Aviemore is set in the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands. Pubs in Aviemore allow dogs on the banks of the River Spey, near magical lochs, and along walking trails.
7 of the Best Dog Friendly Pubs in Aviemore
This is where skiers and climbers gravitate, thanks to the majestic Cairngorms. You will find alpine-style pubs that take dogs, offering pub grub, local ale and some fine single malts. Glenmore Forest Park has its ancient pines and Loch Orlich, where the walks will get your puppy panting and take your breath away.
Finding a dog-friendly pub in Aviemore is a breeze, so you and your pup can enjoy a drink without straying far. After a day exploring the local pubs, why not check out our guide to pet-friendly cottages in Aviemore village for a cosy place to stay?
No matter where you are starting from, Scotland is a long way up the A1, and if you plan on bringing your dog, flying into Inverness is not a viable option. Making it a road trip, though, can be an adventure, especially if you can take breaks in pet-friendly pubs. It will be a coffee or a pot of tea instead of a tipple for the designated driver, but once you reach your destination, you can sample the ware of pubs that take dogs in Aviemore to your heart’s content.
Mother Nature was feeling generous when she created the Cairngorms. It is twice the size of the Lake District, and its slopes host a network of ski runs and walking trails. You won’t put your fur baby on a pair of skis, so you will likely want to walk the area as much as possible. Five of the UK’s six highest mountains lie in the park, so expect to put in some effort when you are out and about. Of course, you can opt for leisurely loch walks, stopping at dog pubs.
Find below 7 of the best pet friendly pubs in Aviemore
1. The Old Bridge Inn, Dalfaber Road
On the banks of the River Spey in Aviemore, the Old Bridge Inn’s beer garden is the perfect way to relax after a day in the Cairngorms. You and your trusted four-legged friend can join the other dogs and their owners outside and enjoy a craft beer, single malt or a Rock Rose Scottish botanical gin at sunset. Indoors there is a rustic bar with a log burning fire for those chilly Highland days where your pooch can warm his paws and even catch 40 winks. Converted from a riverside cottage in 1982, the Old Bridge Inn is a dez destination for locals and visitors alike.
2. Winking Owl, Grampian Road
Owned and managed by The Cairngorm Brewery which has been making award winning beers in Aviemore since 2001 it is a dog-friendly pub in the heart of Aviemore. The first-floor restaurant has stunning views over the Cairngorm Range and although paws are not permitted here, dogs are welcome in the Bothy Bar downstairs. The pub grub varies from snacks to main meals with gluten and dairy-free options, as well as vegetarian dishes. Try the Cairngorm Pale Ale, Tradewinds or Sheep Shaggers. Keen single malt drinkers will be spoilt for choice here with the whisky menu including Cragganmore, Balvenie and Macallan Gold. While you are there visit the brewery’s shop and buy some of their craft ale to take home.
3. Balavoulin, Aviemore Village
Be prepared to be blown away by this traditional dog pub’s range of real Scottish ales. There is Innis & Gun lager and beer, Belhaven Best and Pentland Pale Ale from Stewart Brewing. For cider drinkers there is the Highland’s own Thistly Cross. Indoors there is an open fire to dry out in front of after an invigorating hike in the hills. The ancient woodland near Aviemore is a pooch’s paradise. Rothiemurchus is a spectacular pine forest, described by David Attenborough as a ‘glory of wild Scotland’. Comfort food is the order of the day and the pub grub includes steak pie and gravy, and fish and chips.
4. Woodshed Bar, Coylumbridge
Separate from the hotel that was once a Hilton, this timber framed pub is a bolt hole for many a dog walker up in the Cairngorms. With a well-lit deck it is where you and your dog can enjoy the clean Highland air while tucking into lunch or dinner with a pint of Scottish ale. The Woodshed team are only too happy to provide water bowls for your wagtail and there are also some treats if he gives paw. While you and your canine charge enjoy a Woodshed welcome the rest of the family can have their lunch at the American Diner in the hotel that has an impressive soft play area for the younger set.
5. Macduis, Grampian Road
With Alfie, the black spaniel in residence, you can be sure that this pub that takes dogs is going to give you a right royal tail-wagging welcome. It is a popular spot for locals who descend on the pub every weekend when there is live music. If your fur baby is sensitive to loud noise, then there is always the garden to retreat to. Macduis is famous for its haggis, neeps and tatties, warm Salmon salad and pumpkin ravioli. If you are in the area for Christmas and Hogmanay this is where it is all happening, but it is advisable to book in advance.
6. The Glen Clova
Here there are choices with two bars that allow dogs, the authentic Climber’s and the quaint Brandy Bothy. The Climber’s is as rustic as you can get with roughhewn wooden tables and chairs, exposed stone walls and an open fire. Here you will find skiers and climbers alike enjoying a pint of Glen Clova’s bespoke ale or perhaps a beer from Burnside Brewery. The Brandy Bothy offers the same cosy atmosphere, and you will find dogs taking time out in front of the roaring fire or on warmer days chilling out on the decking that offers great views.
7. The Pine Marten, Glenmore Forest Park
This is a bijou as any bothy can get, a tiny raw wood panelled interior that somehow manages to pack in St Bernard’s, Huskies and collie and Labradors as well as two-legged patrons. In a converted shed next to the Glenmore Supplies Store, it has a distinct apres-ski feel. Owners Katie and Scotty are partial to pooches and won’t let your fur baby leave without a treat. It’s log-burning fire that is usually hogged by the hounds is proof that this is one of the best Aviemore pubs that allows dogs. This wee bothy that welcomes dogs manages to squeeze in some live music too. This is a great destination after a day out in the Glenmore Forest Park with Loch Orlich at its centre.
LAST WORD
Aviemore is renowned for its stunning ski locations, tucked away lochs, magical forests and great trails for avid walkers and their canine companions. Nestled in the Cairngorm National Park, home to three of the four highest mountains in Britain, it is a base for terrain that is perfect for hikers and hounds with a head for heights. There are some of the best dog walks in Aviemore with woodland, coastal and national park trails all on your doorstep.