Pet-Friendly Getaways: Exploring Scotland with Your Furry Friend

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.

A Warm Welcome for You — and Your Pets

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.

Local Dog-Walking Trails Around Loch Katrine

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.

Loch Katrine Shore Path:

A gentle route along the loch, perfect for sniffing, strolling, and soaking in the view.

Loch Arklet to Inversnaid:

For the more adventurous, this trail takes you along rugged paths with sweeping panoramas of the Trossachs.

The Three Lochs Forest Drive:

A car-and-walk combination that offers a mix of woodland trails and lochside spots, ideal for picnics (and dog biscuits).

Glen Finglas Estate Walks:

Varied trails that range from easy ambles to proper leg-stretchers — and plenty of Highland wildlife to keep curious noses twitching.

The Charm of Dog-Friendly Holidays in Rural Scotland

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.

Woodland Walks & Wildlife Trails

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?

Hidden Gems & Local Favourites

• Loch Katrine Cycle Path: A smooth, scenic trail ideal for cycling or walking — rent a bike or bring your own!

• The Pier Café: Coffee and cake with a view? Yes please. Grab a scone and sit out on the deck.

• Glen Finglas: A rambling network of trails, from gentle loops to hearty hill walks.

• Falls of Falloch: Just under an hour’s drive away, but worth it. A stunning waterfall framed by pine and mist.

Why Choose Old Smiddy Cottage?

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

A final thought

Life’s better with a dog by your side. So why not make your next holiday one that everyone — two legs and four — will love? Pack the leads, grab the treats, and head north. Old Smiddy Cottage is waiting, and so are the hills, lochs, and trails of Stronachlachar.

A beautifully situated cottage for an idyllic Scottish getaway break nestled amongst snowcapped mountains (we went in February) right by the Loch. You can cosy up with a good book by the roaring log burner. A lovely little tearoom is a short walk away. Right from the doorstep you feel you have the freedom to roam on beautiful walks.

We stayed at the old smiddy cottage September 22, absolutely beautiful cottage, perfect getaway with amazing views, cottage stunning. More than adequate comforts. Remote but not totally isolated. The pier cafe does an amazing breakfast and so friendly. Just loved loved it here. Went for a walk and picked some beautiful flowers to send out in the loch for my son who I lost in 2018 and my partners father who we also sadly lost. Could not believe the beautiful rainbow we witnessed shortly after doing this .

We had a wonderfully peaceful time here. Fantastic location, a well equipped cottage and helpful hosts. Thoroughly recommend.

A wonderful location, and a gorgeous little cottage owned by very lovely people!

Such a Lovely place! Great location was the perfect place to stay for a special occasion! We would love to return one day!

The Old Smiddy Cottage’s location is perfect, waking up to the beautiful view of Loch Katrine, and the hills surrounding it is a great way to start your day. The cottage is very clean and comfortable, it has everything you need for your time away. The beds are great, the kitchen is fully equipped, and the best view from a shower I’ve ever experienced. The brand new hot tub and sauna are a fantastic addition, you could spend hours just sitting looking out at the loch. We had a great time, and would highly recommend booking this cottage.

Loch Katrine is one of the largest lochs in the Trossachs at almost 9 miles long and is owned by Scottish Water as the primary water supply to Glasgow.

It’s name is thought to come from the “caterans” or cattle rustlers that once inhabited the Trossachs, the most notorious of whom was Rob Roy MacGregor. His birthplace in 1671 was Glen Gyle at the western end of Loch Katrine.

This famous Scottish folk hero and outlaw was a multi talented man, also a great swordsman and soldier and who later settled down and became a successful businessman. After an unfortunate incident He was declared an outlaw which began his campaign of harassment against the Duke of Montrose even imprisoning the Dukes factor on an island. Factors Island can be seen from Stronachlachar. MacGregor died a pardoned man in 1734 at Balquhidder.

Loch Katrine is also famous for its association with Sir Walter Scott and his poem The Lady of the Lake. Today a steamship named the Sir Walter Scott provides pleasure cruises and a ferry service on Loch Katrine between Trossachs Pier and Stronachlachar.

Queen Victoria opened this water supply to Glasgow in 1859 and Scottish Water as the owners of Loch Katrine ensure the purity, tranquility and beauty by prohibiting certain activities. Fossil fuelled engines and bait/bank fishing are therefore not permitted.

Loch Katrine is a beautiful destination to enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities.