As we settle into the New Year, begin with a fresh start among sublime Scottish scenery with an endless array of walks, hiking trails and cosy corners in beautiful locations. And who better to enjoy these magnificent places with than your very best friend, your dog. 

Burns Night retreats for your Border Collie 

Celebrate Burns Night in true Rabbie Burns fashion with your Border Collie in Dumfries and Galloway. Remain undisturbed at Jarbruck Lodge, a detached Victorian cottage with no immediate neighbours, you’re sure to have a peaceful getaway. Coorie in together in the lounge or the separate snug. Watch your dog frolic in the garden with a warm cuppa in your grasp. Take your canine companions and walk around the picturesque village of Moniaive, just 2 miles from Jarbruck. On your journey, find the lane between Ayr Street and North Street. This is the spot where famous Scottish painter James Paterson created his best-known work, The Last Turning.

Explore nearby Dumfries, 15 miles away. Walk with your dog by your heel passed the Robert Burns Centre and find the statue of him and his Border Collie Luath in the centre of Dumfries. Finish off your outing in the poets favourite howff, The Globe Inn. Pick up your haggis and a treat for your four-legged friend from JB Houtstons Butchers before making your way back to Jarbruck for a quiet night in front of the fire.

Spend mornings watching the soaring Red Kites. In the evenings, keep an eye out for flitting bats. A 40-mile journey is worth it for the majestic sights of Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall. Try hiking up to Loch Skeen to see the waterfall’s source. Or scale White Coomb and give your dog plenty of choice for adventure. It’s the best time of year to visit Galloway Forest Park for its extraordinary dark skies with over 7,000 stars visible. After a busy day taking in unforgettable landscapes and delicious treats, return to Jarbruck Lodge for a well-deserved rest, ready for more exciting joint adventures tomorrow.  

Sandy strolls on the calming coast

Located on a peaceful estate, Pitcorthie Cottage is found in the East Neuk of Fife, just 3 miles from Elie beach and the sublime Fife coastline, the ideal place to bring your pup. Walk the beautiful sandy coast from Elie to St Monans. Pop into The Ship Inn on Elie beach, an extremely dog-friendly pub, even providing their own Doggie Menu where your dog can fine-dine on their very own venison sausages, fishbowls, doggie ice cream, paw star ‘martini’ and much more.

Venturing a little further from your cottage, 16 miles away lies Tentsmuir Forest and Beach, a magical trail perfect for bringing along your canine companion. Stroll past the Morton Lochs, through the tall trees scattered with red squirrels, adjacent to open sand dunes and finally reaching the sandy coastline. Stop off in the spectacular Rhynd Café, extremely dog friendly, expertly decorated and, of course, delicious food. Dust off the sand and return to your haven, Pitcorthie Cottage, for a hearty meal cosied up in your cottage or al fresco on the patio area.

Estate adventures and woodland wandering

The perfect remote getaway for you and your dog can be found at The Mission Hall in Strathcarron, Sutherland. Nestled in a wild woodland spot on the magnificent Croick Estate, the cottage is perfectly equipped for guests and their canine companions to enjoy uninterrupted exploring together. Lounge in the open plan space and cook up a hearty meal while gazing out at the acres of quiet woodland, keeping an eye out for roaming red squirrel and red deer. There’s much more wildlife to spot in the sky of the extensive woodland, search for golden eagles, lapwing, golden plover and curlew. Head down to the river and try fishing with the estates catch and release system. The estate holds many sights of interesting history to explore with your dog, such as Croick church, a nineteenth century shepherds cottage and the Pictish Broch built around the time of Christ, in use until the Highland Clearances.

While there’s enough on the estate to keep you both occupied, the sandy beaches nearby at Brora and Dornoch are a treat to explore with your furry friend. Returning from Dornoch beach, wander through the pleasant woodland at Camore, under towering pines through beds of heather. Take your dog to the woodland in Skelbo. Explore the Iron Age Broch on your walk and continue on your way to find the ruins of Skelbo Castle. Head to The Salt and Salmon at the Falls of Shin in Lairg, a popular dog-friendly café and restaurant serving delicious food, treats and drinks. After long afternoons wandering woodland and running along the coast with your canine companion, a cosy night in front of the wood burner awaits at The Mission Hall.

River walks and cosy cafés 

Eildon Cottage, sleeping 4, is not only perfect for family and friends but is well-equipped for your pets. There are a multitude of activities to get up to with your dog during your stay in the beautiful borders. Stroll along the rushing River Tweed, watch as the salmon jump or wander into Melrose and spend the afternoon in the scenic town. Hike one of the nearby Eildons, or join in on part of the Southern Upland Way or St Cuthbert’s Way. Stop in and recharge at Eden Coffee House, and, if you’re lucky, get your dog a picture on their photograph wall. Dine out at the Floors Castle café and explore the walled garden. Visit nearby Abbotsford House, home of fellow dog lover, Sir Walter Scott. Pups are more than welcome in the garden, grounds and café or the spooky Witch Corner woodland trail. If your dog somehow still has energy, return to Eildon Cottage, where they can play in the enclosed garden nestled among the trees.

The colder seasons are the perfect time to explore Scotland’s beauty uninterrupted and without the rush of busy life. Watch your dog dash along the quiet coastline, dine on delicious food and spend the evenings warming up together by the fire. So, pop on your wellies, fetch the dog lead, grab a flask and spend some quality time with your best friend.