Mark Connor

BORIS was happy to jump into the back of the car. My partner Catherine and I were heading to the village of Kenmore in Perthshire and he was coming too. For the next two nights, our home would be in the Mains of Taymouth, a 120-acre country estate with a variety of accommodation, ranging from five-star cottages to Highland lodges, and plenty of dog walking options. What mutt wouldn't fancy that?

Catherine had finished her first year teaching the day before so we were in the mood to celebrate and Mains of Taymouth proved to be the perfect place to do just that.

The country estate and nine-hole golf course has a selection of four and five-star holiday cottages, contemporary mews-style houses, holiday homes and one and two-bedroom luxury holiday apartments, together with a country farmhouse, which sleeps 12.

Taymouth also has a stylish Courtyard restaurant, delicatessen, shop and riding stables.

We were staying in The Bell Cottage, a three-storey cottage equipped with a Finnish sauna, and a log-burning stove and a four-poster bed and the the whole place was exquisite.

We were delighted to be given the chance to bring our dog, and were given a list of recommended walks. In fact, the estate recently won the inaugural Paws for a Break pet friendly award.

We set off on a ramble to the Black Rock viewpoint which was around three miles and had stunning hill views and an almost birds-eye view of Loch Tay.

We had an afternoon appointment at the stables – a first for me – for a pony trek. I was on Struan while Catherine was on the back of Tommy for our scenic toddle. It was a great experience and at £35 per person well worth it.

We had our evening meal in the Courtyard. The food was excellent, from the French onion soup, to the loaf which was made at the local bakery. For mains, we had locally sourced salmon and steak.

Takeaway pizzas are available from the lounge where, incidentally, dogs are allowed. This looked like a popular choice with walkers and golfers.

We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend in Perthshire’s little slice of paradise. While it can seem pricey to stay in one of the cottages, you do get more than your money’s worth. From the Finnish sauna to the dog-friendly walks, Mains of Taymouth delivered – and then some.

Travel file:

Weekly lets in the Maxwells holiday apartments start at £747. For prices for cottages, contemporary houses and mews style houses check the website at www.taymouth.co.uk. There are regular offers. Call

01887 830226 to book.

The Courtyard restaurant is open daily and food is served all day. Open to non residents.

Pony rides start at £20 for a 30-minute ride. Call 07712 321903.

Golf can be booked at 01887 830226. Buggy and club hire available.