Scotland Dog Friendly Walks
Scotland - Dog Friendly Walks
Here's a few of our favourites, why not let us know about your favourite walks in Scotland.
Popular area: Aberdeenshire, Angus, Argyll & Bute, Dunbartonshire, Dumfries & Galloway, East Lothian, Fife, Highlands, Isle of Mull, Perth & Kinross, Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders, South Lanarkshire, Sterlingshire, West Lothian.
Aberdeenshire
Balmedie Beach & Country Park - Balmedie, just north of Aberdeen, has a particularly long and wide beach of clean golden sand, bordered by grassy dunes. It's part of the Balmedie Beach and Country Park which has been developed to provide additional amenities for visitors. There is ample parking, toilets, wooden walkways across the sands and streams, picnic areas with barbecues, and a swing park with a fishing theme for children.
Collieston Beach - The harbour village of Collieston, with its safe and picturesque beach, is situated on the north east coast of Scotland, 20 miles to the north of Aberdeen. Once a thriving fishing village with a lively history of smuggling and contraband, it is now a vibrant cosmopolitan village full of charm with a unique setting. Enjoying a safe sandy beach and other natural attractions.
Den Wood - Near:Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire. Size:18.56 ha (45.86 acres).Grid ref:NJ806302. OS map sheets:OS Landranger 30, Explorer 421. The site is accessible via the C187 turnoff from the A947 Old Meldrum to Turriff road 2 miles north of Old Meldrum. There is a small informal parking area on a wide verge near the single access gate and a network of 2.5km of footpaths gives good access to all parts of the woodland. Upgrading of the footpath network, the provision of an informal car park , way marking and a leaflet produced by Aberdeenshire Council has led to increased popularity of the woodland particularly at weekends. This is a Woodland Trust Walk.
Turnpike Trail - Bennachie, Aberdeenshire. Bennachie Centre - Travel on the A96 north past Inverurie. Approximately two miles beyond Inverurie take a road on the left sign posted to Chapel of Garioch. At Chapel of Garioch turn left (sign posted to the Bennachie Centre). Follow this road for two miles. The car park is signposted. A low-level route which follows the line of the old Turnpike road through Pitrodrie Estate. It links the Bennachie Centre to Bennachie Rowan Tree. Follow the T symbols Length of trail: 6.5km or 4 miles. Approximate time of trail:Two hours. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Angus
The Doll Walk, Glen Doll - By car on the B955 and minor road to the end of Glen Clova. At the end of the public road there are large directional signs for the car park. This is a circular route which follows the lower part of the 'right of way' Kilbo Path on the southern side of the forest, before dropping back down to the river side. Length of trail:3 miles . Approximate time of trail:1 hour 30 minutes. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Argyll & Bute
Crinan Woods - Near:Crinan, Argyll and Bute. Size:35 ha (86.49 acres). Grid ref:NR789939. OS map sheets:OS Landranger 55, Explorer 358. Crinan Wood rises 100 metres above the picturesque village of Crinan, and the famous Crinan canal. From this vantage point, visitors can lose themselves in the spectacular views west to the Isle of Jura and north to Mull. Looking across Crinan Loch, they can marvel at the historic 12th Century Duntrune Castle and survey the 1200 boggy acres of National Nature Reserve. This is a Woodland Trust Walk.
Dunardry Walk, Knapdale Forest - From Lochgilphead, follow the A816 two miles north, then turn left on to the B841. After travelling about one and a half miles, Dunardry car park is on the left. The Dunardry walk can be started from the Dunardry car park in Knapdale Forest. Follow the yellow markers. Length of trail:3 miles . Approximate time of trail:2 hours. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Timber Walk, Inverliever Forest - From Lochgilphead, follow the A816 one mile north of Kilmartin. Then follow the B840 to Ford then the unclassified road for six miles to Cruahan. The walk takes you down towards the shore of Loch Awe then along the lochside track. Length of trail:3 miles . Approximate time of trail:1.5 hours . This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Dunbartonshire
Loch Lomand & The Trossachs National Park - There are lots of visitors centres dotted around the national park. If you start your walk at Balloch Visitors Centre, you can follow the West Loch Lomand Cycle and Footpath along the west side of the loch. This path is 15 miles long, mainly traffic free, and suitable for walkers, wheelchair users, and cyclists. Dogs should be kept under control to respect the pther path users. There is a train station at each end of the path, so if you walk the whole length, you can jump on the train to get back to your starting point.
Whinny Hill Wood - Size:Near:Boturich, West Dunbartonshire. 102.11 ha (252.32 acres). Grid ref:NS397848. OS map sheets:OS Landranger 56, Explorer 347. There is a wide network of tracks to explore the area and the main access point for Whinny Hill is provided through the nearby Balloch Country Park. The highlight of any walk will be the stunning views over Loch Lomond and the surrounding mountains.
Dumfries & Galloway
Larg Hill Trail, Galloway Forest Park - From Newton Stewart: Take A75 signposted Dumfries for 3 miles. Turn left at Palnure signposted Kirroughtree Visitor Centre. This trail requires a reasonable degree of fitness, however the panoramic view across the Solway Firth is well worth the effort. It also offers open views of Cairnsmore of Fleet to the east and the ancient market town of Newton Stewart to the west. Length of trail:Four miles. Approximate time of trail:Two hours 30 mins . This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Colvend Walk, Dalbeattie Forest - Leave Dalbeattie on the A710, heading south towards Colvend. All forest walks start from the 'Town Wood' car park (which is the first car park on the left). Created by the Dalbeattie Forest Community Partnership, this long distance walk ends at Colvend where refreshments are available and a limited bus service runs back to Dalbeattie. Trail waymarking: Brown. Length of trail:6 miles. Approximate time of trail:4 hours . This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
East Lothian
Butterdean Wood - Near:Gladsmuir, Haddington, East Lothian. Size:42.19 ha (104.25 acres). Grid ref:NT456721. OS map sheets:OS Landranger 66, Explorer 351. There are over 5km of managed paths within the Trusts ownership at Butterdean with the busier routes being hard surfaced paths. Many of these paths form part of the network of way marked trails linking in with the ELC owned wood and car park to the north. There is also good connection to the wider network of paths with links onto the Rights of Way network. Indeed two Rights of Way pass directly through Butterdean Wood, one north-south from the car park to Hodges Farm and the second east-west from Alba Trees through to the B6363, both part of longer routes. This is a Woodland Trust Walk.
Fife
The Icehouse Walk, Tentsmuir - Follow the brown 'Kinshaldy Beach' signs from the church in the middle of Leuchars village. From Kinshaldy, this walk takes you through pinewoods to a former icehouse, and World War Two fortifications. Enjoy extensive views out over sand dunes to North Sea and St. Andrews. Length of trail:3 miles. Approximate time of trail:1 hour 15 minutes. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Blairenbathie Mine Trail, Blairadam Woods - Leave M90 motorway at junction 4 and travel west along the B914. Take first right to enter Blairadam Forest. Follow the road for just over half a mile to reach Keltyhill Wood car park. The route passes by the remains of the two Blairenbathie pits. The first is the modern mine, near to the start of the trail. It closed in 1962 and has been reclaimed by the forest. Further on the path crosses the recently restored Lochornie Burn bridge with its tall narrow arch, characteristic of the Adam style. Before reaching the old Blairenbathie pit there is an attractive area of mature broadleaved woodland with oak, beech and birch. The remains of the pit and the associated pit bing can be found amongst the trees. Follow the Yellow Markers. Length of trail:2.5 miles . Approximate time of trail:1 hour 30 minutes . This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Highlands
Abriachan Wood - Near:Loch Ness, Highland. Size:164.67 ha (406.91 acres). Grid ref:NH574357. OS map sheets:OS Landranger 26, Explorer 416. Travelling along the shores of Loch Ness, one of the few places you can get off the road and into the woods is Abriachan Wood. Stopping here is well worth the effort, enjoy the panoramic views, the contrasting woodland type and the variety of wildlife. This is a Woodland Trust Walk.
Glencharnoch Wood - Near:Carrbridge, Highland. Size:14.7 ha (36.32 acres). Grid ref:NH901225. OS map sheets:OS Landranger 36, Explorer 403, Explorer 418. This is an important local amenity for the people of Carrbridge providing all year round woodland walks and connections between different parts of the village. There are three easily accessible entrances and within the site there is about 1km of prominent footpaths with links to neighbouring footpaths. There are also numerous narrow 'desire line' footpaths that allow reasonable access to the remainder of the woodland. Small wooden bridges are in place at stream crossing points. Glencharnoch wood is of particular local importance for landscape, amenity and recreation purposes and is well used by the public. Visitor numbers are estimated at 10,000 per year.
Urquhart Bay - Near: Drumnadrochit, Highland. Size:23.36 ha (57.72 acres). Grid ref:NH519297. OS map sheets:OS Landranger 26, Explorer 416, Explorer 431. Situated on the banks of Loch Ness, you will find Urquhart Bay Wood. Urquhart Bay lies between the River Coiltie and River Enrick and is one of the best examples of surviving ancient wet woodland in Europe. It is part of a major concentration of ancient woodlands along Loch Ness and the glens running west including Glen Urquhart and Glen Affric. The footpaths form a rough figure of eight through the centre of the wood. This is a Woodland Trust Walk.
Lochan nan Nathrach, Glenmore Forest Park - Take the ski road from Aviemore towards the Cairngorms and after six miles you will be in Glenmore Forest Park. Go through Glenmore Village, cross the bridge over the Abhainn Ruigh-eunachan and the Herons Field car park is 150 yards beyond the bridge on the right. This fairly level trail leads from the Hayfield car park out to Lochan nan Nathrach (The Serpents' Loch). Follow the Red markers. Length of trail:3.5 miles . Approximate time of trail:2 hours. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Tollie Path, Slatterdale - From Kinlochewe, take the A832 road north towards Gairloch. After approximately nine miles, a cattle grid is crossed beside a large Forestry Commission Scotland sign. The Tollie Path is a 'right of way' which runs from the Loch Maree car park through to Tollie Farm which is situated about two miles south of the village of Poolewe. Length of trail:5 miles . Approximate time of trail:3 hours. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
The River Walk, The Great Glen Forest - River Walk can be started from River Oich Carpark in Auchteraw which is part of Great Glen Forest. Fort Augustus, Invermoriston, Foyers, Drumnadrochit, and Inverness are the nearest towns or villages. From the A82, just north of Fort Augustus, follow the unclassified roads through Jenkins Park and continue towards Auchteraw for half a mile. At the fork, turn left and go past the Fort Augustus District Office to River Oich carpark which is just around the corner. The River Walk sets off through planted, conifer forest and returns along the banks of the River Oich through trees and open spaces. Follow the yellow markers. Length of trail:7km / 4.3 miles . Approximate time of trail:2 hours . This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Mellon Udrigle Beach, Ross-shire - Pet Friendly Beach with stunning scenery.
Gruinard Bay in Wester Ross, Ross-shire - When the tide is out there is a large area for your dogs to run around, and the sea is shallow so ideal for paddling.
Firemore Beach, Nr Poolewe - Dog and kid friendly beach.
Isle of Mull
Calgary Bay, Isle of Mull, Scotland - Directions: From Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, follow the winding B8073. There are no restrictions on dogs using the beach, but consideration should of course be shown to other beach users and local wildlife. This beach is considered by locals and visitors to be the finest beach on the island – and one of the most beautiful in Scotland.
Perth & Kinross
Moncreiffe Hill - Near:Perth, Perth and Kinross. Size:132.03 ha (326.25 acres). Grid ref:NO138197. OS map sheets:OS Landranger 53, OS Landranger 58, Explorer 369, Explorer 380. Moncreiffe Wood offers excellent public access with 14km of paths of different grades. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views over Perth, the River Tay, Dundee, and Strathearn and further afield to Fife and the Lomond Hills. You can also see the famous landmark of Kinnoull Hill to the north with its tower and crags. This is a Woodland Trust Walk.
Portmoak Moss - Near:Scotlandwell, Perth and Kinross. Size:43.18 ha (106.70 acres). Grid ref:NO179014. OS map sheets:OS Landranger 58, Explorer 367, Explorer 369, Explorer 370. partly of an open area of raised bog. Portmoak Moss is located approximately 200m south west of the village of Scotlandwell, in Perth and Kinross. It is located on flat land, around 110m in altitude, beside Loch Leven, with the Lomond Hills lying to the north east. The site is relatively flat with a central raised dome of peat. The wood is visible from the Loch and surrounding roads as well as from the popular walks on the Lomond Hills. This is a Woodland Trust Walk.
Caisteal MacTuathal walk, Tay Forest Park - Cross the bridge from Kenmore and turn right just after entrance to the caravan site. Continue for 500m, the car park entrance is signed on the left. The trail climbs to the hill fort; there you can retrace your steps or keep going and enjoy views of the Appin of Dull, Glen Lyon and Fortingall. Follow the boars head plaques on standing stones. Length of trail:4 or 6.5 miles. Approximate time of trail:2 or 4 hours . This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Pine Cone Point Walk, Craigvinean - Pine Cone Point Walk can be started from Hermitage Brae in Craigvinean which is part of Tay Forest Park. Dunkeld is the nearest town or village. Hermitage Brae is one mile north of Dunkeld on the A9. Take the left exit to the Hermitage, then the first right (before the NTS car park) up the brae for half a mile to the car park - which is in a quarry on the right. This easy access trail leads to an exciting structure with spectacular views. Follow the red markers. Length of trail:3 miles. Approximate time of trail:2 hours. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Roxburghshire
The River Tweed, St Boswells - This walk starts in beautiful St. Boswells at the bus stance. Walk down Jenny Moore's Road, carry on through the new housing development and once through take the first road to your left. Follow this around the back of the houses and you will see a sign for the River Tweed - to your right. Follow this path - a chance for dogs to have a sniff off the lead. The end of this path crosses a quiet road. Cross over the stile and follow the track that will take you pass a sign for the St. Boswells Apple - one of Scotland's largest and oldest crab apple trees. Continue on until the path crosses another, take the path to the left here and you will walk alongside the River Tweed. Follow the woodland track into a field where your dog can really have a good run around and even a swim in the river. You can see many different forms of wildlife including herons, swans and ducks and even the odd fisherman trying his hand on the river. Carry on through the field and you will come to some steps, put your dog on a lead here as you will be crossing a road. Go down the steps at the other side and continue following the path along. After 15 minutes or so you will come to St. Boswells golf course, which the path follows along the edge. Take the path that leads up past the club house and then right at the top of the hill. Follow this back to the village. Stop in the Buccleuch Arms Hotel for a drink or meal afterwards as they allow well behaved dogs.
Scottish Borders
Cairns Trail, Thornielee - Cairns Trail can be started from Thornielee Car Park in Thornielee which is part of Forests of the Scottish Borders. Walkerburn and Galashiels are the nearest towns or villages. Take the A72 from Walkerburn or Galashiels. This trail provides a stiff climb to the forest edge - but is rewarded with excellent views out over the Tweed Valley. Follow the Red Markers. Length of trail:2.8 miles. Approximate time of trail:1 hour 45 minutes. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Swarf Trail, Newcastleton Forest - Swarf Trail can be started from Dykecrofts Car Park in Newcastleton Forest which is part of Forests of the Scottish Borders. Newcastleton is the nearest town or village. From Canonbie or Bonchester Bridge take the B6357, then take the unclassified road at the southern end of Newcastleton village and follow the signs for Dykecrofts. The trail passes through the Swarf quarry which provides stone for all the forest roads in Newcastleton and neighbouring forests. Follow the Black Markers. Length of trail:3.3 miles. Approximate time of trail:2 hours. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Time Trail, Glentress Forest - Time Trail can be started from Buzzards Nest Car Park in Glentress Forest which is part of Forests of the Scottish Borders. Peebles is the nearest town or village. The car park is one and a half miles east of Peebles on the A72. Once on forest road go past the Osprey Car Park and follow road uphill beyond the Red Squirrel Car park. Follow the forest road for about one mile, the road splits to the left uphill from the forest drive. The car park is well sign posted. Get a taste of the past on this walk that gives you a glimpse of life in the Iron Age, including a reconstructed roundhouse. Beginning from the Buzzard's Nest car park, the walk takes in some spectacular views out over the Tweed Valley. Follow the Yellow Markers. Length of trail: 2 miles. Approximate time of trail:1 hour 30 minutes. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
South Lanarkshire
Toms Trail, West Forth Woodland - From Lanark, take the A706 and take the first left after entering Forth. Then take the sharp first left, then the first right, and the next left to the top of Lea Rig. Look out for the gate and Forestry Commission Scotland sign. This trail starts in West Forth Woodland with a surfaced path taking you along the ridge of high ground with great views. The path then leaves Forestry Commission Scotland woodland at the next kissing gate and the trail winds its way through the Upper Throughburn woodland next door. Follow the Blue Markers. Length of trail:1.5 miles. Approximate time of trail:30 minutes. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Peat Pond, Heathland Forest - From the A706 take the B7016 signposted Wilsontown. Go straight ahead at the bend, and park in The Glen car park on the right-hand side. Walk along the side of the public road past the Moose (Mousewater), being careful of traffic, and enter the forest at the bend in the road where you can see that there used to be a railway bridge. The Peat Pond walk is a circular trail that leads you through the forest, past a pond and then into Tashieburn woodland (not Forestry Commission Scotland property) before heading back into Heathland Forest. Follow the Orange Markers. Length of trail:1.25 miles. Approximate time of trail:30 minutes. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Sterlingshire
Glen Finglas - Near:Brig o'Turk, Stirling. Size:4096.03 ha (10121.51 acres). Grid ref:NN521108. OS map sheets:OS Landranger 57, Explorer 365. The Glen Finglas estate sweeps from just below the summit of Ben Ledi down to the shores of Loch Venacher. The best way to get an idea of the scale of the estate is to do the popular 15 mile circular walk right around Meall Cala. However if that sounds too much don’t worry Glen Finglas has walks for everyone ranging from 15 minutes to 15 miles. This is a Woodland Trust Walk.
Ghleannain Loch, Loch Ard Forest - Follow the B829 west from Aberfoyle for a mile and a half. Turn left over the River Forth and onto the forest road. Follow the signs to a new car park just under a mile into the forest. From the car park, the route leads you to the shores of Little Loch Ard. Follow the water edge through native woodland and stands of mature conifer. Enjoy the views across the loch, before leaving the loch behind and climbing gently uphill. Return to the car park passing Lochan Ghleannain on the way. Follow the Red Markers Length of trail:3.75 miles . Approximate time of trail:2 hours 30 minutes. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Salloch Trail, East Loch Lomond Woodland - From Stirling, follow the A811 to Drymen and then from Glasgow, take the A809. From Drymen take the B837 for east Loch Lomond and Rowardennan. Sallochy car park is approximately nine miles along this road. Progressing along a narrow path and then on a forest road, the trail climbs into Rowardennan Forest. As the path gains height the views across Loch Lomond and the surrounding hills are superb. The descent at the southern end of the route has steep sections and is less sure underfoot than the rest of the path - some sections may be partially overgrown and uneven. The return to the car park is via the West Highland Way. Follow the Red Markers. Length of trail:4.75 miles. Approximate time of trail:4 hours 30 minutes. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Stank Burn, Strathyre Forest - From Callander, drive along the A84, turn off at the sign for Strathyre cabins, cross the bridge and park in the small car park on your left. From the cabins, the route follows the cycle path beside Loch Lubnaig before climbing along a forest road into Strathyre Forest. As the path climbs, enjoy the views of Loch Lubnaig and the surrounding hills and forest. The path then takes you on a fairly steep descent (which includes a series of steps) through a young mixed woodland along the Stank Burn and back to the cabins. Follow the Green Markers. Length of trail:2.25 miles. Approximate time of trail:1 hour 45 minutes. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
West Lothian
Woodmuir Forest - From the A71 near West Calder, take the A704 and follow for approximately four km. The car park is on the right-hand side where a rough track joins the A704 from Breich Village. Woodmuir Forest lies at the border between West Lothian and South Lanarkshire. Sitting on a rolling hillside there are brilliant views to the north. At the car park visitors can see from the Bathgate hills to Ben Lomond and beyond on clear days. There are forest roads to follow and a circular route to take from the car park. This is a Forestry Commission Walk.
Selm Muir Wood - From Kirknewton, take Leyden Road and follow for approximately 1.5 miles. You will come to the forest entrance on the right-hand side. Selm Muir Wood is a beautiful woodland with lots of wildlife to enjoy. There are no formal footpaths in Selm Muir wood. There are level sections of forest road and some informal tracks through the wood. As the paths have not been formalised they are rough, uneven and there are open ditches. This is a Forestry Commission Walk