MILLY is the youngest in our family – she likes exploring the beach and countryside, loves treats and plenty of cuddles.
So we wanted her first family holiday to be lots of fun and to give her the VIP treatment – because she’s a Very Important Pooch.
Our one-year-old Jack Russell had been on day trips before – but had never been away with us. Loch Lomond Holiday Park at Inveruglas sounded the perfect location for a dog-friendly break as it offers five-star lodges for four-legged friends – and their families, of course.
It’s just along the A82, right by the banks of the loch, in a beautiful and secluded spot. There’s a pretty private beach with boats dotted around the water and the view over to the mountains is simply stunning.
When we checked in, we were given dog bowls and a towel, poop bags and even dog biscuits for Milly. The park has undergone a recent £1million refurbishment, including a special dog walk for four-legged guests.
Not surprisingly, almost 700 dogs have stayed at Loch Lomond Holiday Park this year alone. It’s one of eight parks owned by Argyll Holidays, who have seen a record high of more than 2500 dogs – together with their owners – check into lodges in the past year.
It’s a family-owned business, with the Campbells taking a real hands-on approach to the running of each site.
And they want to make sure the canine family members feel welcome, too. They are even planning to install special dog showers for the winter season.
I’d travelled with my husband Geoff and kids Olivia, 13, Sofia, 11, and Darcey, seven, and we were booked in to a three-bedroom Lomond Royal Hot Tub Lodge.
It’s luxurious with flat-screen TVs in the lounge and all the bedrooms, three modern en-suite bathrooms with huge walk-in showers and stylish decor throughout.
There’s also an enclosed are of decking outside – meaning Milly could walk out to join us as we took in the September sun with a view across to the loch. But us humans were particularly impressed with the hot tub set into the decked floor, which was great for relaxing into the evening.
It came in especially useful for our tired muscles after we’d explored the area taking Milly on walks.
There are plenty of good routes to allow you and your dog to stretch your legs. One of the best is just a few minutes away, beside Loch Sloy Dam, along a surfaced road.
We also decided to trek a small section of the West Highland Way from Inverarnan and back, which was picturesque, easy going and took about two hours. We then arrived back down at the historic Drovers Inn for lunch.
Milly was greeted instantly by the friendly staff in kilts, who reassured us that dogs were very welcome. In fact, there were three others sitting under the tables on the day we visited. The Drovers is a quirky venue with a stuffed bear in reception – and tasty and reasonably priced pub grub on offer.
We later decided to take a boat trip to see the scenery from the water.
Cruise Loch Lomond is less than 10 minutes drive from the park in nearby Tarbert and welcomes dogs aboard.
The hour-and-a-half circular cruise, which cost £38 for the five of us, was very enjoyable as we listened to the interesting commentary on the history of the feuding clans and details about the loch and wildlife.
Loch Lomond Holiday Park was a great base for exploring the area – but we also enjoyed coming back to a home from home to relax. It’s just been nominated as a five-star destination by VisitScotland – and it certainly lived up to expectations.
Argyll Holidays are also known as one of the most environmentally friendly holiday businesses in Scotland having spent almost £1million in recent years on improving their green credentials.
Heading back home, we stopped off at Loch Lomond Shores at Balloch and discovered Milly was also welcome in the shopping centre.
Taking Milly on holiday was easy and Loch Lomond turned out to be a very pup-ular choice for all of us.
■ Maria Croce and her family stayed courtesy of Loch Lomond Holiday Park.
They have self-catering accommodation available all year round from their state-of-the art ayePod, to caravans and their stunning hot tub lodges.
Prices range from £150 for a weekend in a caravan, to £897 for a four-bedroom hot tub lodge this autumn.
Find out more about Loch Lomond Holiday Park www.argyllholidays.com/parks/loch-lomond-holiday-park
