Dog friendly hotels and hearty food for walking holidays in Scotland

There are few places as dramatic and diversely picturesque as Scotland’s countryside, making it a gift for walking holidays, whichever part you choose to visit.  Rolling hills and moorland, gentle valleys and iconic historic locations to explore, make the Scottish Borders the perfect place for a romantic getaway, while the scenic Highlands see some spectacular hotels nestled amongst the majestic curves of the earth and glistening lochs.

Places such as The Airds Hotel on Loch Linnhe, with the Morvern mountains beyond, prove to not only have wonderful walking possibilities, but also excellent gastronomy as well, attracting foodies from around the country.  Alternatively, the Pool House is amongst Scotland’s historic hotels with 300 years of stories to tell and pursuits such a playing the piano or selecting novels from the library juxtaposed with adventures rock climbing or mountaineering in the highland landscape.

A haven for dog walkers looking to stretch the legs of tireless pets, or whiskey connoisseurs in search for something to set the palette a tingling, Scotland is also an endless treasure trove of unique hotel locations such as The Colonsay, accessed  by short wander up a single track road from the ferry on the Isle of Colonsay where you’re greeted by an unpretentious and informal inn with a buzzy bar populated with locally brewed island beer and malt whiskies.  There’s even the odd music evening to add extra fuel to the log fires.

The coastal walks in Scotland really are something of literary proportions as well – take the remote west side of Shetland where Burrastow House resides for example.  Here you can watch the Arctic terns tumble above the Wester Sound – few things can match such a natural spectacle.