A Dog Lover’s Guide to Scotland

Scotland is a wonderfully dog-welcoming place to live or visit. Right to roam laws give us access to some of the most spectacular countryside for walks, and for warming up afterwards most traditional pubs welcome doggie patrons. With the rise in dog ownership many holiday accommodation providers, cafés, shops and tourist attractions have become dog friendly. So when considering a holiday or a day out in Scotland you no longer need to look for someone to look after your dog while you are gone. Bring your furry family along to join in with your adventures!

Any time of year is a good time to travel around Scotland, and the winter season brings a time of calm. This is a time for slow travel. To spend a few hours or days in one location and explore. Your dog already knows this, so join them in discovering the simple pleasures of a whole morning or afternoon spent on a leisurely walk, followed by a warming meal, then relaxing in front of a warm fire or a comfortable night in a cosy bed. Are you ready to plan your winter break in Scotland with your furry friend?

These are my top winter dog-friendly travel picks month by month. All places are on mainland Scotland to make them easily accessible for a daytrip, a weekend or a longer getaway...

Know Before You Go:

If it’s your dog’s first trip away then practise before you go. Visit some dog friendly businesses in your home town to give them experience. Build up their comfortable journey length in a car or on public transport. Spend a night sleeping in a different room in your own home (such as on the couch) or at a friend’s, to see how they cope with a change in routine.

It gets light late and dark early. By 4pm it will be pitch dark. Winter closing times at many attractions are around sunset so get there early.

A good torch for you, and a light-up or reflective collar for your dog (with your mobile number on their collar tag) is a must as you will be outside after dark.

Always pack suitable footwear. It can be wet/muddy/ icy underfoot even on city streets. Check paws after walks and wipe to remove road grit/mud/ice.

Bring plenty of towels for wiping those muddy paws.

Weather can be unpredictable. Bring a warm waterproof coat for yourself, and if your dog feels the cold/wet then they may benefit from a dog coat too.

Check ahead. If the restaurant markets itself as dog friendly, is this for both lunch and dinner? If the hotel says dog friendly, are furry guests permitted in all public areas? What about in the dining room? Ask if there’s a pet surcharge, and find out about the policy on allowing pets up onto beds/furniture? Typically, formal restaurants and food shops will not allow dogs, whereas cafés, pubs and informal dining are likely to welcome canine customers.

Always carry drinking water (you can ask for a free topup at pubs and cafés).

Bring your dog’s food with you. Changing both routine and food can quickly lead to stomach upsets. Also bring any medication, and a copy of their vet details/pet insurance just in case.

A favourite toy or blanket can help them settle. No squeaky toys please, especially in hotels, unless you want a 3am call from the front desk to ask you to keep the noise down!

Bring a leash and a longer line as even dogs with great recall can get distracted in a strange place. Keep dogs on the leash near livestock and wildlife.

It goes without saying; always clean up after you. Bag it and bin it. Leave only footprints.

START OF WINTER
November

LOCATION: Perthshire 
BEST FOR: Rural peace and quiet 
GETTING THERE: A9 north from central Scotland, train to Dunkeld, bus to Perth then to Dunkeld.

Most years, the trees of Highland Perthshire hold onto their autumn canopy throughout November and “Big Tree Country” is perfect for a stroll in the colourful woods. Short but stunning walks include The Hermitage at Dunkeld, The Falls of Bruar, and further north to the Birks of Aberfeldy and Faskally Loch at Pitlochry.

Top pick 

The Hermitage just outside Dunkeld. It’s only a short walk from the carpark to Ossian’s Hall but you will spend some time watching the Braan waterfall thunder down. You might see the first returning salmon attempting to jump the falls, and keep a lookout for red squirrels. In recent years the path to the falls has been widened to improve accessibility. A longer circular walk takes you down to Rumbling Bridge and back along the opposite ridge. Keep dogs on the leash near the river and if the trail is busy.

Where to Eat and Stay 

Dunkeld. There are several traditional hotels in Dunkeld that welcome overnight four-pawed guests as well as walkers with dogs for bar food and warming drinks. The Atholl Arms is centrally located next to the river and a good choice for food or a cosy overnight stay. If you want a quick bite then pick up gourmet sandwiches from The Scottish Deli.

Explore 

Historic Dunkeld village. Watch fishermen at the river and, if the weather permits, splash out and get wet with SUP boarding with Paddle Surf Scotland. Head further north to Falls of Bruar, Faskally, and Pitlochry.

Shop 

The House of Bruar is a one-stop shop for food, drink and Scottish crafts. Dogs aren’t permitted inside but are welcome at their outside tables. Tiso outdoor shop in Perth is dog friendly (and a must visit for the bacon rolls before your adventures). They also stock a wide range of outdoor dog gear and have a good book and map selection focused on outdoor Scotland to help you plan your next escape.

MIDWINTER
December

LOCATION: Edinburgh 
BEST FOR: City Life 
GETTING THERE: Major road and rail links

Visit Edinburgh. Come to the capital city for Christmas shopping as many shops are dog friendly! Even if you live there, play tourist for the day and explore the winter city on foot with your dog.

Top pick 

For Christmas shopping, the new St James Quarter is dog friendly (check with individual stores as not all welcome dogs) as is nearby John Lewis and the majority of the stores in George Street, plus Toppings and Waterstones bookstores and most of the independent boutiques of the West End. The outdoor seasonal market stalls in Princes Street Gardens and Castle Street are of course dog friendly. If you want an alternative to the shops then head to dog friendly Camera Obscura to watch the sunset over the Castle next door. If you are feeling energetic then head to Holyrood Park and climb Arthur’s Seat, or if you prefer a gentle-paced wander then Wee Walking Tours provide a guided walk around Old Town Edinburgh in the company of their Golden Retriever guide Sawyer.

Where to Eat 

The Refinery St Andrews Square for cocktails. Waterstones café for coffee with the best view of the castle. West End pub meals from Innis & Gunn, Indigo Yard or BrewDog. The Garden in the Kimpton Charlotte Square for a light meal or afternoon tea.

Where to stay 

Splash out for hotel luxury. The Kimpton Charlotte Square goes above and beyond to cater to their four-pawed guests. Dogs are allowed throughout the hotel (with the exception of the main restaurant and the spa) and there’s even a doggie concierge who will watch or walk your dog for you to give you dog-free time. Included with your stay is the ability to borrow a key to the exclusive private (and enclosed) Charlotte Square Gardens.

Explore More 

Head to Stockbridge as most of the shops and eateries welcome dogs. Make sure to visit the Instagram-friendly Circus Lane before a walk along the Water of Leith to Dean Village. Dofos petshop in Stockbridge is eco-friendly and a must visit to stock up on dog snacks and accessories.

SNOWDOGS 
January

LOCATION: Aviemore 
BEST FOR: Sports fans 
GETTING THERE: A9 or bus (Inverness bus), or train to Aviemore then head out of town (taxis are available or park along the roadside) to Loch Morlich. You’ll hear the dog encampment before you see them, the primeval wolf-howl of the snow dogs is audible for miles in the winter forest.

The last weekend in January sees the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain rally outside Aviemore. Over 2,000 purebred sled dogs (huskies, malamutes, samoyeds and yakutian laika) descend to race the forest trails around Loch Morlich, pulling sleds or wheeled rigs as conditions permit. Human and four-pawed spectators are welcome along the trails and to visit the teams in the waiting area. Make use of this event as your excuse (if any were needed!) to visit the beautiful Cairngorms region and enjoy lochside and forest walks in ancient Caledonian pine forest.

Top pick 

Watch a few of the races, chat to the mushers, then go to Loch Morlich for a play on the sandy beach. Racing starts and ends early so be there by midday to see the larger teams go by. 

Where to Eat 

The Pine Martin Bar and Scran at Loch Morlich, The Old Bridge Inn in Aviemore. Most Aviemore pubs welcome dogs so you are spoilt for choice. 

Where to stay 

High Range Chalets Aviemore have been family owned since 1976. Set in woodland on the town outskirts, their cabins are basic but warm and comfortable. For those who prefer hotel accommodation, the nearby Nethybridge Hotel is a traditional Highland hotel with a friendly pub, log fires and extensive gardens. 

Explore More 

Visit Rothiemurchus Estate for a stroll around Loch an Eilein. If the weather allows then hike the short but steep route from the Glenmore Forest visitor centre to An Lochan Uaine (the Green Lochan).

SPRINGTIME ROMANCE
February

LOCATION: Fife 
BEST FOR: Garden lovers or a romantic getaway 
GETTING THERE: Stagecoach 95 from St Andrews to Leven passes through Kingsbarns, get off and walk up the drive to Cambo. Driving it’s 15 minutes from St Andrews.

By February the first signs of spring will be stirring (although often the weather turns cold). One of the first flowers of a Scottish spring is snowdrops, and Cambo Estate in Fife, near St Andrews holds the Scottish Snowdrop collection. It also happens to be dog friendly, making it an ideal late winter visit. For those seeking a romantic Valentine’s getaway then St Andrews was the town where Prince William and Kate Middleton first met and fell in love...

Top Pick 

Visit Cambo to admire the snowdrops. Make time for a light meal/afternoon tea in their Stables vegetarian café. While you are there, explore nearby Kingsbarns beach. 

To Explore 

Walk a section (or the whole way) along the coastal path from St Andrews to Kingsbarns. Explore the three beaches (East, Castle and West Sands) of St Andrews. On a Sunday (no golf) walk the famous Old Course in St Andrews. Drive out of town towards Dundee to visit Tentsmuir forest and beach. 

To Stay 

Hotel luxury at Hotel du Vin St Andrews, or book the converted farm steading Seaview Cottage just outside St Andrews for a cosy, secluded getaway complete with log burner and hot tub. 

To Eat 

Enjoy the home cooking from the Stables vegetarian café at Cambo. In St Andrews itself, most pubs welcome dogs and serve good pub food. Our top pick is The St Andrews Brew Co. on South Street for good food, comfy sofas, a relaxed atmosphere and free doggie snacks.

words & photographs of Sally // Claire Roulston