Dog Friendly Holidays at Loch Tay

Alright, pet?

April is National Pet Month in the UK and as a nation of animal lovers, what better time to take your dog on holiday? ? After all, separation anxiety doesn’t just affect dogs, but their owners, too! My husband and I certainly don’t like leaving our scruffy terrier Seth behind when we go on a break and he’s like a dog with two tails when he gets to come with us.

The three of us love nothing more than a Scottish staycation with walkies from the doorstep which is why Largo Leisure’s Loch Tay Highland Lodges near Killin appealed so much with its choice of affordable, dog-friendly accommodation at – best of all - no extra charge for pooches.

Paw-fection

The three-bedroom Signature lodge with loch-side views that we selected for our mid-week break was stylish, spacious and the perfect location to meet up for a family reunion with my sister and brother-in-law from Falkirk and brother and sister-in-law from Dumfries. Arriving on a wet and windy evening, making a home-made chilli on the stove was ideal, with plenty of room to dine in the open-plan kitchen/ dining / living area. I could imagine on a summer evening, eating al fresco on the deck overlooking the loch would be just as appetising. The sound of the nearby waterfall lulled us off to sleep when we eventually retired after competitive board games, while the Quiet Time policy after 10pm ensured a restful night.

Having a Ball

Once back at the lodge, Seth soon discovered the warmth in front of a wood-burner is just the spot to curl up and dry out. After lunch, we drove to the nearby Falls of Dochart, particularly impressive after so much rain and snow melt. You can hear the roar of the cascades before you see the frothing, churning cauldron and feel the spray as you cross the ancient stone bridge. Downstream, ‘Innis Buidhe’ or ‘Yellow Island’ is the sacred burial ground of Clan Macnab, while healing stones once belonging to Saint Fillan are housed in the Parish Church. A smokehouse sells local delicacies like smoked salmon and Falls of Dochart gin, featuring the local Tayberry.

Fur-ever home

On-site, In Your Element offers activities from paddle boarding and river tubing to hiring a canoe or boat for pottering around the loch, while we spotted some brave campers wild swimming – though admittedly not for long! Campsie Glen in Stirlingshire is the most recent site to join the now six award-winning Largo Leisure Parks in Scotland, from the heart of the Perthshire countryside to the beaches of Fife with sweeping views across to the Isle of May. As all are dog-friendly, it’s hard to choose which fetching location to visit next, while there is also the tempting opportunity to own your home from home.

Bridget stayed in one of our 3-bedroom pet friendly Signature Lodges at Loch Tay.