and sauna with a stunning view coming September 2025!
A log burner for chilly nights (and marshmallow roasting!)
A well-equipped kitchen for cooking up feasts
