Scotland’s dramatic Highland landscape around Fort William and Glencoe offers some of Britain’s most spectacular scenery, with towering munros, mirror-like lochs, and ancient glens that seem tailor-made for adventures with four-legged companions. This stunning region—where the name Glencoe possibly translates to “Glen of the Dogs”—has embraced the canine revolution wholeheartedly, creating an atmosphere where muddy paws become badges of honour rather than sources of embarrassment.
A Highland Haven For Hounds
The adventure possibilities for your canine friend in this part of Scotland are endless.Thousands of dogs successfully summit Ben Nevis each year via the well-maintained mountain track, whilst gentler souls can explore peaceful loch-side paths or woodland trails. When your mountain explorer needs transforming back into a respectable hotel guest, Murdos Pampered Paws offers everything from basic baths to full spa experiences. For times when humans need dog-free hours to explore whisky distilleries or tackle technical climbs, Glencoe Kennels & Cattery provides both half and full day doggy day care.
The region’s hospitality sector has responded magnificently to this four-legged influx. Traditional Highland pubs like the Grog & Gruel explicitly welcome “families and four-legged friends,” whilst establishments from the historic Clachaig Inn (where well behaved dogs are permitted throughout all seating areas) to upscale venues like the Kingshouse Hotel (more on this hotel later) allow dogs in bar areas while serving premium Highland fare.
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Even tourist attractions love pooches—the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola offers free rides for dogs on leads, opening up high-altitude viewpoint trails. Further good news: The Glencoe National Trust Visitor Centre welcomes dogs throughout its facilities including the café.
There are plenty of dog friendly cottages in Fort William to choose. Indeed, whether seeking five-star indulgence, unique architectural accommodation, or exceptional value, this remarkable corner of Scotland promises Highland holidays that create memories lasting long after the final muddy paw print has been cleaned away. Be aware that most hotels charge an extra fee to bring your pooch and most have rules about leaving your dog unattended, even for a short period of time.
With proper planning and the right accommodation choice, your Highland adventure awaits. With that in mind, here’s our pick of some of the best…
Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Ideal for luxury-loving hounds who appreciate the finer things in life…
Step through the grand entrance of this Victorian castle and you’ll understand why Queen Victoria declared she’d “never seen a lovelier or more romantic spot.” This five-star haven, where Her Majesty once slept, treats both human and canine guests like royalty. The 17 individually designed rooms welcome dogs with thoughtful touches including plush beds, ceramic bowls, and gourmet treats that would make any spaniel swoon.
The castle’s extensive private grounds offer morning constitutional opportunities worthy of aristocratic paws, with woodland trails meandering towards a private loch where dogs can practise their best gun-dog impressions. The estate’s mature trees and manicured gardens provide endless sniffing adventures, and the backdrop of Ben Nevis creates photo opportunities that’ll have your Instagram followers howling with envy.
During that lovely period when your faithful friend relaxes in your sumptuous suite, perhaps in the very room where Queen Victoria stayed (although in a dog cage as requirement of the hotel), you can indulge in Michel Roux Jr’s culinary creations at the three AA Rosette restaurant. The staff, trained in the art of discreet luxury, ensure water bowls appear as if by magic and muddy paws are dealt with graciously. For those seeking Highland adventures, the concierge can arrange everything from loch-side walks to mountain hikes suitable for various fitness levels.
Address: Torlundy, Fort William, Highland PH33 6SN
Website: inverlochycastlehotel.com
Kingshouse Hotel
Ideal for adventurous hounds seeking iconic Highland hospitality on the West Highland Way…
Standing at the foot of the mighty Buchaille Etive Mòr like a Highland sentinel for over 250 years, the Kingshouse Hotel has witnessed countless adventures begin and end on its doorstep. This legendary establishment, perfectly positioned where Glencoe’s dramatic valley opens to reveal some of Scotland’s most breathtaking mountain vistas, represents Highland hospitality at its most authentic.
The recently refurbished hotel offers 57 rooms, each boasting spectacular views of either the mountains, the River Coupall, or the resident deer that wander freely around the grounds. Selected dog-friendly rooms welcome up to two four-legged adventurers per room, complete with a thoughtful welcome pack that demonstrates the hotel’s genuine understanding of canine guests’ needs. The £20 per night charge includes everything needed to make your dog feel at home after days exploring the surrounding wilderness.
What truly sets the Kingshouse apart is its unique three-venue dining experience. Dogs are warmly welcomed in both the cosy main bar, where crackling fires provide perfect post-walk relaxation, and the historic Way Inn – housed in the original 18th-century coaching inn that has been refuelling Highland travellers for centuries. The upscale restaurant, while off-limits to four-legged diners, serves locally sourced Highland fare including estate venison and fresh shellfish, with panoramic 270-degree views down the Glencoe valley.
The hotel’s position directly on the West Highland Way makes it the perfect overnight stop for long-distance walkers, and the immediate access to iconic hiking routes – from gentle riverside strolls to challenging munro ascents – ensures every fitness level finds their perfect Highland adventure. The dedicated drying room and outdoor boot-washing facilities prove this establishment truly understands Highland explorers’ needs.
Address: M525+HJ Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe, Ballachulish PH49 4HY
Website: kingshousehotel.co.uk
Inn At Ardgour
Ideal for budget-conscious adventurers seeking authentic Highland hospitality…
Accessible only by the charming Corran Ferry – a five-minute crossing that adds a sense of adventure before you’ve even checked in – this traditional Highland inn offers exceptional value in a stunning lochside setting. What sets the Inn at Ardgour apart is its refreshingly generous pet policy: dogs stay completely free, a rarity amongst Scottish hotels.
All eleven ensuite rooms boast magnificent views across Loch Linnhe, where seals often pop up to say hello during your morning dog walk along the shoreline. The family-run atmosphere means tails wag freely in the cosy bar area, where open fires crackle on chilly evenings and your dog can sprawl contentedly whilst you sample local whiskies. The traditional Scottish fare served in the loch-view restaurant showcases local ingredients, though four-legged diners must content themselves with the bar area.
The inn’s position on the quieter Ardgour peninsula provides peaceful walking opportunities away from tourist crowds. Stroll to the nearby Ardgour Ales brewery (dogs welcome in the taproom), explore the dramatic Inchree Waterfalls, or use the inn as a base for adventures into the remote Ardnamurchan Peninsula. The ferry crossing means you’re perfectly positioned for day trips to Ben Nevis, Glencoe, and Fort William, returning each evening to this tranquil Highland hideaway where your dog’s welcome never wears thin.
Website: ardgour.biz
Address: Corran – Ardgour, Fort William PH33 7AA
RiverBeds – Luxury Wee Lodges
Ideal for couples seeking romantic seclusion with hot tub therapy for tired paws…
These “castles in cabins” redefine the concept of small-space luxury, proving that good things really do come in wee packages. Perched along a babbling river on the Dragon’s Tooth Estate, each 12-square-metre lodge packs more luxury per square foot than many five-star suites. Despite their compact size, these architectural marvels never feel cramped, thanks to clever design that would make a Highland terrier jealous of the space efficiency.
Your private veranda features both a sunken hot tub (perfect for soothing muscles after mountain adventures) and a fire pit where you can toast marshmallows, all while your dog dozes contentedly on the secure decking. The riverside setting provides natural entertainment as you spot leaping salmon and darting kingfishers. Each morning, a continental breakfast basket arrives like magic, leaving you free to explore the estate’s woodland trails or tackle the on-site Dragon’s Tooth Golf Course – allegedly Scotland’s finest nine-holer.
The dog welcome hamper includes treats, towels, and bowls, and the £50 cleaning contribution (per stay, not per night) represents excellent value. Egyptian cotton bedding and Simba mattresses ensure everyone sleeps soundly after days exploring nearby Glencoe Valley. The lodges’ location, just five minutes from Glencoe’s dramatic entrance, provides easy access to countless walks ranging from gentle lochside strolls to challenging munro ascents.
Address: Woodlands, Glencoe, Ballachulish PH49 4AA
Website: woodlands.scot
Lime Tree Hotel
Ideal for art-loving hounds who appreciate boutique style and town convenience…
This award-winning boutique hotel occupies a beautifully converted 19th-century manse in Fort William, bringing contemporary Highland style to the gateway of the Great Glen. The Lime Tree’s unique selling point is its on-site art gallery showcasing local artists – perfect for culturally inclined canines who appreciate more than just a good stick collection.
Sadly, dogs must skip the acclaimed “Silly Goose” restaurant (health regulations apply), but they’re warmly welcomed in the atmospheric lounges where log fires create the perfect setting for post-walk relaxation. The hotel’s location, just five minutes from where the West Highland Way concludes, means you’re perfectly positioned for everything from gentle town walks to serious mountain expeditions. The map room near reception helps plan adventures, whilst the drying room ensures soggy dogs and hiking gear don’t dampen your Highland experience.
Each of the fourteen individually designed rooms offers unique character, with some featuring balconies overlooking distant lochs. The £10 nightly dog charge includes thoughtful touches, and staff will arrange special dining areas for guests with dogs, ensuring nobody misses out on the French-inspired Scottish cuisine. The central Fort William location means you’re walking distance from shops, museums, and the Jacobite Steam Train station, making this an ideal base for those who want Highland adventures with urban conveniences.
Address: Achintore Rd, Fort William PH33 6RQ
Website: limetreefortwilliam.co.uk
The Lodge On The Loch Onich
Ideal for water-loving dogs who dream of loch-side swimming sessions…
With the distinction of being the only hotel offering uninterrupted access to Loch Linnhe through its gardens, this Mediterranean-influenced lodge provides a delightfully unexpected twist on Highland hospitality. The laid-back atmosphere and genuine “dogs-welcome-everywhere” policy (including the restaurant) creates a refreshingly relaxed environment where muddy paws are badges of honour rather than faux pas.
The hotel’s prime position between Glencoe and Ben Nevis means you’re spoilt for choice when planning daily adventures. Start mornings with a loch-side walk directly from the hotel gardens, where your dog can perfect their swimming technique in the crystal-clear Highland water. The property’s Mediterranean décor might seem incongruous with the Highland setting, but somehow the fusion works, creating a unique atmosphere that’s both exotic and cosy.
Room rates vary considerably depending on views and season, but the loch-view rooms with their comfortable window seats justify the premium, offering panoramic vistas across to the mountains beyond. The Sea Salt Café restaurant welcomes dogs alongside their humans, serving locally sourced Scottish fare with a continental twist. The extensive whisky selection in the Lochside Bar provides ample opportunity to sample Highland spirits whilst your tired hound snoozes by the log fire, dreaming of tomorrow’s adventures in this spectacular landscape.
Address: Onich Lodge On the Loch, Fort William PH33 6RY
Website: facebook.com/lodgeonthelochhotel
Onich Hotel & Lochside Beach Pods
Ideal for beach-loving hounds seeking unique waterfront accommodation…
These innovative beach pods represent Highland hospitality’s creative response to the glamping trend, offering something genuinely special for adventurous dog owners. Positioned directly on Loch Linnhe’s shoreline, each pod features private decking where you can watch the sun set behind the islands, all while your dog investigates fascinating flotsam deposited by the tide.
The self-catering pods, sleeping up to four, include surprisingly well-equipped kitchenettes, modern bathrooms, and comfortable beds that ensure nobody compromises on comfort despite the compact space. What they lack in square footage they compensate for with location – step outside and you’re literally on the beach, with miles of shoreline to explore. The attached hotel provides backup options for dining and socialising, with dogs currently staying free under a special promotion (usually £20 per night).
Morning walks along the private beach often reveal otters fishing in the shallows, and the mountain backdrop provides constantly changing light that photographers dream about. The unique accommodation style suits those who want something different from traditional hotels but aren’t ready for full camping. The pods’ position between Fort William and Glencoe makes them an ideal base for exploring both areas, returning each evening to your waterside retreat where the only sound is waves lapping and your contented dog’s snoring.
Address: Onich, Fort William PH33 6RY
Website: onichhotel.co.uk
Aos Sí Lodges
Ideal for eco-conscious explorers seeking fairy-tale forest retreats…
Named after Highland fairy folk, these whimsical lodges hidden at the forest edge behind a Victorian rectory offer an enchanting escape from modern life. Under new management since 2023, the property has been transformed into an eco-luxury destination that doesn’t compromise on comfort or canine considerations. The mix of accommodation – from luxury log cabins to Victorian manor rooms with four-poster beds – ensures something for every taste and budget.
Each lodge features thoughtful sustainable touches without sacrificing luxury, from the Victorian-style freestanding bathtubs to the electric fires that create cosy ambience without environmental guilt. The dog welcome boxes demonstrate the management’s understanding that four-legged guests deserve special treatment too. The property’s position at the foot of Beinn A’ Bheithir provides immediate access to challenging mountain walks, whilst Loch Leven’s beach across the road offers gentler exercise options.
The limited self-catering facilities encourage exploration of local eateries, many of which welcome dogs. The continental breakfast included in the rate provides sufficient fuel for morning adventures. The property’s fairy-tale atmosphere, complete with the sound of babbling streams and dawn birdsong, creates a magical Highland experience. Recent reviews praise the new management’s approach, particularly their flexibility and genuine warmth towards both human and canine guests exploring this stunning corner of Scotland.
Address: St John’s Old Rectory, Ballachulish PH49 4JP
Website: aossi.scot
Hawthorn Lodge
Ideal for families seeking self-catering freedom with five-star hospitality…
Positioned on the banks of the Caledonian Canal with jaw-dropping Ben Nevis views, Hawthorn Lodge offers the holy grail of Highland accommodation: space, comfort, and a host whose hospitality has achieved legendary status in online reviews. This three-bedroom lodge sleeps six humans and welcomes two dogs, making it perfect for multi-generational holidays or friends travelling together.Website:
The solid wood construction and recent renovation create a modern Highland retreat that doesn’t sacrifice character for convenience. The fully equipped kitchen includes everything from dishwasher to washing machine, and the open-plan living area encourages sociable evenings recounting the day’s adventures. The private veranda, complete with picnic furniture, provides an outdoor room where morning coffee tastes better with Ben Nevis as backdrop.
What truly sets Hawthorn Lodge apart is host Sheena (Sine), whose exceptional service has garnered universal praise. Living just 200 metres away, she strikes the perfect balance between availability and privacy, offering local knowledge that transforms good holidays into unforgettable ones. The direct access to the Great Glen Way and Caledonian Canal means walks begin at your doorstep, whether heading to Neptune’s Staircase or exploring the canal’s peaceful towpaths. The lodge’s position provides easy access to Fort William’s amenities whilst maintaining a rural feel that makes every return feel like coming home.
Address: Ivy Cottage, Torcastle, Banavie, Fort William PH33 7PB
The Isles Of Glencoe Hotel
Ideal for active families wanting loch views with leisure facilities…
Commanding perhaps the finest views in Glencoe from its peninsula position jutting into Loch Leven, this recently refurbished hotel balances family-friendly facilities with genuine Highland hospitality. The Scandinavian-Scottish design fusion creates contemporary comfort without losing sight of the spectacular natural setting that makes this location special. With 59 rooms spread across multiple floors, there’s accommodation to suit most budgets, though dog owners should request ground-floor rooms for easiest garden access.
The hotel’s leisure facilities – including swimming pool, spa pool, and bio-sauna – provide welcome relaxation after mountain adventures, though dogs must find their entertainment elsewhere. The dedicated dog-friendly lounge area, complete with water bowls and fireplace, offers a sociable space where tired hounds can recuperate whilst their humans plan tomorrow’s expeditions. The £20 nightly dog charge includes a welcome package with treats and toys.
The extensive grounds provide immediate walking opportunities, and the three-minute stroll to Loch Leven’s shores offers swimming possibilities for water-confident dogs. The hotel’s position makes it ideal for exploring Glencoe’s dramatic landscapes, from gentle forest walks at Glencoe Lochan to challenging mountain ascents. The Waters Edge Restaurant showcases local produce with floor-to-ceiling windows ensuring the spectacular views accompany every meal, though dogs must content themselves with the bar area’s more casual dining options.
Address: Glencoe, Fort William, Ballachulish PH49 4HL
Website: islesofglencoe.co.uk
The Bottom Line
This remarkable corner of Scotland offers everything from luxury castle experiences to quirky waterside pods, ensuring every dog and their human can find their perfect Highland retreat. Whether you’re seeking five-star indulgence at Inverlochy Castle, unique accommodation in RiverBeds’ luxury wee lodges, or exceptional value at the Inn at Ardgour, the region’s genuine welcome for four-legged visitors shines through.
