Dog-Friendly Scotland - The Ultimate Guide to Beaches, Walks, and Places to Stay with Your Four-Legged Friend

Scotland has long held a special place in our hearts, but since welcoming our dog into the family, we’ve discovered that this wild and wonderful country is equally welcoming to four-legged visitors. With over 6,000 miles of stunning coastline, ancient forests, and that famous Scottish right to roam, there’s perhaps no better destination in the UK for a holiday with your dog.

Janette and I have spent countless weekends exploring Scotland’s dog-friendly beaches, hiking its most scenic trails, and seeking out cafés where our soggy, sandy companion is as welcome as we are. This guide brings together everything we’ve learned about travelling with a dog in Scotland – from the best beaches and walks to essential etiquette around livestock and tips for finding truly dog-welcoming accommodation.

Scotland’s Best Dog-Friendly Beaches

Scotland boasts some of the most spectacular beaches in Europe, and the good news for dog owners is that the majority welcome four-legged visitors year-round. Unlike many English beaches with strict seasonal bans, Scottish beaches tend to be more relaxed – though there are some restrictions worth knowing about.

Highland and Island Beaches

Balnakeil Beach, Durness – This stunning beach near the northern tip of Scotland wouldn’t look amiss in the Caribbean, with turquoise waters and expansive white sand backed by impressive dunes. Dogs are welcome year-round, and the remote location means you’ll often have the beach to yourselves. The nearby ruins of Balnakeil Church add historical interest to your visit.

Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris – Regularly voted one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, Luskentyre’s silvery sands and crystal-clear waters are truly breathtaking. Dogs are welcome, though a dip in the water will quickly remind you that you’re in Scotland, not the Seychelles! The beach is part of the Hebridean Way walking route.

Calgary Beach, Isle of Mull – With its white sands, clear water, and sheltered setting, Calgary Beach is one of Mull’s most popular stretches of coastline. Dogs can splash and play to their heart’s content here, and the surrounding area offers excellent walking opportunities.

Camusdarach Beach, Mallaig – Made famous by the film Local Hero, this surprisingly peaceful beach offers stunning views across to the islands of Rum and Eigg. The sand is pristine, the water remarkably clear, and dogs are welcome throughout the year.

Dalmore Beach, Isle of Lewis – A long sandy beach ideal for dogs to run around. The sense of space and the opportunity to play with other dogs or watch surfers makes this a favourite with local dog owners.

East Coast Beaches

Tyninghame Beach (Ravensheugh Sands), East Lothian – This hidden gem lies at the end of a beautiful walk through ancient pine forest. The long expanse of golden sand is generally quiet, giving dogs ample space to run. There’s no seasonal dog ban here.

Belhaven Beach, Dunbar – Located within John Muir Country Park, this beach stretches for approximately a mile, with stunning views of the Forth Estuary. The area includes sheltering sand dunes, salt marshes, and spectacular grasslands – perfect for an extended walk with your dog. A clifftop walk loops round to Dunbar with epic views.

Cullen Beach, Moray – Next to the historic town of Cullen, this beach offers dramatic views of the Three Kings sea stack. Seals and dolphins are often spotted in the waters, and the beach is well-suited for families with dogs. The town itself has excellent fish and chips.

Dornoch Beach, Sutherland – Just a short walk from Dornoch town centre, this stunning golden beach is backed by dunes and is dog-friendly year-round. The number of dogs bounding along the sand gives a good indication of just how welcoming this beach is.

Kingsbarns Beach (Cambo Sands), Fife – Running alongside the Fife Coastal Path near St Andrews, this beach offers tranquil woodland trails just inland and beautiful coastal scenery. A splash in the chilly North Sea will shake off any post-walk tiredness.

West Coast and Argyll

Westport Beach, Kintyre – With six miles of sand and the backdrop of the Machrihanish Dunes, this is a paradise for long walks and windswept picnics. The rugged west coast attracts surfers and walkers alike, and dogs can explore to their heart’s content.

Seamill Beach, Ayrshire – Around forty minutes from Glasgow, this beach offers glistening azure waters with the mountainous Isle of Arran as a backdrop. Part of the Ayrshire Coastal Path runs through here, making it ideal for combining a beach visit with a longer walk.

Sandwood Bay, Sutherland – This requires commitment – a four-mile trek down a footpath – but the reward is one of Scotland’s most remote and beautiful beaches. The pink-tinged sands stretch for over a mile, overlooked by a dramatic sea stack. Dogs must be under control, but this is wild Scotland at its finest.

Millport Beach, Isle of Cumbrae – Take a ten-minute ferry trip from the mainland to discover this charming beach with its quaint town scene. Dogs are welcome year-round, with facilities including toilets and a children’s play area on the esplanade.

Beaches with Seasonal Restrictions

While most Scottish beaches welcome dogs year-round, some popular tourist spots have restrictions:

• Achmelvich Bay – Dogs not permitted during peak tourist season
• Coldingham Bay – Dogs must be on a lead from June to September
• Broughty Ferry Beach – Dogs excluded from western section, May to September (eastern beach is dog-friendly year-round)
• Nairn East Beach – Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times
• Aberlady Bay – Dogs not permitted on the nature reserve due to wildlife protection
• Lunderston Bay – Dogs allowed all year round but not in the picnic area or children’s play area

Scotland’s Best Dog Walks

Scotland’s Land Reform Act gives you the right to walk almost anywhere, provided you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This makes Scotland a paradise for dog walkers, with countless routes through mountains, forests, and along the coast.

Cairngorms National Park

Loch Morlich Circular – This easy walk near Aviemore takes only a couple of hours and offers spectacular views of the Cairngorms. Dogs can paddle in the loch, and the area around Glenmore Forest Park provides numerous other trails to explore. Note: keep dogs on leads during capercaillie breeding season (April to August).

Linn of Dee – Part of the National Trust for Scotland’s Mar Lodge Estate, this is a prime destination for dog walkers. Choose from a 2.5km short course or a 5km longer route, both following the banks of the River Dee into Glen Lui with breathtaking mountain views.

Uath Lochans – These enchanting small lochs near Kincraig offer peaceful walking through ancient Caledonian pine forest. The area is magical year-round but particularly beautiful in autumn.

Loch Brandy, Glen Cova – A beautiful hike up the hill to this stunning loch, taking around 1.5 hours. The climb is steep in places but not too taxing, with panoramic views of the Cairngorms as your reward.

Perthshire

The Hermitage, Dunkeld – This 1.5-mile route winds through a forest of towering Douglas firs past Ossian’s Hall and the rumbling Black Linn Falls. Queen Victoria and William Wordsworth walked these paths, and dogs will love the woodland trails and stream crossings.

Kenmore Hill – Outstanding views over Loch Tay reward those who tackle this woodland walk. Expect muddy boots and happy pooches – the combination of forest paths and open hillside is ideal for adventurous dogs. Parking is available off the Kenmore–Amulree road.

Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve – The UK’s first National Nature Reserve covers 48 square kilometres, with ancient pinewoods and soaring golden eagles. Multiple trails available from the Coille na Glas Leitir car park.

Highlands

Steall Falls, Glen Nevis – Scotland’s second-highest waterfall is reached via a spectacular drive through Glen Nevis and a dramatic walk through the Nevis Gorge. The path is challenging in places but the reward – a thundering 120-metre waterfall – is worth every step. Free parking at the end of the road (PH33 6SY).

Bone Caves, Inchnadamph – Hidden away on Scotland’s North Coast 500, these caves have yielded bones of reindeer, lynx, and even polar bears. The walk offers a true sense of Scotland’s prehistoric past, with dramatic Highland scenery throughout.

Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye – This popular walk follows crystal-clear pools and waterfalls beneath the Cuillin mountains. Dogs are welcome, though the area can get busy in summer. The magical atmosphere and stunning scenery make it a must-visit.

Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve – Nestled in the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, this reserve offers walking trails with spectacular geological interest.

Central Scotland and Borders

Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh – This extinct volcano in the heart of Edinburgh offers spectacular views across the city. The full circuit covers five kilometres and includes Iron Age forts and Bronze Age terraces. If the main climb is too challenging, Holyrood Park (650 acres) offers plenty of easier trails.

Conic Hill, Balmaha – A short but steep climb near Loch Lomond rewards with panoramic views. Dogs should be kept on a lead due to grazing sheep, but the varied woodland and hillside terrain makes this a satisfying walk for both humans and hounds. Car park at G63 0JQ.

Galloway Forest Park – Famous for its glistening lochs and soaring red kites, Galloway offers numerous waymarked trails. The birch woodland walk at Glentrool along the shores of the Waters of Trool and Minnoch is particularly good for dogs.

Loch Katrine Circular – Well-marked paths suitable for all skill levels in the Trossachs. The Trossachs Pier car park (FK17 8HZ) has toilets, a café, and a pier with dog-friendly boat tours.

Blackford Hill, Edinburgh – A green haven within the city, easily accessed from multiple entrances. Dogs can go off-lead but please be mindful of local wildlife.

Dog Etiquette and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code

Scotland’s famous right to roam comes with responsibilities, and understanding these is essential for anyone walking with a dog. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code provides clear guidance on what’s expected.

Around Livestock – Essential Warnings

This cannot be emphasised enough: dogs and sheep do not mix. Sheep worrying is a serious problem in Scotland, with livestock worth over £2.4 million killed or injured in dog attacks across the UK in 2023 alone. Even the most gentle family pet can cause pregnant ewes to miscarry simply by being present in a field.

The rules are clear:

• Never take your dog into a field where there are lambs
• Keep your dog on a short lead (2 metres or shorter) when sheep are present
• In open country during lambing season, keep your dog on a lead and stay well away from sheep
• If possible, find an alternative route that avoids fields with livestock entirely
• Be aware that farmers have the legal right to shoot a dog that is attacking livestock

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 increased penalties significantly. Dog owners can now face fines of up to £40,000 and up to 12 months imprisonment for sheep worrying offences.

With cattle, the advice is slightly different. If cows become aggressive and move towards you, let your dog go and take the shortest, safest route out of the field. A dog can outrun cattle; you cannot.

Wildlife and Ground-Nesting Birds

During the breeding season (generally April to August), keep your dog on a short lead or close at heel in moorland, forests, grasslands, loch shores, and along the seashore. Many Scottish birds nest on the ground and are highly vulnerable to disturbance. Areas like Glenmore Forest Park have capercaillies – keep dogs on leads during breeding season to protect these magnificent birds.

Dog Fouling

Always pick up after your dog. Dog faeces can spread serious diseases to people, farm animals, and wildlife. The highest risks are:

• Fields with cattle or sheep
• Fields where fruit and vegetables are growing
• Along paths, riverbanks, and loch shores
• Sports pitches, playing fields, and play areas

If there’s no bin available, bag it and take it home with you.

Keeping Your Dog Under Control

‘Proper control’ means different things in different situations, but essentially your dog should respond reliably to basic commands and return promptly when called. If in doubt, use a lead. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code states that dog walkers should:

• Never let their dog worry or attack livestock
• Not allow their dog to approach animals or people uninvited
• Always keep their dog in sight
• Not take their dog into fields of vegetables and fruit unless there’s a clear path

Where Dogs Are Allowed Indoors

Scotland is remarkably welcoming to dogs, even in many indoor attractions. Here are some notable places where your four-legged friend can join you:

Dog-Friendly Castles and Historic Sites

Many Historic Scotland sites welcome dogs in their grounds:

• Dunnottar Castle – Dogs on leads welcome throughout the ruins, plus the beach below for before or after your visit
• Caerlaverock Castle – Explore the impressive triangular fortress with your dog
• Dirleton Castle – Dogs welcome in the lovely gardens and ruins
• Huntingtower Castle – Historic site welcoming well-behaved dogs
• Balvenie Castle – Over 700 years of history to explore with your pooch
• Linlithgow Palace – Dogs welcome in the grounds of this magnificent ruin
• Tantallon Castle – Perched on cliffs in East Lothian, dogs welcome
• Blackness Castle – Famous from Outlander, dogs welcome in grounds

National Trust for Scotland properties with dog-friendly grounds include:

• Crathes Castle – Wildlife watching in the Old Wood of Drum, dogs on leads
• Fyvie Castle – Vast estate with lawned areas, woodland and lakeside walks
• Brodie Castle – Colourful and quirky, with easy walks past the pond
• Culzean Castle – 17 miles of paths through gardens, woodland and beach
• Balmacara Estate – Winner of ‘most dog-friendly Trust property’
• Dunvegan Castle, Skye – Dogs welcome in award-winning gardens
• Balmoral Castle – Dogs welcome in gardens when royals not in residence

Note: Edinburgh Castle does not permit dogs (except assistance dogs) due to the busy, enclosed spaces.

Other Indoor Attractions

• Camera Obscura, Edinburgh – Five floors of optical illusions, dogs welcome with a treat on arrival
• Inveraray Jail – Explore this fascinating restored prison with your dog
• St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh – Well-behaved dogs welcome
• Stirling Old Town Jail – Dogs permitted in this historic attraction
• Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick – Dogs welcome
• The Kelpies, Falkirk – Dogs welcome around these magnificent sculptures
• Robert Smail Printing Works, Innerleithen – Living museum welcoming dogs inside

Dog-Friendly Boat Trips

• Jacobite Cruises, Loch Ness – Dogs welcome on Inspiration and Contemplation cruises (not Urquhart Castle visits)
• Sir Walter Scott Steamship, Loch Katrine – Dogs welcome aboard
• Cruise Loch Lomond and Sweeney’s – Both operators welcome dogs
• Maid of the Forth – Dog-friendly trips to Inchcolm Island
• Dolphin Spirit, Inverness – Wildlife watching trips welcome dogs
• Cruise Loch Linnhe, Oban – Dogs welcome on boat trips
• Bella Jane, Skye – Trips from Elgol onto Loch Coruisk

Wet Dog Friendly Cafés and Restaurants

After a soggy Scottish walk, finding somewhere that genuinely welcomes muddy paws is essential. Here are cafés and restaurants that go the extra mile for canine customers:

Edinburgh

• The Fountain – Modern gastropub offering water, treats, and attention to visiting dogs
• Holyrood 9A – Craft beer and gourmet burgers with dog-friendly seating, perfect after Arthur’s Seat
• Cafe MILK – Seasonal, local food with a focus on quality, dogs welcome
• Thomas J Walls Coffee Shop – Near Greyfriars Kirkyard, welcoming to dogs
• Chapter One – Fully plant-based menu, staff welcome dogs enthusiastically
• Mimi’s Bakehouse, Lauriston Castle – Welcomes well-behaved dogs

Glasgow

• Ubiquitous Chip – Iconic venue with dog-friendly areas in the Big Pub, brasserie, and outdoor terrace
• Inn Deep – On the banks of the River Kelvin, with a ‘Dug of the Week’ feature offering 20% off
• The Ben Nevis Bar – Traditional Finnieston bar, perfect for a post-walk pint with your pooch
• Brutti Compadres – Mediterranean-inspired menu in a fairy-lit courtyard, dogs always welcome
• Lock 27 Bar, Anniesland – Canal-side venue where even horses have been welcomed
• The Potting Shed, Irvine – Dedicated dog-friendly area for coffee or brunch

Aberdeen and North East

• The Long Dog Café – Inspired by the owners’ dachshunds, offering pup cups and dog-friendly beer alongside indulgent freakshakes
• Cafe AHOY!, Aberdeen Beach – Perfect post-beach pit stop with a dedicated dog menu including doggy ice cream and ‘Barkin’ Brunch’
• The Seafield Arms – Traditional hostelry with drinking bowls and canine treats in the bar
• Hazlehead Park – Extensive woodlands with designated dog areas

Highlands and Islands

• Kylesku Hotel – Dog baskets provided, dogs welcome in bar and terrace with views over Loch Gleann Dubh
• The Real Food Cafe, Tyndrum – Gateway to scenic Highland walks, welcoming to weary dogs and walkers
• Rosemarkie Beach Cafe – Perfect end to a beach walk, near dolphin-spotting Chanonry Point
• Explorer Cafe, Aviemore – Spectacular Cairngorms views, ideal for refuelling after Loch Morlich walks
• The Auld Hoose, North Berwick – Classic Scottish pub near the beach, welcomes dogs

Fife and Perthshire

• Brew and Chew, Perth – Utterly devoted to dogs with fluffy blankets, dedicated dog menu, and beautifully decorated pupcakes
• Nosebag Scotland, Fife – Dog-friendly garden and photo opportunities for pooches
• The Larick Café, Tayport – Near Tentsmuir and Fife Coastal Path, very welcoming of dogs with fresh scones daily
• Cambo Gardens Cafe – Treats and belly rubs for good behaviour, creative vegetarian and vegan menu
• Highland Soap Company Visitor Centre, Fort William – Dog-friendly Larder Café, perfect after Steall Falls
• The Rhynd, near Leuchars – Gem of a cafe serving delicious home-cooked food
• Cottage Kitchen, St Andrews – Award-winning bistro with dog-friendly courtyard seating

South Scotland

• The Crown Inn, Biggar – 17th century coaching house with real ales, craft beer, and 68 gins
• The King’s Arms, Lockerbie – Traditional features including original beams and wood-burning fires
• The Village Rest, Loch Lomond – Family and dog-friendly, ideal for exploring the national park

Dog-Friendly Places to Stay

Scotland has many fantastic dog-friendly hotels and accommodations, ranging from luxury retreats to cozy countryside inns. Here are some of my favourites:

• Malmaison Dundee – A stylish boutique hotel in Dundee's waterfront area, welcoming dogs in select rooms.
• Pine Trees Hotel – A charming Victorian hotel in Pitlochry with beautiful grounds for dog walks.
• Kingsmills Hotel – A luxury hotel in Inverness set in 4 acres of gardens, perfect for dogs.
• Banchory Lodge Hotel – A Georgian mansion on Royal Deeside, with riverside walks from the grounds.
• Boath House – An award-winning country house hotel near Nairn with extensive grounds.
• Rocpool Reserve – A luxurious boutique hotel in central Inverness, close to riverside walks.
• Loch Melfort Hotel – A coastal retreat near Oban with stunning sea views and Highland cows on the grounds.
• Monachyle Mhor – A romantic boutique hotel on Loch Voil in the Trossachs, surrounded by walking trails.
• Cameron House – A 5-star resort on the shores of Loch Lomond (dogs allowed in hotel rooms, £50/night).
• Crieff Hydro – A family-friendly resort in Perthshire with 900 acres of grounds and over 60 activities.

Always check with the hotel directly about their pet policy, as some may charge a supplement or have restrictions on which rooms accept dogs.

Dog-Friendly Hostels and Budget Options

Both Hostelling Scotland and Scottish Hostels offer dog-friendly options with treats on arrival, water stations, cosy rooms for drying off, and some with roaring log fires. Budget-friendly options include:

• Hostels on the shore of Loch Lomond
• Lodges on remote islands
• Budget hotels in city centres

National Trust for Scotland Holiday Accommodation

• Courtyard Cottage, Drum Castle – Wood-burning stove and access to the Old Wood of Drum
• Preston Tower Apartment, Fyvie Castle – Stunning accommodation across four floors of the castle towers
• Port Donnel Cottage, Solway Coast – Direct access to a private pebble beach from the garden
• Mar Lodge Estate Apartments, Cairngorms – Access to 29,000 hectares of conservation land including four of Britain’s highest mountains
• Ben Lomond Bunkhouse – Dogs welcome when booking rooms exclusively
• Mol Mor, Loch Torridon – Converted farm steading sleeping 10, dogs welcome
• Branklyn Cottage, Perth – Within the acclaimed Branklyn Garden

Self-Catering Cottages

Scotland offers nearly 2,000 dog-friendly cottages through various providers. Look for properties near:

• Cairngorms National Park
• Loch Ness
• Isle of Skye
• Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
• The Scottish Borders
• Aberdeenshire coast

What to Look for in Dog-Friendly Accommodation

• Enclosed garden – Essential for many dog owners
• Ground floor access – Useful for older dogs or those with mobility issues
• Nearby walks – Check what’s accessible directly from the accommodation
• Dog-friendly pubs and cafés nearby
• Number of dogs allowed – Some properties welcome up to five dogs
• Any additional charges – Usually £20-£30 per dog per stay

What to Pack for Your Dog

• Dog’s bed and bowls
• Old towels for drying wet paws
• Blankets for covering furniture
• Lead and harness
• Plenty of poo bags
• Favourite toys and treats
• Dog first aid kit

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk my dog anywhere in Scotland?

Scotland’s Land Reform Act gives you the right to walk almost anywhere, provided you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This means keeping your dog under proper control, avoiding fields with livestock, and cleaning up after your pet.

Are Scottish beaches dog-friendly?

The majority of Scottish beaches welcome dogs year-round. Unlike many English beaches, seasonal bans are relatively rare. However, some popular beaches have restrictions – always check local signage and be prepared with alternatives.

What should I do if I encounter sheep with my dog?

Keep your dog on a short lead (2 metres or less) and find an alternative route if possible. Never enter fields with lambs. If you must cross a field with sheep, stay as far from them as possible and move through quickly.

Can I take my dog into Edinburgh Castle?

No, pet dogs are not permitted at Edinburgh Castle (assistance dogs are welcome). However, many other Historic Scotland sites welcome dogs, including Dunnottar Castle, Caerlaverock Castle, and Linlithgow Palace.

Are dogs allowed on Scottish trains and buses?

Most bus, train, and ferry operators allow dogs. ScotRail permits dogs free of charge on their services. Check individual operators for specific rules about leads and numbers of dogs permitted.

What are the penalties for sheep worrying in Scotland?

Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021, penalties can include fines up to £40,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months. Farmers also have the legal right to shoot a dog that is attacking livestock.

When is lambing season in Scotland?

Lambing typically takes place from March to May, though this varies by region and farm. Extra vigilance is required during this period – keep dogs on leads in all areas where sheep might be present.

Final Thoughts

Scotland truly is a dog owner’s paradise. From the white sands of Harris to the ancient forests of the Cairngorms, from cosy Highland pubs to boat trips on Loch Ness – this is a country that genuinely welcomes four-legged visitors.

The key to a successful dog-friendly Scottish holiday is preparation. Know the rules around livestock, check for any beach restrictions, and always carry poo bags and a towel. Do that, and you’ll discover why Scotland is simply the best place in the UK for a holiday with your four-legged friend.

Interested in Scottish Dog Breeds? Read this guide.