Scotland
The must visit dog friendly spots in Scotland
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Scotland, a perfect destination for dog-friendly adventures. From the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands to the stunning shores of the Isle of Skye, Scotland is filled with outdoor experiences that both you and your dog will love. Whether you're hiking through the dramatic scenery of Glencoe or wandering around the picturesque Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of dog-welcoming places to explore. With cozy pet-friendly pubs, charming accommodations, and wide-open spaces, Scotland is truly a haven for dogs and their owners. I visited Scotland with my huskies and my family in December of 2022 and it surely was a magical blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural wonder.
The ultimate guide to Scotland | dog friendly hikes & nature spots
Finnich Glen (the devil’s pulpit)
Finnich Glen, also known as the Devil’s Pulpit, is an unforgettable spot for adventurous dog owners. The walk itself isn’t too long, and we managed to park on the side of the road. However, if it's busy, finding a parking space can be a bit tricky. The walk leads you through a stunning forested area before you reach the descent into the gorge. It was raining when we visited (which is pretty common in Scotland), so the trail was quite slippery, definitely something to keep in mind. I’d only recommend taking your dog down into the gorge if they’re a true adventure dog or if you’re able to carry them back up, as the climb can be quite steep. I brought Dunya with me, and she absolutely loved it! However, we decided to leave our two older huskies with my mom, who didn’t make the descent. Finnich Glen is a magical place, with its red-hued waters and towering cliffs.
Dollar Glen | Castle Campbell
We set off on a walk through the beautiful forest surrounding the castle, following a loop trail that starts right from the parking area. The path winds past lovely creeks, with the sound of running water accompanying us as we made our way through the lush greenery. Every now and then, the trees opened up to reveal stunning views of the castle perched above. We spent about an hour and a half exploring the area, taking in the peaceful atmosphere. When we visited, the fog had rolled in, giving the castle and glen a mysterious, almost storybook feel. The dogs loved every minute of the walk, especially sniffing around the forest trails.
Loch Katrine + highland cows
Loch Katrine is a stunning spot to visit in the summer, perfect for a peaceful stroll with your dog along the water’s edge. The path offers gorgeous lake views, and if you make your way up to the viewpoint, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding hills and sparkling water. After exploring the lake, I highly recommend making a quick drive to the Trossachs Woollen Mill in Kilmahog to meet some friendly Highland cows. Haymitch, one of the resident “coos,” is especially charming and happily waits for visitors to buy a bag of feed from the shop to hand-feed him. It’s worth noting that they limit the amount of food sold each day to ensure the cows aren’t overfed.
Glencoe Valley
Glencoe Valley is one of the most breathtaking spots we explored during our drive to the Isle of Skye, and it’s well worth taking your time to enjoy it. The towering mountains and dramatic landscapes make it an unforgettable experience. We made several stops along the way, letting the dogs stretch their legs and soak in the scenery. The valley offers plenty of great places to pull over. The winding roads and incredible views made for a peaceful, scenic drive. While we didn’t take any long hikes here, the short walks we took were perfect for a quick break and to take in the surroundings.
Fairy Pools
The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye were probably the most beautiful place we visited during our trip. The crystal-clear pools and stunning backdrop of the Cuillin Mountains made it feel like something out of a fairy tale. However, getting there was quite the adventure! The road was particularly slippery, as snow had melted and then frozen again. If you’re heading there in winter, make sure you’ve got proper winter tires. The day before we visited, several people had gotten stuck, unable to make it back to the main road. We took it slow and steady, and it was definitely worth the effort. The landscape was absolutely breathtaking, and the walk to the Fairy Pools isn’t too long, making it a great spot for a relaxed outing. The dogs had a blast exploring the area, and we were all in awe of the beauty around us.
The Storr
During our day trip around the Isle of Skye, the first place we visited was The Storr, and it did not disappoint! The landscape is iconic, with towering rock formations and breathtaking views over the island. However, when we visited, the conditions were pretty challenging—it was snowy and incredibly slippery. We decided to skip the main hiking path and instead took a shorter walk up the mountain to take in the stunning scenery. In this case, having huskies was a real advantage! They happily pulled us up the mountain, especially when some sections were so slick we were sliding backward more than moving forward. It was definitely an adventure, and despite the snow, the views were well worth it.
Lealt Falls
Lealt Falls on the Isle of Skye is a spot you don’t want to miss. The views here are absolutely jaw-dropping, with dramatic cliffs dropping into the sea and a beautiful waterfall cascading down the gorge. There’s a short path that takes you to different viewpoints, making it a lovely place for a relaxed walk while soaking in the scenery. In winter, the trail can get a bit slippery, so good shoes are a must.
The Quiraing
The Quiraing is one of the most striking landscapes on the Isle of Skye, and even if you don’t tackle the full hike, it’s worth stopping to explore. We parked the car and wandered around for a while, taking in the dramatic scenery and letting the dogs play and sniff to their hearts’ content. In winter, the snowy cliffs give the area a completely different feel compared to the rest of Scotland we’d seen, wild, remote, and almost otherworldly. There are plenty of wild sheep here, so it’s best to keep dogs on a lead, but it’s still an incredible place to stretch your legs and soak in the views.
Duntulm Viewpoint
Duntulm Viewpoint is a quick but worthwhile stop on the Isle of Skye. We hopped out of the car just for a few minutes, but were immediately met with sweeping green landscapes and the fresh, salty wind coming off the sea. It’s a beautiful, open spot where you can take in the rugged coastline and dramatic scenery without much walking required. Even though it was a little windy during our visit, it was absolutely worth pausing to look around and enjoy the view.
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle is a must-see stop when you’re in the area, and we had two chances to visit during our trip. The first time, we drove past in the evening and quickly got out to snap some photos of this stunning castle set right by a serene lake. On our way back from the Isle of Skye, we stopped for longer and took the dogs for a walk around the castle grounds. While dogs aren’t allowed inside the castle itself, they’re welcome to explore the grounds and the visitor center area. It’s a beautiful spot with incredible views, perfect for stretching your legs and soaking up some history.
Cairngorms National Park
Cairngorms National Park was a highlight of our trip, especially the area around Laggan. We took the dogs on a lovely hike through the forest, where we discovered peaceful creeks and small waterfalls along the way. The mix of dense woodland and open landscapes made for a varied and beautiful walk. It’s a perfect spot to connect with nature and let your dogs enjoy some fresh air and exploration.
Loch Morlich Beach
We made a stop at Loch Morlich Beach to explore the area and let the dogs run and play along the shore. Since we visited in winter, the water was slightly frozen at the lake’s edge, which the dogs found really fun to explore. It’s also an amazing spot in summer for dogs to swim and cool off. The stunning views of the surrounding mountains create a beautiful backdrop, making it a perfect place to relax.
Loch Ness around Urquhart Castle
After our visit to Inverness, we drove along Loch Ness, and the drive was absolutely stunning. We stopped at the Urquhart Castle viewpoint to stretch our legs, take some photos, and let the dogs explore a bit. We took a short walk around the area, enjoying the beautiful views of the lake and the castle ruins. Just be mindful that some viewpoints are close to the road, so keep an eye on your dogs for safety. It’s a fantastic spot to soak in the atmosphere of Loch Ness and its historic surroundings.
The best dog friendly cafes & restaurants in Scotland
Beehive Inn, Edinburgh
The Beehive Inn in Edinburgh is a fantastic dog-friendly pub we discovered while exploring the city. As soon as we saw the charming dog-friendly sign outside, we knew we had to stop in for lunch. The atmosphere inside was warm and welcoming, with a relaxed vibe perfect for both humans and dogs. The pub offers a good selection of food and drinks, and the staff made sure our dogs were comfortable by bringing them fresh water. It’s a great spot to unwind, enjoy a meal, and let your pup take a break after a day of exploring Edinburgh.
Wild Wee Pancakes, Inverness
Wild Wee Pancakes in Inverness is a wonderful dog-friendly spot we found while exploring the city. We stopped here for lunch with our three huskies, and the relaxed, family-run vibe made us feel right at home. The owners were super chill and welcoming, and our dogs calmly lounged around our table without any fuss. The pancakes were absolutely delicious, and the hot chocolate was a perfect treat. It’s a cozy, friendly place to enjoy a tasty meal with your pups by your side.
Dog-friendly stays in Scotland
Dog friendly AirBnB on a beautiful property in nature around an hour drive from Edinburgh
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Dog friendly AirBnB on a beautiful property at the edge of Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands
For the full review, please click here