Sonaburn, Sannox

Sonaburn is a shepherd's hut at Sannox, on the north-east coast of Arran, and the reason to bring a dog here is what sits outside the door: the path into Glen Sannox starts across the road, Sannox Bay is a short walk, and a burn runs alongside the site. It is a genuinely quiet spot, close to some of the best walking on the island.

Security of the outdoor space is the single most important thing to weigh before booking, and the picture is mixed. Most of the plot is fenced, and the open side is separated from the road by the burn and a steep embankment, which several guests with dogs found reassuring enough to let a dog potter while they used the decking. Others found it short of properly enclosed and said so plainly. Treat it as a well-screened garden that still needs supervision rather than a dog-proof one.

The hut is small but well equipped, clean and cosy, with a comfortable bed, a hot shower and a decking area with a fire pit and barbecue. A hot tub is available at extra cost rather than included, and guests have found it a significant addition to the bill, so agree the price at booking. There is no wifi and mobile signal is unreliable, which some guests treated as the whole point of the place and others found inconvenient.

Guest feedback is more mixed here than the location alone would suggest, and the caveats are worth taking seriously. The owners are not always on site, and when they are away, problems arising during a stay have been slower to resolve. Handover has occasionally gone wrong, with the hut reported as not properly cleaned or restocked before arrival, and the advertised continental breakfast has not always matched what turned up. A lingering animal smell in the hut has also been noted, which matters if anyone in the party has allergies. Midges are unavoidable here in summer.

Best suited to walkers with a dog who want a quiet base at the foot of Glen Sannox, who are relaxed about basic facilities and being off-grid, and who will keep an eye on a dog outdoors. It earns a 4.2/5 paw rating.