We are on our way back to Ross Bay Retreat for our holidays. Our owners have been talking about it for a while and they have been very excited about returning. We went last year too, it was such fun and we love it there. The talk in the car is all about what cake Sue (the owner at Ross Bay) has made for them when they arrive. Last year it was a lovely Victoria Sponge and will they see the deer down in the bay at low tide. We always seems to get extra doggy treats when we are on holiday but the cake looks well worth trying.
It has been a bit of drive but the smell of sea air has got into our nostrils and we now know we are getting closer. Time to sit up, stand up, look out of the windows, see the wild countryside and sea and make some excited noises. We have told to sit down and be quiet, how can we? Are we nearly there yet?
Views across to Little Ross Island & Lighthouse
Guest Review – ‘The dogs loved being able to dash onto the beach straight from the front door and the full moon allowed us to have late night walks on the glowing sand when the tide was out’ Rebecca, The Byre by the Sea – January 2024
Getting Out & About
Priority number one when we get there is to head straight out to the beach, run around the sand and shallow waters like whirling dervishes, stretch our legs chasing balls and seagulls. Never quite caught one yet, but fun trying. There are so many wonderful rockpools and new scents to check out again.
If we get there early enough surely we will be taken up for a long walk up to the headland. Here we can run to our hearts content, explore the rabbit and fox holes and ignore those calls for us to come to heel, the wind makes it hard to hear those humans. From here we can catch our breath and look across the cliffs and sea to the old lighthouse on Little Ross Island.
Ross Bay Dog Friendly Fun
Guest Review – ‘Beautiful, peaceful outlook across Ross Bay. The weather was cold, crisp and frosty while we were there; excellent for walking around Ross and over into Brighouse Bay. Our dog relished the long walks through the fields.’ Brian, The Byre by the Sea – December 2023
Dog Friendly Beaches
There are lots of brilliant dog friendly beaches nearby (Dhoon Beach and picnicking at Carrick Bay) but one of our local favourites is heading over to the sandy beach at Brighouse Bay. Across the farmland and heathland but beware of the prickly gorse. Sadly this section is on the lead, so no chance for us to make friends with the sheep and cattle. Shame as they look so friendly and would be good to chat with them, but we understand why and just bark out to them to say hello as we pass.
This beach is dog friendly and we are unleashed as it is one of the best beaches to run full pelt and chase the waves. There are often new friends to meet here too, takes a little getting used to their local Scottish accents we are soon all playing like long lost soulmates.
Dog Friendly Beaches near Ross Bay
Guest Review – ‘Great beaches nearby for dogs, Barney particularly had a fantastic time at Mossyard Bay, with Dhoon and Brighouse a little closer’ – Jane, Creel Cottage – March 2022
Relaxing & Eating Out
All this fresh air and running about makes a dog hungry. We don’t ask for much, eat, sleep, run, repeat. It is simple really, oh and of course the odd tickle behind the ears and under tummy always goes down well too. After that it is just time to settle down for a relaxing evening in by the cosy log burner and watch a bit of television.
BBQ nights are another of our favourites. We have already eaten our doggy chews Sue has left out for us but new treats await here out on the balcony. If we are really good, and we always are, the locally made sausages from the Kirkcudbright butcher are an absolute delight. We seem to get a few little extras too but ‘chef’ Dad promises us to not tell Mum, so we hope she is not reading this or our little holiday treats may stop!
Dogs at Ross Bay Retreat
Guest Review – ‘It is a perfect base to explore this beautiful hospitable county or you could spend a week just in the cottage taking in the views and nature around you, so relaxing. Our dogs love it here, so many walks for them beach, town and countryside. Already planning our next visit, never has a place captured our hearts as much as Ross Bay’ Joanne, Dairy House
Dog Friendly Holiday Homes
We overheard that it is not easy to get dog friendly holiday homes and locations ideal for dogs with families. We are staying in one of the other cottages this time and it is perfect for us again. All of them are people friendly too and they are also allowed on beaches and welcome in many of the local cafes and restaurants which means they are not left outside in the cold and nothing to drink or eat.
Christmas dog at Ross Bay Retreat
Guest Review – ‘It is always difficult to find a nice place that will accommodate us and our three dogs – but Ross Bay is perfect – lovely properties and beautiful countryside.’ – Mike, The Old Cheeseloft
Exploring Galloway Forest Park
One holiday highlight that I hope we can visit again is Galloway Forest Park, even we have to stop and gawp at times but in between times there is forest and woodland to get lost in, loads of wildlife to see including impressively red deer, funny looking long haired wild goats and even furry eared red squirrels to chase. Beware of the scary red kites soaring in the sky, they look like the might like a little dog for dinner. Not going to be me.
Dog enjoying Ross Bay walks
Guest Review – ‘It is a perfect base to explore this beautiful hospitable county or you could spend a week just in the cottage taking in the views and nature around you, so relaxing. Our dogs love it here, so many walks for them beach, town and countryside. Already planning our next visit, never has a place captured our hearts as much as Ross Bay’ – Joanne, Dairy House
We have fallen in love with Ross Bay, Dumfries and Galloway and hope we can keep coming back year after year. A truly memorable doggy friendly holiday that definitely put wide smile’s on the faces of others too.
Now let’s go and have some fun.
Dogs enjoying exploring at Ross Bay Retreat
Guest Review – ‘The sunrise across the bay is breathtaking, in September you need to be up early to capture its full beauty reflecting on the water. Our dogs made sure we witnessed it twice, what a privilege.’ Liz, Creel Cottage – September 2022
Useful Dog Owner Information
Doggy Welcome Pack at Ross Bay Retreat Includes:
- Exercise ball to play with out on the beach at Ross Bay
- Yummy natural munch dog chew sticks, a popular dog treat that promotes healthy gums and teeth.
- Bio-degradable and eco–friendly doggy poo bags to help keep the countryside clean
- Information guides and books with great walks, maps and plenty of advice and information on where to take your dog(s).
Superb cliff top dog walks
Dog Walks at Ross Bay & the Kirkcudbright Area
There are many great dog walks direct from Ross Bay and further afield. Check out the following links to find a few inspirations and the best local walks:
- Dogs Welcome at Ross Bay Retreat – https://rossbayretreat.com/about/dogs-welcome/
- Dog Walking Holidays around Ross Bay Retreat & Kirkcudbright – https://rossbayretreat.com/2022/09/dog-walking-holidays-at-ross-bay-retreat/
- Best Beaches for Family Walks & Dog Walking in & around Kirkcudbright & Ross Bay Retreat – https://rossbayretreat.com/2021/11/best-beaches-for-family-walks-dog-walking-in-around-ross-bay/
Guest Review – ‘It is not easy to find nice properties to take dogs, but Sue’s properties are kitted out well for furry family members. It is a recommendation in itself when I say we have booked both properties again next year’ – Mick, The Old Cheeseloft
Dogs welcome at Ross Bay Retreat
