In the heart of Perthshire’s ‘Big Tree Country’, named for the 200,000 acres of woodland throughout the region, dog-friendly Pitlochry is a wonderful choice for a holiday with your four-pawed friend.
To the north, part of Tay Forest Park dominates the landscape, while the River Tummel flows by to the west. Mountains, lochs and parks provide even more opportunity to get outside during your holiday – your dog will be overwhelmed with the number of sticks to fetch throughout this forested region!
Back in town, you’ll find independent shops, cosy cottages and dog-friendly cafes in Pitlochry to explore between excursions into the remarkable local landscape.
Pitlochry is not the only town boasting outstanding natural spaces to discover with your dog by your side. Get inspired by reading through our Canine guide to Scotland and you’ll soon uncover even more unforgettable places to spend your next pet-friendly break.
Get to know all about beautiful Pitlochry with a read through our dog-friendly guide or head straight over to our cottage collection to begin planning your next dog-friendly holiday to Pitlochry.
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🐶 Top days out
🐾 Top walkies
🍴 Top dining spots
🌿 Towns and villages
🏡 Top places to stay
Top days out in Pitlochry
Queen's View Visitor Centre and Loch Tummel
Best for magnificent views: Begin your exploration of Pitlochry and the surrounding landscape with a visit to the Queen’s View Visitor Centre and soak in the phenomenal view of Loch Tummel from this mountainside setting.
The centre itself is a dog-friendly place to visit with a café, shop and information about the surrounding woodland, part of the Tay Forest, where you can enjoy a dog walk or cycle ride with Loch Tummel below.
Why your dog will love it: With sticks to fetch, squirrels to chase and people to meet, this is the perfect place for a dog-friendly day out!
Blair Castle
Best for a fairy-tale day out: Make your way around the exquisite gardens and grounds of Blair Castle with your dog on a lead during your break. The gleaming white castle looks like something out of a fairy tale and, although dogs aren’t permitted inside the castle, it makes a spectacular backdrop as you explore the grounds.
The impressive estate includes a 9-acre walled garden, ruined kirk, deer park, gothic folly, wooded grove, orchard with over 100 fruit trees, and even a sculpture trail.
Why your dog will love it: The magical grounds offer a wealth of interest for both dogs and their pup parents to explore.
Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre
Best for nature lovers: At this dog-friendly attraction in Pitlochry, you can discover Scotland’s hydroelectric heritage and the management of local habitats – you’ll even find out about the salmon and sea trout who have to pass through the dam in order to reach their breeding grounds upriver.
Once you’ve taken in all you can about this fascinating relationship between hydropower and the preservation of local wildlife at the Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre, grab a bite to eat in the café or pop into the shop.
Why your dog will love it: Your dog will appreciate surveying this territory by gazing down on the impressive Pitlochry Dam.
Top dog walks in Pitlochry
Ben Vrackie
Best mountain dog walk: This is one for energetic dogs who are used to challenging, long walks with their owners. Ben Vrackie is a mountain, 841m high at its summit, and this Ben Vrackie walk is a popular route to conquer.
This walking route is 7 miles along a well-made path with challenging, steep sections, passing by beautiful Loch a' Choire, views of the Cairngorms, and there’s a viewpoint marker to look out for to show when you’ve reached the summit.
Why your dog will love it: It's a true walking challenge! Perfect for pups who could keep roaming for hours.
Faskally Forest
Best woodland dog walk: In the heart of Scotland’s Big Tree Country sits Faskally Forest. It was originally planted as a model woodland in the 19th century and became a school for young foresters to learn how to create and maintain sustainable and diverse woodland.
There are a couple of walks for you and your canine companion to choose from. We’d recommend the Dunmore Trail, an easy, accessible route with wide gravel tracks bypassing 200-year-old trees – look out for water lilies on the loch in summer.
Why your dog will love it: There are endless sticks to fetch along this woodland walk.
Black Spout Wood
Best waterfall dog walk: This short 3-mile route will lead you and your four-pawed pup through scenic woodland, past the Edradour Distillery, and by the enchanting Black Spout Waterfall.
Beginning this Black Spout Walk in dog-friendly Pitlochry town centre, you’ll enjoy an easy ramble along paths and minor roads and you’ll also get the chance to take in picturesque views across the hills and the River Tummel.
Why your dog will love it: Besides it being a delightful dog walk, any water-loving hounds can cool their feet or splash about in the shallows along the way.
Top dog-friendly places to eat in Pitlochry
Cafe Calluna
Best dog-friendly café in Pitlochry: This cool, contemporary dog-friendly café in the heart of Pitlochry is just the place for a milkshake or light lunch amid shopping and exploring the town.
With classics such as homemade soups and bakes, jacket potatoes and a big breakfast, not to mention tasty coffees and hot chocolate on offer, Cafe Calluna is a delightful place to dine with your dog.
Why your dog will love it: Your sociable hound may get a bit of a fuss at this cosy dog-friendly cafe.
McKays Hotel Bar and Restaurant
Best dog-friendly pub and bar in Pitlochry: Head down the high street and step inside the warm and welcoming McKays Hotel Bar and Restaurant for a dinner out with the whole pack at this dog-friendly restaurant in Pitlochry.
With locally sourced produce including Scottish meats, enjoy a traditional Scottish haggis during your holiday, tuck into steak pie, or enjoy classic mac ‘n’ cheese.
Why your dog will love it: Your dog will no doubt love to try a few scraps from this delicious meaty menu - after all, it's only the best for our faithful friends!
Fern Cottage Restaurant
Best dog-friendly restaurant in Pitlochry: This enchanting, stone-built restaurant in dog-friendly Pitlochry is a real find for anyone on holiday with their hound. While dogs cannot enter, there is lovely seating outside Fern Cottage where your pup can join you and the food is exquisite.
The Mediterranean influences add a twist to the traditional Scottish fare served up in style. Choose from gnocchi, shellfish, lamb, venison, and other fine food that everyone will love. Dine under the stars with your four-pawed friend at this Pitlochry restaurant.
Why your dog will love it: Your lucky pup will be thrilled to be able to lounge outside and watch the world pass by while you dine.
Dog-friendly towns and cities near Pitlochry
Killiecrankie
Best village for wildlife and heritage: If you can’t get enough of forest walks in ‘Big Tree Country’, head to Killiecrankie, a peaceful village with a hotel/pub and important, historic forest.
Cared for by the National Trust, the Killiecrankie forest was the site of a legendary Jacobite battle and today is bursting with rare and wonderful wildlife. A delightful green footbridge crosses over the magnificent gorge running through these woods and there’s a visitor centre where you can learn more about the area’s heritage.
Why your dog will love it: History-loving hounds can sniff out the battle at this legendary site, or simply follow wildlife trails as you explore.
Aberfeldy
Best town to follow in the footsteps of Robert Burns: The Birks of Aberfeldy is a song written by Scotland’s iconic poet and it’s believed he was inspired during a walk along the banks of Moness Burn. You can follow this beautiful walk from town which passes several small waterfalls.
Meanwhile, in the centre of Aberfeldy, there’s a traditional square surrounded by independent shops, pubs and a much-loved cinema. Visit Victoria Park, see the Black Watch Memorial and explore the Cluny House Gardens while here.
Why your dog will love it: There are plenty of beautiful and intriguing outdoor spaces to enjoy so your dog can stay by your side as you get to know Aberfeldy.
Perth
Best for a city day trip: If you’d prefer a city day out, Perth is 27 miles south and set on the banks of the River Tay. This is an exciting destination with a wonderful café culture and vibrant arts scene to discover.
On your visit, you could stroll through the enchanting National Trust managed Branklyn Garden, explore the grounds of Scone Palace with your dog by your side or wander the city centre for an afternoon’s shopping and dining.
Why your dog will love it: City hounds can soak up the atmosphere and people-watch in this dog-friendly destination.
Dog-friendly places to stay in Pitlochry
Inedra, Pitlochry | sleeps 2 dogs and 10 humans
Best for a group holiday: Inedra is a stylish cottage escape and the perfect place for a big group getaway with your favourite human mates and two canine companions too.
Fashionable furnishings and sociable spaces combine to create an excellent base for a celebration or family break, complete with a covered patio and firepit that provides an atmospheric place to dine and share drinks when night falls, with your pup asleep at your feet.
Why your dog will love it: This cottage has a good-sized rug laid out right in front of the wood burner - the perfect place for your dog to stretch out and warm their paws.
4 Viewbank Gardens, Pitlochry | sleeps 2 dogs and 3 humans
Best for a small family: As you might expect, 4 Viewbank Gardens offers far-reaching views for you to enjoy during your stay. Soak up the town and mountains, and see if a train passes by too while you sit out in the garden, or admire the views from your bedroom window while you prepare for your day.
This Edwardian cottage exudes a delightful olde-worlde charm complete with stylish armchairs which you can settle into while catching up on the morning news with Fido at your feet.
Why your dog will love it: The delightful, enclosed garden will allow your dog to enjoy time pottering outdoors and gazing out on those views while pup parents enjoy a coffee or al fresco lunch.
The Whisky Room, Pitlochry | sleeps 1 dog and 2 humans
Best for a couple's retreat: Get away to this exquisite cabin for a romantic break in an artfully built holiday home. A wooden porch and stone exterior contrast with natural wood and concrete walls, creating a beautiful space – there’s even a stone fireplace with a wood burner where your faithful friend can warm their paws.
The Whisky Room also has a patio, outdoor furniture and firepit for time spent under the sun or stars, and it’s on the edge of Pitlochry, perfect for town or country exploration.
Why your dog will love it: There's wonderful outdoor space and walking trails on the doorstep of this bijou property including a route that leads you right into Pitlochry.
Plan an adventure to dog-friendly Pitlochry, a town infused with a wealth of heritage, and surrounded by ancient forests hiding river walks and waterfalls.
Whether travelling with the family, with your partner, or planning a get-together with friends, you can be assured that your four-pawed best friend will be welcomed at one of our dog-friendly Pitlochry cottages.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.