Briar Cottages Loch Earn Luxury and Pet Friendly Self Catering Holidays
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Paws and Relax: Pet-Friendly Holidays at Little Briar Cottage Loch Earn

6/8/2025

 
Dogs love the grass run around area at Briar Cottages
Guest dog in the back garden at Briar Cottages
Pet-friendly picnic spot beside Loch Earn with calm waters and mountain views enjoying the view from Briar Cottages rear garden
Scenic View, top of the garden near the stream at Briar Cottages
Scenic strolls, lochside sniffs, and a warm welcome at Briar Cottages for Little Briar guests and pets.

There’s something deeply comforting about travelling with your dog. They don't mind your early morning hair, they’re always thrilled by new scents, and they rarely complain about the weather — unless it's really wet — except pets that would rather be swimming of course!

At Briar Cottages, we’ve welcomed countless guests with four-legged companions, and it’s a joy every time.

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Feeding the ducks in the loch garden
​Lochearnhead, perched on the edge of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, offers a dog-friendly landscape that’s both dramatic and peaceful. You’ll find winding trails, shimmering loch views, and cosy spots to rest weary paws — all within reach of your cottage doorstep.
​
Garden leads to an old railway walk
Rear garden leads to the old Lochearnhead to Comrie railway walk over a garden stile

Lochside Wanders with a View?
​

One of our favourite local walks starts right at the cottage

​— an off road old railway walk from the garden stile,  birdsong, the dawn chorus and views of morning mist over the loch garden, an acre grassy paddock to the rear for hillside games of fetch and sniff (or chase the pesky rabbits in some cases!!) 

Guests often tell us it’s their dogs' favourite too: open grassy stretches, fresh air, and a few ducks to "admire" (from a polite distance).

The old Lochearnhead to Comrie railway line walk is a local gem: flat, accessible, and perfect for older dogs who prefer a steady pace.  A second line is accessed from the village up the Craggan road.  It is marked by the steel sculpture of a West Highland Terrier called Ewen. The sculptor is by Kev Paxton of ArtFe Blacksmiths - the same talent behind our giant thistle sculpture in the loch garden.  Both sculptures are part of an award winning art installation trail known as The BLiSS Trail. ​
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Giant Thistle by Kev Paxton of ArtFe
Dog friendly Golden Larches CafeDog owners love The Golden Larches cafe
New Discoveries, Local Gems

This season we've found a few  favourites to share:
  • Two quiet picnic spots tucked beside Loch Lubnaig where dogs can paddle while humans sip tea. The Cabin is on site at one of the spots serving hot and cold food to carry out.
  • A friendly stop at The Golden Larches Café, where dogs are greeted like VIPs and humans are rewarded with excellent coffee. On the A84 and off the NR7 old railway walk.  
  • And if your pup enjoys the company of others, Balquhidder Glen offers open trails where you're likely to cross paths with fellow explorers (both two- and four-legged).

Discover our on line list of dog-friendly cafes, pubs and restaurants around Loch Earn. Even the golf course! Give us a shout any time if we can help with vet locations or other helpful contacts or directions that will make your pets holiday more comfortable. 

Secure fenced patio and shelter at Little Briar Cottage
Secure patio with partial shelter, dog bowls, water hose and retractable wahsing line
Pet food and water bowls LochearnheadePet food or water bowls
​Creature Comforts at Briar

​After a full day of sniffing out adventures, there’s nothing lovelier than returning to a warm cottage where everything is set up for comfort.

We provide dog bowls, a water hose, some balls to play with and chew, or they can find their favourite corner to curl up in if paws are too tired to explore the garden, whether outdoors on the secure fenced patio or in the cottage.  The patio can be lit at night time for alfresco dining.

​There is a partial awning at the patio if pets prefer partial cover from sun, rain or snow in other seasons.


Paddleboarding pet Loch EarnPaddleboarding with pet, Little Briar Loch Earn
The Loch Garden.
Does your dog SUP? We have welcomed a few that enjoy jumping on their owners paddleboard launching from the slipway in the loch garden. If your dog would rather swim to fetch balls and sticks from the water then this is an ideal holiday location for them and the fresh water will soften their coat. 


Whether it’s slow mornings watching the loch shimmer or energetic leaps across the paddock, we know that holidaying with your dog is about making shared memories — the mucky, magical kind.

Here at Little Briar Cottage on Loch Earn, your dog is more than welcome. They’re part of the story, just like you.

So, if you're dreaming of scenic trails, wagging tails, and a place that truly understands the joy of pet-friendly travel, we’d be delighted to welcome you both in any season.

Pet fetch in the snow, Loch Earn
Pet play in the snow, winter on Loch Earn
Modern kitchen with mini dishwasherKitchen at Little Briar Cottage Loch Earn


​Book our award winning dog friendly cottage now for Autumn, winter, Christmas, New Year and your favourite or special occasion dates for 2026.  Do contact us with any queries and check out our website at www.stayatbriar.co.uk   

Fraser and Kim Proven are members of The Association of Self Caterers Scotland and The Federation of Small Businesses. Little Briar has a short term let license number ST00073F epcD, issued by Stirling Council. Little Briar sleeps 1-3 guests and 2 pets max.

Dog enjoying Loch Earn view at Little Briar Cottage
Even dogs stop to admire the view at Briar Cottages Lochearnhead

Watersports on Loch Earn at Briar Cottages, Lochearnhead at the gateway to the Highlands of Scotland

23/2/2025

 
Clam loch earn reflecting clouds and blue sky with a motor boat moored to an orange buoy with a
View from Briar Cottages slipway Loch Earn
​Dive Into Adventure:
Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of waves, the crisp Scottish air filling your lungs, and the promise of an adventure-packed day ahead. This is not just any getaway; this is a stay at Briar Cottages on the breathtaking shores of Loch Earn. Whether you have a thirst for excitement or tranquility, want to observe the water or jump in, this is a dream destination, within The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park of Scotland.
path to jetty in summer bloom, from then grassy garden on Loch Earn looking to moored boats at Briar Cottages and in Lochearnhead
Steel jetty and moorings at Briar Cottages Loch Earn
A Splash of Fun for Everyone: Loch Earn is a paradise for watersports enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, the Loch Earn Wake School offers a range of exhilarating activities that will leave you craving more. Picture yourself gliding across the water, the wind in your hair, and the stunning mountainous scenery as your backdrop. Hire options and lessons include single and double paddleboards and kayaks, wake surfing and boarding, water skiing and ringo rides.
Man being pulled at the back of a boat surfing ona wake in Loch Earn
Wakeboarding Wonders:  
Wakeboarding at Loch Earn is a must-try experience. Lochearnhead's wake school expert instructors will have you mastering the waves in no time. Feel the thrill as you ride the wake, performing tricks and jumps that will make you feel like a true aquatic acrobat. Graduate to wave surfing without a board! Hand the instructors your camera if you want to be filmed in action. Newcomers have to start somewhere and this school has a fantastic reputation for visitor satisfaction, playful learning and results. ​​And the best part about the location? After an adrenaline-fueled session, you can retreat to your cosy lochside cottage, just a stone's throw away, to relax and relive the day's adventures.

Stag statue in the garden Loch Earn with Briar Cottages guests on Loch Earn behind with 2 orange kayaks and paddlesTTAGEBriar Cottages guests kayak in front of the garden
​Kayaking Adventures:
For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, kayaking on Loch Earn is the perfect way to explore its serene beauty. Paddle along the loch's tranquil waters. Explore around an iron age crannog on the south side,  surrounded by stunning vistas. Whether in calm or rippling waters, Loch Earn is the ideal setting for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Launch your own vessel from Briar Cottages garden slipway or hire from the water sports centre within 150 metres. You can even request a double kayak there, to keep an eye on youngsters or for romantic couple sessions.

Guests paddleboarding on Loch Earn
Ready to launch from Briar COOTTA
Woman on a double paddle board waiting for her husband who is walking in from Briar Cottages slipway Loch Earnto usband Picture
Wading in from the slipway for a double paddle board adventure
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP):
Stand-up paddleboarding is another fantastic way to enjoy Loch Earn. It's a fun and accessible activity that offers a great workout while allowing you to take in the breathtaking scenery. You might prefer sitting or kneeling to begin with and lying on your front or back floating is fine if you want to just relax. Whether you're paddling solo or with friends, SUP is an excellent way to connect with nature and experience the loch from a unique perspective. Launch your own board from Briar Cottages slipway or hire one locally. The Loch Earn Wakeschool supplies wet suits and safety gear as part of the hire package or you can purchase a new wet suit and other equipment in their shop. A session is currently £22.50 which is excellent value for a lesson, wetsuit, board, floating paddle and a buoyancy aid. What age for youngsters? From 10 years old upwards. The professionals will gauge your experience and demonstrate safety. Experienced pets that SUP will be welcome to join you. ​
Exhilarating swim:
The benefits of open water swimming are well reported these days. From Briar Cottages garden, you can jump in, dip your toe or dive off the jetty and revel in the breathtaking scenery of rugged hills and lush greenery. The invigorating experience of swimming in this fresh water loch, combined with the warm hospitality of Briar Cottages, creates the perfect retreat for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.  Pets that love to swim or fetch balls and sticks from the water, will be in their element here.  Safety is paramount. Guests will receive a link to The Loch Earn Safety Code after booking and there are other useful sites for open water safety in Scotland as well as drowning prevention.
​
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Dad and son fish from the steel jetty
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Time out. Fishing from the garden rocks
​
​Fishing Frenzy:

If fishing is your passion, Loch Earn is the place to be. The loch is teeming with brown trout,​ thanks to annual restocking by Drummond Estates. It's a prime spot for both amateur and seasoned anglers alike. Be familiar with other fish that are caught occasionally, especially the Vendace,  one of the UK's most rare fish species, that should be released to the water if caught.

Guests at Briar Cottages can enjoy a relaxing day by the water, casting lines from the garden rocks, jetty, or slipway while soaking in the tranquility of this picturesque setting. Self-catering guests can also launch a small boat and use the moorings at Briar Cottages.

Drummond fishing boat hire, located two miles east of Loch Earn, offers 5' fishing boats equipped with 4 hp longshaft engines, available from 9 am until 6 pm during the fishing season, which runs from 15th March to 6th October. Lifejackets are provided and must be worn in accordance with the Loch Earn Safety code provided by our National Park.

Visit Drummond Estates for information on boat hire, permit charges, bait, and rods for sale or hire. After a fruitful day of fishing, return to Briar Cottages to cook up a delicious feast or enjoy a barbecue on the patio.​
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Sailing, Loch Earn
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Fraser, motor powered rib

​Motor Boating ,Yachts and Ribs:
In addition to booking a piloted speed boat ride with the local water sports centre, or hiring a ffishing boat with Drummond Boat Hire, you can aslo arrange to launch a small boat from Briar Cottages slipway and there are two mooring buoys available. Consider how you would get from the buoy to the jetty or slipway after securing the boat.  It is imperative that you have adequate insurance "Every power-driven boat of 10hp (7.5KW) and over must be covered by 3rd party liability insurance" and read Loch Earn's safety code   

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Hot food or drinks after a swim? Little Briar kitchen
PictureSteading wood burner and access to the south facing patio
​
​After an exhilarating day of watersports, Briar Cottages offer the perfect retreat. Each cottage is exquisitely furnished, blending home-like comfort with charming touches and breathtaking southern views.  Unwind at Briar Steading by the cozy wood burner, indulge in a luxurious soak in the large bath or spacious walk-in wet shower room. Relax on your private terrace or from the comfort of your bedroom while taking in the stunning loch views. Briar Steading cottage sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms en-suite

At pet friendly Little Briar, light up the outdoor chiminea or BBQ in the expansive garden while your pet lounges safely on the see-through fenced patio. The partial awning provides shelter for everyone on sunny days or showers. A water hose is available to fill the dog drink bowls, cool them down or hose off any mud and grass after their walks and play time. Use the retractable clothesline to air out your wetsuit, ensuring it’s ready for your next adventure. Little Briar cottage sleeps 3 plus 2 pet.

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Pet secure patio Little Briar
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Thistle sculpture lights up in the evening

​The Perfect Escape:
A stay at Briar Cottages on Loch Earn is more than just a holiday; it's an adventure waiting to happen. With unrivaled access to an array of watersports and the stunning beauty of the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, it's the ultimate destination for those seeking both relaxation and exhilaration.

Whether you're making memories with family, enjoying a romantic getaway, celebrating a special occasion or embarking on a solo retreat, Briar Cottages and Loch Earn offer an unforgettable escape.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into a lochside adventure, embrace the excitement, recharge, and make your next holiday one to remember at Briar Cottages on the enchanting Loch Earn.

Contact: Kim Proven
www.stayatbriar.co.uk
Tel: 07917 416 497
Facebook@Briar Cottages
Short Term Letting License numbers Briar Steading - ST0072F and Little Briar - ST00073F 


Picture
Stan The Stag, loch garden, sunset

    Author Kim Proven. 

    Welcome to my blog on life around Briar Cottages. We invite you to share our experience living on the banks of Loch Earn either by booking  a holiday or short break here in any season or by keeping up to date with our news, stories and photographs depicting this stunning location and way of life within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park of Scotland. 

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Briar Cottages,
 Lochearnhead, Perthshire, Scotland, FK19 8PU  Tel: 01567 830 443  Mob: 07917 416 497
website: www.stayatbriar.co.uk  email: [email protected]  Short Term Let Licence Numbers ST00072F and ST00073F


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