Dog Friendly Holidays on Islay
With the dog packed in the car it’s time to make the most of your time on Islay. Our dog’s have always been an important part of family life at Persabus, so I’ve popped together some great recommendations to help you discover all that Islay has to offer as a ‘dog friendly’ destination.
What’s on Offer
Surrounded with rugged coastline, and tranquil beaches Islay has so many adventures to enjoy with your pet. With its vast open spaces, and stunning landscapes, it is the perfect place to take your four legged friends on a well earned holiday. There are many stunning beaches and landscapes to explore with your four legged friends.
The Ferry Journey
Just feel the stress melt away as you board the Calmac ferry. With it’s dog friendly areas, in both the cabin or on deck, enjoy sailing in style.
Woodland Walks
On wild or windy days, or if you fancy exploring inland, Islay has some amazing walking tracks. Or why not book an experienced guide for a day of adventuring off the beaten track?
Bridgend woods have tracks following along the banks of the River Sorn. A really popular dog walk with locals, and handily with the dog friendly Bridgend Hotel close by, you can stop for a bar supper or light refreshment following your walk.
If you’re staying at Persabus you can simply head down the road and join the track that will lead you through Dunlossit woods. Enjoy walking past the scenic Lily Loch, Loch Allain, and Loch Ballygrant. Or, follow the track down to the shore and enjoy a sheltered little cove overlooking the Sound of Islay and the Paps of Jura.
Whisky
Enjoy delving into Islay’s world-class whisky distilleries. Most of the visitor centres pride themselves on being ‘dog friendly’. Our dogs simply love the ‘drinking stations’ and dog biscuits on offer, not to mention the big pats and cuddles they receive. Head over to our guide to which distilleries are ‘dog friendly’.
Islay’s Beaches
Enjoy exploring Islay’s rugged, and beautiful coastline, boasting dramatic seascapes, waterfalls, and beautiful sandy coves. There really are lots of exciting beaches to explore. If you have a dog that loves a good run Machir Bay, the Big Strand, and Uiskentuie, offer huge sandy expanses. There’ll even be chance for a paddle in the sea too. If it is lambing time you will find that some farms operate a ‘no dogs’ policy. This is to protect pregnant sheep and new mums from being disturbed and unsettled. Definitely avoid taking your dog through cattle as this is dangerous and not recommended.
Beyond Bunnahabhain is one of my favourite coastlines. Here the wildlife comes out to play. A rugged landscape, my dog simply loves her evening walks across this wilderness. You can walk for hours too, but do note sometimes there are sheep on the hillside here.
Dog Friendly Accommodation
Just a short drive from the ferry terminal at Port Askaig is Persabus Farm. Enjoy our dog friendly accommodation staying in one of our cosy cottages. Persabus Cottage has a large tiled utility room, offering the perfect space for you to dry off your dog after a day of hikes over the headland enjoying those beachy adventure. Step on into the large farmhouse kitchen which opens onto a patio and private garden. The perfect space for you and your dog to relax and unwind after a day exploring the headland and beaches.
Islay offers a perfect retreat for you and your four-legged companion. Whether you’re after scenic walks, dog-friendly accommodations, or a relaxing pub with a pet-friendly policy, Islay ticks all the boxes for a memorable dog-friendly holiday.
