You can walk your dog almost anywhere in this stunning country, so narrowing it down was a struggle but we have compiled a list of the very best dog walks in Scotland for you and your canine companion to enjoy.
Good Places To Walk Dogs In Scotland
Find everything from country strolls, to the more energy-sapping hill, walks for only the most energetic pups. These great walkies will allow you to see beautiful Scotland in all its glory.
Our Top 8 Choices
Balmedie Beach – Aberdeenshire
There is plenty of space for your best friend to stretch his legs on this lovely sandy beach just 8 miles north of Aberdeen. With on-lead and off-lead areas, toilets, picnic spots and plenty of space for the kids to play too.
The Doll Walk – Glen Doll
This lovely Forestry Commission walk takes around 1.5 hours to complete. Close to Glen Clova in the southern highlands, your pup will love the fascinating woodland scents and afterwards you can stop for a well-deserved drink at the Plough Inn; a lovely dog friendly pub in Shortlanesend.
Crinan Woods – Argyll & Bute
Dog walkers can lose themselves in the breath-taking views to the isles of Mull and Jura on this lovely Woodland Trust Walk high above the picturesque village of Crinan. Pack your boots though as it can be a bit boggy in places.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
There are tons of scenic walks here, but the West Loch Lomond Cycle and Footpath is popular with dog owners due to being mainly traffic-free. The good news is although this trail is 15 miles long there is a railway station at each end, so you can rest tired feet and paws on the journey back.
The Icehouse Walk- Tentsmuir, Fife
Follow ‘Kinshaldy Beach’ signs from Leuchars village, From Kinshaldy you can stroll through the pinewoods until you arrive at the World War Two fortifications and Icehouse. With spectacular views of St Andrews and the North Sea this three-mile walk is one not to be missed
Urquhart Bay – Highlands
Ideally located in the centre of St Andrews; perfect after a countryside walk with your k9 companion, this charming bar is famous for its pies. There are some tables inside and out with bowls for your pooch. Food is served all day.
Visit their website here
Cairns Trail, Thornielee, Scottish Borders
Not for the faint-hearted there is a moderate climb to the forest edge, however, the superb views over the Tweed Valley are well worth it. The trail is under three miles and ideal for visitors staying locally in the Borders.
Arthurs Seat & Holyrood Park – Edinburgh
A must for dog owners enjoying a mini-break near Edinburgh. This dormant volcano is 250 metres tall and boasts incredible views of the city. The surrounding 640 acres of parkland of Holyrood Palace also offers a variety of walking routes
The Last Word
All the walks in Scotland above are dog-friendly but find out which dog walking route will require you to keep the dog on the lead and which they can run free. Take them on days out they’ll never forget along river banks and through forests, on paths, they’ve never seen before and smells that are all new to them. Check out our guide with pet friendly days out in Scotland.
There is also miles of coastline surrounding this country, which is why dog friendly beaches in Scotland are so popular for days out with the whole family.
Discover which dog walks have an easy to access car park and which you’ll want to hit by foot. Don’t forget if your visiting or planning a holiday then you’ll find all our recommended dog friendly holidays in Scotland here. Also new this year we have Scotland dog friendly hot tub cottage holidays.
For lots more guides on where can I walk my dog it’s here.