Explore dog friendly Isle of Skye
a Scottish island with breath-taking landscapes & mythical wonders
Located on the outskirts of Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye, at the foot of Macleod’s Tables and overlooking Loch Dunvegan, a stay at Osdale Cottages means that spectacular dog walks are guaranteed. These two cosy retreats – Osdale Byre and Osdale Farmhouse – are surrounded by breathtaking Highland scenery and have incredible views and spectacular landscapes whichever way you venture. But which places should make your ‘must-visit’ list on a dog friendly holiday on the Isle of Skye? Read on!
An important reminder: When visiting the Isle of Skye, please keep your dogs under close control and on a lead, both for their own safety and for the animals who live in these very special places.
Macleod’s Tables
There are remarkable walks right from the door when staying at Osdale Cottages, and a walk up to nearby Macleod’s Tables is a must. Visible from the cottages, these two flat-topped hills proudly overlook the Duirinish Peninsula on Skye. A steep climb, the walk to the top is not for the Sunday stroller, but you’ll be rewarded with incredible views if you do tackle the ascent.
Dunvegan Two Churches Walk
Another favourite of Osdale Cottages’ owner, Lucy, and her pooch Ned, is the Dunvegan Two Churches Walk. It’s a 3 km walk through woodland and open moor with some lovely views in the later sections. There are off-lead opportunities too for dogs who like to stretch their legs a little more.
Duvegan Castle & Gardens
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens is a short drive from Osdale Cottages and is open daily from 1st April to 15th October. While not allowed in the castle, dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens. Alternatively, from the castle car park, head through the wooden gate opposite the café for a nice walk from the castle grounds up onto the moorland. Keep an eye out for any sheep grazing before letting your four-legged friend off their lead.
Neist Point
Neist Point is one of the most famous lighthouses in Scotland and can be found on the most westerly tip of the Isle of Skye near Glendale. It’s accessed via a single-track road, so there can be a little bit of a bottleneck in high season. It’s still worth a trip, especially late afternoon or early evening as the sunsets here are spectacular.
We also recommend taking a pair of binoculars with you as you may spot a whale if you are very lucky. Check the weather before you set off as windy or misty conditions aren’t ideal for climbing the steep path. You’ll also want to keep your dog on a lead near the cliffs or where there are sheep grazing.
Coral Beach
Another amazing place for a walk and to watch the sun rise or set, is Coral Beach – named because the beach is made from a crushed-white, coral-like seaweed that makes the water look tropical blue when the sun comes out.
A 20-minute drive from Osdale Cottages, we would recommend going early or later in the day as the car park here is quite small. It’s perfect for an easy early morning walk – there is a well-made track to stroll along – followed by breakfast or coffee and cake in Dunvegan village.
The beach is also great place to sit, relax and simply take in the views for a while. Pack a picnic to enjoy while you’re there.
Sligachan and Cuillin mountains
Two Cuillin ranges dominate the landscape on the Isle of Skye: the Black Cuillin and the Red Cuillin. Unless your dog is an experienced long-distance adventure and mountain climber, we wouldn’t recommend tackling either, but do head to the small settlement of Sligachan for the perfect viewpoint. Look out for the legendary old Sligachan bridge. You can read the tale here, but it’s said that anyone who brave enough to dip their face into the waters beneath the bridge will be granted eternal beauty. Yes, please!
The Glen Brittle Fairy Pools
The magical Fairy Pools are unquestionably one of the Isle of Skye’s most-loved natural attractions. Located at Glen Brittle, these beautiful rock pools are filled with translucent mountain spring water from a series of waterfalls from the nearby Cuillin Mountains. You can actually swim in the pools. The water is super cold, though, so little ones might want to wear wet suits.
From the car park (payment required), the paths to the pools are clearly marked and reasonably easy to stroll along with your dog – apart from a steep section at the beginning and the end of the walk. Take your camera with you, as the photo opportunities here are endless.
The Storr
A visit to The Old Man of Storr is probably the most famous walk on the Trotternish Ridge; a ridge created around 60 million years ago by a massive landslip. The Old Man (Bodach an Stòr in Gaelic) is a 55-metre-high pinnacle of basalt rock, the sole remains of a 2,800 million-year-old volcanic plug. Impressive!
Happily, this is a walk that you can do with your dog. You’ll find the car park on left hand side of the A855 heading from Portree towards Staffin – fees apply. The trail starts at the car park and uses the same path there and back. Allow a couple of hours if you want a leisurely stroll with time at the top to admire the views, but do check the weather before you set off.
MORE ISLE OF SKYE INSPIRATION
To gather some more inspiration for your dog friendly stay on the Isle of Skye, or if you want to watch something with a local flavour during your holiday, try one of these shows filmed on the Isle of Skye.
