Thinking about “embarking” on a dog-friendly holiday in Scotland? Or simply looking for a fun day out for you and your pooch? Look no further! We’ve got plenty of ideas for dog-friendly activities to enjoy and places to go in Scotland, as recommended by our cute furry friends over on Instagram.
Beaches
How can you resist Scotland’s stunning beaches? Picture crisp blue waters and miles upon miles of golden sands for you and your pooch to enjoy. Play with a frisbee, bring along your favourite ball, dip your paws in the cool sea water, or enjoy a long peaceful stroll along the seaside. There are many dog friendly beaches in Scotland, including;
- Balnakeil Beach, Durness
- Westport Beach, Argyll
- Nairn Beach
- Cramond Beach, near Edinburgh
- Calgary Beach, Isle of Mull
Tip – Make sure you clean up after your pup and be mindful of other people on the beach too.
Lochs
And then there are the lochs, dogs find them pretty exciting too! There are over 30,000 lochs across Scotland and they come in all shapes, sizes and locations for you to explore. Head on a walk and you be likely to uncover one or two along the way, or take a trip to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park where you and your furry friend can explore this world-famous Scottish landmark.
Tip – Make sure you keep your pup on a lead if you are nearby fields with sheep or cattle.
Castles
Scotland is a haven for ancient castles, stately homes, dramatic fortresses and magnificent historic ruins. You can enjoy a regal walk in the grounds of many of Scotland’s castles, including
- Culzean Castle & Country Park, Ayrshire
- Tantallon Castle, East Lothian
- Blackness Castle, Linlithgow
- Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfries & Galloway
Tip – Always double check the castle you want to visit allows dogs.
Mountains
Adventurous dogs just can’t get enough of the mountains, and in Scotland there are hundreds to choose from! You can wander, hike and explore until your heart’s content with mountains of all shapes and sizes located across the country. Tackle a challenging Munro or Corbett, or even take a relaxing stroll through a nearby regional park for an exciting day out with your pooch.
Tip – You and your dog have the right to walk almost anywhere in Scotland, so long as you stick to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Make sure you have a read before you and your pup head out.
Places to stay
After a day of walking, sniffing, and investigating, every pupper needs some great dog-friendly accommodation to relax in. From self-catering cottages and woodland lodges, to coastal hotels, B&B’s and more, there is plenty of dog friendly accommodation in Scotland for you to choose from.
Explore all pet-friendly accommodation
Woodlands
Rooting about amongst the trees in Scotland’s forests and woodlands comes naturally to dogs. Head out and explore coastal trails, woodland paths, nature walks and more across the country. From Rothiemurchus in the Cairngorms National Park and Galloway Forest Park in Dumfries & Galloway, to the Fife Coastal Trail and ‘Big Tree Country’ in Perthshire – there are hundreds of forests and woodlands across Scotland that will keep you and your canine friends entertained for hours.
Explore Scotland’s forests & woodlands
Glens
Don’t forget our gorgeous glens! If you fancy something more challenging than a stroll, but not as taxing as a mountain, why not venture into one of Scotland’s glens. The Angus Glens in Dundee & Angus feature tranquil valleys and stunning landscapes to admire.
Dog Friendly attractions
There are many Scottish attractions that also allow your dog to join in the fun too. Travel back in time at Inveraray Jail, one of the most well-preserved jail and courtrooms in the world, head on a boat tour of Loch Katrine onboard the Sir Walter Scott Steamship, or admire the incredible feat of engineering at The Kelpies in Falkirk.
Explore dog friendly attractions
Eating and drinking
All that activity can make a dog friendly day out tiring! Head to a nearby café, restaurant or bar to tuck into some delicious local produce or healthy lunch where your pooch is more than welcome – grant they’re on their best behaviour! Head to Stonehaven near Aberdeen for some special doggy ice cream from Aunty Betty’s.
Explore pet-friendly food & drink spots
Golf
You read that right! Even some of Scotland’s most prestigious golf courses can be visited by dogs. Tee off as your pooch watches on, make your way through 18 holes of scenic fairways and greens, and take in the magnificent view around you along the way.
Explore dog friendly golf courses
Watersports
Whether you’re canoeing, sailing or surfing, a dog with sea-legs will love it. Head out on a boat tour, try out kayaking or canoeing on one of Scotland’s lochs – your pooch will be sure to love the experience too.
Explore dog-friendly watersports
Islands
Did you know you can take you pooch across to the islands with you? CalMac ferries allows pets onboard free of charge, meaning you can take your furry family with you. The islands are great for a walking, cycling, or even just a sight-seeing adventure, and now they’ll be even better with your pooch by your side.
Got a pic of your pup having a tail-wagging adventure in Scotland? We’d love to see it – share via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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