Caol Gleann Lodge

Caol Gleann Lodge sits at the foot of Ben Lomond on the quiet eastern shore of Loch Lomond, and for anyone whose idea of a break involves a dog, a rucksack and a long day outdoors, the location does most of the work. The lodge stands in private grounds with a jetty and shingle beach on either side, so the first walk of the day starts at the door rather than at the end of a drive.

It suits more than one dog. The owners allow up to two, and the layout is what makes that workable: there is a large utility and boot room off the main living space, which is where wet dogs, muddy boots and dripping waterproofs belong after a day on the hill. The interior is described again and again as spotless and well maintained, and it is properly stocked for self-catering, which matters when the nearest shop is a long drive back down the loch.

Rowardennan is the trailhead for Ben Lomond and sits on the West Highland Way, so there are waymarked routes of every length within a few minutes' walk, and the shoreline gives you flat, easy ground on the days nobody fancies a climb. The Rowardennan Hotel and its bar are next door, which is useful when self-catering starts to feel like hard work.

Two things to weigh before booking. The lodge is one of a number of similar cabins in the same shoreside development, so it is not the solitary loch-side cabin the photographs suggest, and how much water you see depends on where your cabin sits. And the pet terms are specific rather than casual: dogs come by prior arrangement, the charge is £45 per week, up to two are allowed, they must be kept on a lead in the grounds, off the bedding and chairs, and never left alone in the lodge. You are also asked to bring their own basket, towels and bowls.

Best suited to walkers and families who want a comfortable, well-equipped base for Ben Lomond and the loch, and who need room to bring a second dog along.