Scotland
The must visit dog friendly spots in Scotland
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Scotland, a perfect destination for dog-friendly adventures. From the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands to the stunning shores of the Isle of Skye, Scotland is filled with outdoor experiences that both you and your dog will love. Whether you're hiking through the dramatic scenery of Glencoe or wandering around the picturesque Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of dog-welcoming places to explore. With cozy pet-friendly pubs, charming accommodations, and wide-open spaces, Scotland is truly a haven for dogs and their owners. I visited Scotland with my huskies and my family in December of 2022 and it surely was a magical blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural wonder.
The ultimate guide to Scotland | dog friendly hikes & nature spots
Finnich Glen (the devil’s pulpit)
Finnich Glen, also known as the Devil’s Pulpit, is an unforgettable spot for adventurous dog owners. The walk itself isn’t too long, and we managed to park on the side of the road. However, if it's busy, finding a parking space can be a bit tricky. The walk leads you through a stunning forested area before you reach the descent into the gorge. It was raining when we visited (which is pretty common in Scotland), so the trail was quite slippery, definitely something to keep in mind. I’d only recommend taking your dog down into the gorge if they’re a true adventure dog or if you’re able to carry them back up, as the climb can be quite steep. I brought Dunya with me, and she absolutely loved it! However, we decided to leave our two older huskies with my mom, who didn’t make the descent. Finnich Glen is a magical place, with its red-hued waters and towering cliffs.
Glencoe Valley
Glencoe Valley is one of the most breathtaking spots we explored during our drive to the Isle of Skye, and it’s well worth taking your time to enjoy it. The towering mountains and dramatic landscapes make it an unforgettable experience. We made several stops along the way, letting the dogs stretch their legs and soak in the scenery. The valley offers plenty of great places to pull over. The winding roads and incredible views made for a peaceful, scenic drive. While we didn’t take any long hikes here, the short walks we took were perfect for a quick break and to take in the surroundings.
Fairy Pools
The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye were probably the most beautiful place we visited during our trip. The crystal-clear pools and stunning backdrop of the Cuillin Mountains made it feel like something out of a fairy tale. However, getting there was quite the adventure! The road was particularly slippery, as snow had melted and then frozen again. If you’re heading there in winter, make sure you’ve got proper winter tires. The day before we visited, several people had gotten stuck, unable to make it back to the main road. We took it slow and steady, and it was definitely worth the effort. The landscape was absolutely breathtaking, and the walk to the Fairy Pools isn’t too long, making it a great spot for a relaxed outing. The dogs had a blast exploring the area, and we were all in awe of the beauty around us.
The Storr
During our day trip around the Isle of Skye, the first place we visited was The Storr, and it did not disappoint! The landscape is iconic, with towering rock formations and breathtaking views over the island. However, when we visited, the conditions were pretty challenging—it was snowy and incredibly slippery. We decided to skip the main hiking path and instead took a shorter walk up the mountain to take in the stunning scenery. In this case, having huskies was a real advantage! They happily pulled us up the mountain, especially when some sections were so slick we were sliding backward more than moving forward. It was definitely an adventure, and despite the snow, the views were well worth it.
More spots coming soon!
The best dog friendly cafes & restaurants in Scotland
Beehive Inn, Edinburgh
The Beehive Inn in Edinburgh is a fantastic dog-friendly pub we discovered while exploring the city. As soon as we saw the charming dog-friendly sign outside, we knew we had to stop in for lunch. The atmosphere inside was warm and welcoming, with a relaxed vibe perfect for both humans and dogs. The pub offers a good selection of food and drinks, and the staff made sure our dogs were comfortable by bringing them fresh water. It’s a great spot to unwind, enjoy a meal, and let your pup take a break after a day of exploring Edinburgh.
More spots coming soon!