We are dog owners and are keen that the lodges are dog-friendly. We live locally so know great walking routes and dog-friendly places to eat and drink.
What to pack
There are two dog bowls at the lodge under the sink, but please bring your own food, waste bags etc. and don’t forget a couple of towels to dry off soggy doggies! We have left a bucket on the veranda which you can use the clean your dog. Please make sure your dog has had a recent flea treatment – we love dogs, but not their ‘friends’…
There is an ‘emergency pack’ of an extendable lead and poo bags under the kitchen sink – please return and replace any items you use. There is a tick remover in the first aid kit in the bathroom – remember: twist don’t pull!
Make sure your dog has a tag with your contact details including mobile phone number on. There is a lot of wildlife in the area, and if your dog decides to chase or just go for a wander, it is important that you can be contacted if someone finds your dog.
Eating and drinking
The list below is based on our own research, but keep in mind that some may have changed their policies (or ownership) since we last visited. Most listed below let you have your dog in the bar area (and get food) – book ahead and explain you’d like to bring your dog/s.
Benmore Gardens Café (5 mins) - outdoors only
The Strone Inn, Strone (10 mins)
The Coylet Inn, Loch Eck (10 mins)
The Shore Café, Strone (10 mins)
The Whistlefield Inn, Loch Eck (15 mins)
The Blairmore (20 mins)
Creggans Inn, Strachur (30 mins)
The Ardentinny (30 mins)
In Dunoon and Innellan
Dunoon Burgh Hall
The Swallow Cafe
Holy Loch Coffee Shop, Sandbank Marina
The Lorne
Ingrams Bar
The Osborne, Innellan
Further afield:
The Oystercatcher, Otter Ferry
Ardlui Hotel, Loch Lomond
Coach House Cafe, Luss, Loch Lomond
Drovers Inn, Inverarnan
George Hotel, Inverarary
Luss Village Rest Café
Walkies!
Every guest staying at Ruskin Lodges gets access to our 'app' - a handy guide to the lodges and the area with sections covering everything from the weather, the location of local facilities, and tips for making the most of your stay. It also has a section for dog owners and includes a long list of walks - many starting directly from the lodge. So if you're stuck for where to go, checkout the app!
Being a responsible owner
Removing any faeces left by your dog in a public open place is legally required under the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003. This is to protect the health of other people (children in particular), dogs, wildlife, and livestock as well as prevent a nuisance to people in the area. Please take poo bags with you and dispose of waste in a bin – any public litter bin will do. Never let your dog bother livestock and observe notices from farmers regarding access to fields. There have been a number of attacks in the area which causes great distress and upset as well as financial hardship. If your dog has never seen sheep, cows or horses before, take a cautious approach and put your dog on their lead until you've passed the field.
Many of the local rivers are used for fly fishing so keep your eyes open while you are out walking and keep your dogs out of the water in the areas where fishing is taking place.
If you see someone coming towards you and their dog is on a lead, it is good practice to put yours on a lead too. Their dog may be nervous and reactive, even if yours wouldn't hurt a fly!
If you have any questions about bringing your dog on holiday to Ruskin Lodges, get in touch.