The best dog walks in Scotland
explore these hidden gems with your four-legged friend by your side
Discover breathtaking landscapes and scenic wonders through our curated selection of the best dog walks in Scotland. From the majestic Kenmore Hill, offering panoramic views of Loch Tay, to the enchanting Uach Lochans with its captivating vistas, each trail promises unforgettable experiences for both you and your furry companion. Embark on adventures in Glenmore Forest Park or marvel at the majestic Steal Falls – every step unveils Scotland’s natural splendour. Explore these hidden gems for a tail-waggingly good time with your pooch.
Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve
With its cluster of mountains, ancient pinewoods, secretive crossbills and soaring golden eagles, it’s no wonder that Beinn Eighe was the UK’s first National Nature Reserve (NNR). Set up in 1951, it covers a vast 48 square kilometres, stretching from loch-side to mountain top.
Parking: Head to Coille na Glas Leitir car park. It’s well sign-posted from the A832.
The Area: Wester Ross is Scotland at its wildest and most spectacular. It’s one of the most ruggedly beautiful places in the UK and is a great spot for wildlife watching, hiking and simply soaking up your surroundings. You’ll also find some of the country’s most unspoiled beaches along the coast here – and they’re all dog friendly.
Carn Daimh
Carn Daimh, or Hill of the Stags, is a small hill on the Glenlivet Estate. At only 570 m high, it’s positively diminutive compared to some of its larger neighbours, although it’s still big enough to claim the title of highest point on the Speyside Way. A hike up this hill offers great views of Ben Rinnes and the Cairngorms, for relatively little effort.
Parking: Use the Clash Woods car park near Tomnavoulin. The nearest postcode is AB37 9DL.
The Area: The Cairngorms National Park is one of Britain’s wildest and most special landscapes: more than a third of Britain’s land over 600 metres can be found here, along with a quarter of our endangered native species. With 55 Munros, nine nature reserves and around 60 freshwater lochs, there really is something for everyone.
Glenmore Forest Park
The Cairngorms are Britain’s largest National Park and present almost endless possibilities for the outdoor explorer. But there’s one place that has it all: Glenmore Forest Park is the ultimate outdoor adventure playground.
Parking: There is a pay & display car park at the visitor centre.
The Area: Glenmore Forest Park is a short drive from Aviemore, one of the most popular bases in the Cairngorms for outdoor adventures and winter sports. Dog walkers are thoroughly spoiled for choice with countless walking trails, including the beautiful circular around Loch an Eilein.
Kenmore Hill
Adventure-loving dogs will adore this waymarked circuit on and around Kenmore Hill in Perthshire. Walk through the woodland and enjoy outstanding views over Loch Tay, the pretty village of Kenmore, and over to the mountains beyond. Expect muddy boots and happy pooches.
Parking: Use the small car park off the Kenmore – Amulree road, sign posted ‘Woodland Walks’. The nearest postcode is PH15 2HA.
The Area: Perthshire, the heart of Scotland, is sometimes called ‘Big Tree Country’. It has an abundance of beautiful woodland walks to explore, with a generous sprinkling of waterfalls and historic castles too. The area is stunning all year round, but is especially renowned for its fantastic displays of autumnal colour, which result in some of the best dog walks in Scotland come the end of October and start of November.
Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve
Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve is nestled in the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Located in the far north west of Scotland, near Ullapool in the Assynt region, the reserve offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the ancient geological history of the area, as well as taking advantage of the breath-taking views.
Parking: There is free parking at the reserve with public toilets open 24 hours. The nearest postcode IV27 4HH – from Ullapool follow the A835 north for approximately 21 km.
The Area: Nearby hikes in the area include Cùl Mòr, Stac Pollaidh and Cùl Beag. Or for something a little easier on the paws, Ullapool is located approximately 21 km south of Knockan Crag. A charming fishing village, it offers a picturesque harbour, quaint shops, restaurants, and cafés.
Steall Falls
Tucked away in the Nevis Gorge yet easily accessible from Fort William, a visit to Scotland’s second-highest waterfall is guaranteed to take your breath away. The drive to the car park alone is worth the trip, taking you along a progressively narrowing road through the rugged yet stunning valley of Glen Nevis, nestled in the shadow of the UK’s largest mountain – Ben Nevis.
Parking: Parking is free. The postcode – PH33 6SY – will get you to the correct place but it’s fairly easy to find, just keep driving on the road until you reach the dead end where the car park is located.
The Area: After your walk at Steall Falls, we highly recommend heading to the Highland Soap Company Visitor Centre in nearby Fort William. Visitors are very welcome to bring four-legged friends to enjoy a delicious seasonal lunch in the Larder Café before browsing the shop with a vast array of soaps, gifts, food, drink and homewares.
St Boswells and the Tweed
The River Tweed flows for 97 miles along the border between England and Scotland. In fact, the name ‘Tweed’ comes from an old Celtic word meaning border, and the area through which this mighty river flows is steeped in history. Rolling hills and lush green fields welcome you to the Southern Uplands, Scotland’s best kept secret.
Parking: You’ll find free parking along the village green in St Boswells. The nearest postcode is TD6 0AL.
The Area: The Borders are steeped in history. If you go back to 340 million years ago, this part of Scotland was a red sandy desert with a liberal helping of volcanoes. Many are still around today in the form of relatively low and accessible hills: why not tackle the Eildon Hills near Melrose or Ruberslaw near Hawick?
The Bone Caves
Hidden away on a quiet corner of Scotland’s North Coast 500, the Bone Caves near Inchnadamph offer a dog walk on the wild side. Unleash your inner explorer and follow in the footsteps of Scotland’s prehistoric inhabitants to discover caves where the bones of reindeer, lynx and even a polar bear have been unearthed, all the while marvelling at the sheer scale of the landscape around you.
Parking: There is a free car park signposted off the A837. The nearest postcode is IV27 4HN.
The Area: Part of the North West Highlands Geopark, Assynt is one of Scotland’s best outdoor adventure playgrounds. For more caves, you can reach the Traligill Caves on foot from the village of Inchnadamph, although these caves are not as accessible as the Bone Caves and should only be admired from the outside. If you’re feeling energetic, why not tackle one of the area’s many spectacular peaks, from the small but steep Stac Pollaidh to the instantly recognisable Suilven?
The Falls of Kirkaig
Tucked away along the NC500, the Falls of Kirkaig are a true hidden gem. Requiring a scenic walk of a few miles to get to, they avoid the crowds which gather at other nearby waterfalls.
Parking: Park at Inverkirkaig car park. The nearest post code is IV27 4LR.
The Area: Part of the North West Highlands Geopark, Assynt is one of Scotland’s best outdoor adventure playgrounds; a land of lochs, lofty peaks and undeniable, extraordinary beauty. It’s worth taking the time to explore this area for more than a few days – there’s so much waiting to be discovered.
Uath Lochans
The view over the Uath Lochans from Farleitter Crag is surely one of the best in Britain – it’s certainly one of our favourites. Shimmering lochs and verdant forest are only made more magical by the dramatic backdrop of the Cairngorm mountains. And best of all, you don’t need to haul yourself up a mountain to see it – simply follow the two mile, waymarked forestry trail.
Parking: Park at Uath Lochans Forestry car park. The nearest post code is PH21 1NX.
The Area: The Cairngorms National Park is one of the best places to visit with your dog, with miles of woodland trails and dozens of fresh water lochs. A bit further afield, the Landmark Forest Adventure Park is another great option for a family day out. The park has a fantastic range of attractions and dogs on leads are very welcome in outside areas, including the Treetop Trail and the Pinewood Grill restaurant.
