Paddle Boarding with Your Dog – A Quiet Loch Near Loch Earn

One of the joys of staying at Wester Auchraw Croft is discovering the quieter corners of the Highlands that rarely appear in guidebooks.

Just five minutes from the croft lies one of my favourite little lochs. Hidden amongst woodland and sheltered from the wind, it feels a world away from the busier shores of Loch Earn. In early summer, the water becomes dotted with white and yellow water lilies while dragonflies skim across the surface and the only sounds are birdsong and the gentle splash of a paddle.

It's one of those places that rewards slowing down.

This morning Georgina headed out with our dog on the paddleboard. Dogs often take to paddleboarding surprisingly well. Once they realise the board is stable, many are perfectly happy standing at the front, watching the world drift by as you quietly explore the shoreline together.

The beauty of paddleboarding with a dog is that there is no rush. You notice things you would otherwise pass by, the reflection of the clouds, the reeds moving beneath the board, the occasional trout breaking the surface and the scent of the surrounding woodland carried across the water.

Although this small loch is only a short drive from Wester Auchraw Croft, it still feels wonderfully private. It is one of several peaceful places nearby where guests can experience the quieter side of Highland life beyond the well-known beauty spots.

If you're bringing your dog to stay with us and enjoy being on the water, I'd be happy to point you towards a few local locations that suit different weather conditions and experience levels. Some are ideal for an early morning paddle, while others are perfect for an evening when the hills are reflected in still water.

Like all outdoor adventures in Scotland, conditions can change quickly, so always wear appropriate safety equipment, use a buoyancy aid, and only paddle within your ability. Respect wildlife, avoid disturbing nesting birds and leave these beautiful places exactly as you found them.

Sometimes the best memories aren't made by travelling further—they're made by quietly sharing a board with your dog on a hidden Highland loch, watching the lilies drift past beneath a wide Scottish sky.



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