We stay in East Lothian and are wanting to go on Holiday somewhere in the Highlands. We are looking for a dog friendly place but somewhere that is child friendly also so not too remote.
Amanda, a couple of years ago my family and I spent a few days at the Forestry Commission's holiday park in Strathyre at the foot of Ben Ledi (I think). They have log-style cabins dotted around a very family friendly park area - they have parent and child tandem bikes etc for hire, horse riding nearby and a maian lodge with games and DVDs etc in case the weather is bad. Although I didn't have Mason at the time there were lots of other families there with their dogs. Its less than two hours away but scenery was wonderful. The website is <www.forestholidays.co.uk> if you want to check it out. Marie
The first holiday that Steve and I ever took with wee Pearly was to those cabins. The holiday was most memorable for it being the first time that she growled at me! She had a decent-sized rawhide chew, which she'd never had before, and clearly she prized it highly. I remember patting her whilst she was chomping and she grrrrrrrrrrd very loudly. I was so shocked that our gentle angel could do that! Shows what I knew.
The cabins are gorgeous. Very well equipped and the setting is gorgeous. Have a great time!
I had a look at the website and looks like an ideal place for kids and dogs. Seems there are plenty nice walks which the kids and Blue would enjoy. Have a great time Im not planning on going abroad this year either. The main reason being the cost of boarding 4 large dogs would be almost the cost of a holiday, but also i'd feel too guilty leaving my babies behind. Last year when i went to Cyprus, i spent the whole time thinking about how miserable my dogs would be in kennels
I agree Jennifer it is hard to leave them behind. Blue took so long to trust us and still has the occasional seperation anxiety problems that we couldn't think about putting him in kennels. Next year we are hoping ti go camping in France. Hopefully family will have him
Know what you mean about leaving them I cannot do it so the whole family holiday is based around the dogs. Therefore we have booked a lodge ,dogs welcome near Dumfries. Lots of country, beach walks and plenty of space in the lodge. Nora
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"YOU OWE IT TO YOUR DOG TO BE WORTHY OF IT,S DEVOTION".
It's very hard leaving them. When Steve and I went off to Hawaii to get married last year, despite being chuffed and excited at the thought of going away, every time I thought about the leaving the dogs I could feel my eyes fill up and my lip wobble. But they had a high old time of it at Carol and Bill's place! Naughty little Pearly even decided that she would make herself comfy on the sofa at every opportunity, something she's never done at home. But, alas, the Pet Hotel is no longer. Sigh...
However, a very good friend of mine has just taken over a kennels. This has been her dream for the entire 15 years that I've known her. I'd feel happy knowing the dogs would be well cared for by her. She has always had dogs and loves all animals - she once held up traffic on the M8 single-handedly cos there was a swan on the road!! Having called the police first, of course, like any responsible citizen.
If anyone is interested, I can get her details and spread the word.
Thanks for the tip. We have just returned from a fantastic holiday. I can't recommend this place enough. Blue is shattered and says he doesnt do hills and we have been eaten alive by midges but the place was so friendly and the scenery breath taking, Kid and dog friendly without that overintense "family feel" if you know what I mean! Waffle over now for the pics
Blue taking a rest while we hunted with the kids for mini beasts
Drinking from the Loch. It was acctually so hot one day Blue lay in the shade and refused to walk any further!
Back in the lodge. A tired Blue tries his hand at a spot the head competition
No Blue in site but a nice view over the loch.
-- Edited by UndercoverElephant at 21:58, 2007-07-21