Inverness is located just North of Cairngorms National Park which means you get to enjoy the wonderful city and the gorgeous countryside as one. Dog friendly days out in Inverness are terrific as there are plenty of free activities for pet owners if you are on a budget.
The Best Places To Take Dogs in Inverness
With Lakes, Mountains & Castle’s on your doorstep, it’s easy to see why so many people flock to Scotland for a holiday, especially Inverness.
Although it may be a long drive for some, it is well worth the journey as you get to experience all the wonders that are on offer, as well as the endless amount of dog friendly attractions in Inverness.
Activities & Things to Do
Find below 7 of the best days out in Inverness for dogs
1. See the City and its Islands
The City of Inverness is one of the most dog friendly cities in the UK. That’s because it’s compact, and free of many of the complicated road systems which blight other British towns and cities. Take pooch for a walk by the River Ness, and cross over to Ness Islands, right in the middle of the river, and connected to the City by Victorian suspension bridges. There’s lots of woodland to explore, and a complete walk around the Islands is about 3 miles, or an hour.
2. Visit the Cairngorms
A short drive to the south east down the A9 from the City is the fabulous Cairngorms National Park. This region is based around the Cairngorms, a range of hills and mountains which offer some challenging walks and climbs, if you and pooch are up to it. There are lots of dog friendly activities across the Park’s 1,748 square miles, including guided walks with the Rothiemurchus Walking and Countryside Rangers, and Loch Insh Wildlife Cruises. There are also plenty of visitor centres where you can stop for a well earned rest and superb refreshments.
3. Enjoy Nairn
To the north east of Inverness, on the mighty Moray Firth, is the coastal town of Nairn. There are miles of wide, sandy beach for pooch to run around on, while you keep your eye out for the dolphins which often make an appearance out in the Firth. Nairn is very dog friendly, and there are plenty of eateries and watering holes to enjoy the view. Try the Bandstand, a bar at a sea front hotel with huge windows to take in the panorama while you enjoy a drink or a meal in the restaurant.
4. Brave Loch Ness
Stretching out to the south west of the City lies the mighty Loch Ness, home of the mythical monster. Whether Nessie lives here or not, the fact is that this is the largest body of fresh water in the British Isles. Stretching 23 miles in length, there are lots of dog friendly activities to enjoy in, on and around the Loch, from boat trips and water sports to taking in one of the many paths which skirt the water, and head off up into the surrounding hills. Take a good camera for some of the best views you’ll ever see.
5. Experience Fort Augustus
Sitting at the south west end of Loch Ness, this Highland village is a vital link in the Caledonian Canal, which links the west and east coasts of Scotland via several lochs. As well as beauty of the natural water courses, the canal itself is a man made miracle, depending on the locks at Fort Augustus. There are a couple of walks based at the village, which you and your four legged friend can try in between sight seeing and enjoying refreshments at one of the many water front cafes, pubs and restaurants.
6. Don’t miss Fort George
This part of Scotland has a lot of history, much of it violent. One of the legacies of this past is the imposing structure of Fort George, which guards the mouth of the Moray Firth to the north east of Inverness. A colossal fortress, the Fort occupies a peninsula and can only be approached from the east. There are some fantastic views from the promontory, and dogs are allowed throughout the grounds if kept on a leash, although not in the roofed areas.
7. Visit adorable Dores
The village off Dores sits on the north east shore of Loch Ness, and is the perfect place for some bracing walks around the Loch, complete with views that take it in at its very best. The pooch will love Dores Beach, which begins a circular walk along quiet paths which are home to fantastic native wildlife. The path hugs the shore to Aldourie and Torr Point, and then it’s off to the Dores Inn, a superb, dog friendly pub and restaurant.
Looking at Visiting the Area
There is so much to see and do along with countless dog-friendly places in Inverness so why not stay a while? We have put together a fabulous selection of self-catering holidays with dogs giving you no excuse not to. You can also browse all the dog walks in Inverness.
Holiday Cottages
Whether you are looking for a base to explore the area or a homely getaway, where you can spend quality time with your loved ones, there are modern and traditional Inverness holiday rentals for dogs to suit everyone.
Log Cabins
Want somewhere more remote or with onsite facilities, look no further! Our list of dog friendly lodges in Inverness is the only resource you’ll need.