TAKING your pup with you on a trip can be daunting, not knowing how they will behave and if shops and bars will allow them inside.
But more daunting is the thought of going away without them.
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However, doggie parents no longer need to ruff it when looking for a special break away with their beloved pets, because we’ve just found a dog friendly gem in Royal Deeside.
The five-star Balmoral Arms is nestled right in the centre of the picturesque and historic Victorian village of Ballater, Aberdeenshire.
This friendly village is also the nearest to Balmoral Castle — one of the Royal family’s favourite residences.
If, like me, you want the very best for your dogs while treating yourself at the same time then this is the place for you.
There was hardly a cloud in the sky as my partner Johnny and our two Italian Greyhounds Lucas and Perla set off on the three-hour drive from Glasgow, driving through the vast Cairngorms National Park and passing by Glenshee Ski Centre.
First impressions of the traditional and cosy Scottish inn were very impressive, check-in was quick and welcoming. The spacious Balmoral Suite was our lodging for the night.
Tastefully decorated with floral wooden panelling and touches of Scottish tweed, it had a dog basket and blanket and handmade treats left for the lord and lady!
Dads weren’t forgotten as a plate of delicious shortbread and Loch Lomond single malt whisky awaited us.
The separate bathroom had a decadent roll-top bath and walk in shower and a fantastic view of Glenmuick church in the village square.
A quick coffee from the Nespresso machine and a Tunnock’s treat set us up for exploring with the pups.
Ballater is rich in royal connections and lined with boutique shops and dog-friendly cafes and bars. The hotel is a short walk to the River Dee in one direction for walkies or turn left and down the street you’ll find a beautiful golf course you can take the dogs round (on lead).
The hotel even provides a ‘Tail Waggers Guide’ of the area, which includes everything from walk suggestions to where to buy treats, as well as emergency contacts for the local vet. Fantastic.
The hotel’s Ghillies Bar is where you dine if you have your furry pals with you. It’s a traditional setting with quality furnishings but welcomes muddy boots and hosts live music.
The staff were friendly and the food was outstanding. Afternoon tea is served here on a silver stand with bone china tea cups. This is also where you eat breakfast if you have your dog with you.
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It was a posh but relaxed affair. The hotel’s main restaurant is the in-house brasserie and grill, 1852, which celebrates the year Queen Victoria acquired Balmoral Castle.
The same menu is offered throughout so you won’t be missing out on the full section if dining in the bar area.
The food and service during dinner was exceptional. Johnny started with the ham hock terrine served with crisp bread and dill pickles followed by the 10oz ribeye steak, thick-cut chips, peppercorn sauce, tomato and dressed leaves.
The presentation was top class and all cooked to perfection using the best of locally soured ingredients.
I opted for the Charles Macleod Stornaway black pudding, so tasty! I’m not usually a huge fan of scotch eggs, but this creation was served warm on a bed of homemade brown sauce, watercress and celery salad. A dish to remember.
GO: BALLATER
Rooms at the Balmoral Arms Hotel in Ballater, Royal Deeside, start from £166 a night, room only or £185 including breakfast, two sharing.
I followed up with the restaurant’s signature venison pie served with broccoli, mash and gravy. The smell of the meat was enough to get Lucas and Perla barking for a taste.
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The portions were generous but we polished off every bite. We really wanted to try the Tunnock’s Tea Cake ice-cream sundae but we were pretty full, so shared a board of Scottish cheeses instead while finishing off our vino.
Breakfast was just as impressive. Lucas and Perla even got offered a sausage, while we both enjoyed the Full Scottish. A pawfect way to end a pawfect trip.
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