The Canine guide to the Highlands

Close your eyes and conjure up an image of the Highlands of Scotland, and it’s sure to feature pristine white-sand beaches, majestic mountains, and rugged scenery aplenty. Now pop your dog into that mental picture. The Highlands, a place we love as humans, is a joy to share with our canine counterparts; outdoor adventure awaits in spades, along with oodles of dog-friendly businesses to make your holiday as memorable for your pet as it will be for you.

Join us for a whistle-stop tour of some of the best dog-friendly things to do in the Highlands, and discover much more besides on your travels. The area is vast, the dog-friendly options are plentiful, and this is just the tip of the pet-friendly iceberg that is the Highlands! If you’re specifically looking for dog-friendly things to do on the Isle of Skye, please see our dedicated guide.

Read on for our pick of dog-friendly places to visit with your pet, or cut straight to the chase and find your perfect pet-approved property by tapping the button below.

Skip to:

• Dog-friendly places to eat in the Highlands
• Dog-friendly beaches in the Highlands
• Dog-friendly walks in the Highlands
• Dog-friendly attractions in the Highlands
• Map of dog-friendly things to do in the Highlands

Dog-friendly places to eat in the Highlands

Walking works up an appetite, and it’s one activity you’re sure to be enjoying on a daily basis on a holiday in the dog-friendly Highlands. Never fear though, for there are a multitude of brilliant dog-friendly places to eat in the Highlands, so a hunger-banishing feast is never far away. Try these dog-friendly restaurants in the Highlands as a starting point, and you’ll discover many more during your stay.

The Ceilidh Place | Ullapool

Cosy up in this lovely dog-friendly restaurant in Ullapool, whatever the weather. If the wind and rain is raging outside, there’s nothing better than hunkering down with a hearty meal on the table and your pup at your side – even better if it’s washed down with a pint or two.

At the Ceilidh Place, on cold days, a fire crackles away in the wood burner, and regular live music keeps things lively. What’s more, there’s an art gallery and bookshop in the same building! Why not pop next door to pick up a book to read with your favourite tipple?

Stacks Deli, Bakery and Coffee House | John O’Groats

When you’re at the northernmost point of mainland UK and hunger strikes, there’s nothing for it but to search out Stacks Deli, Bakery and Coffee House. A warm welcome awaits for four-pawed and two-footed patrons, as well as a selection of cakes that will stop you in your tracks.

After a walk and the obligatory selfie at the John O’Groats signpost, it’s just a short amble along to Stacks (350 metres) to stock up on edible goodies to fuel you for the rest of the day.

Black Isle Brewery | Fort William

Black Isle Brewery is the perfect dog-friendly eatery for hounds whose human is on a perpetual search for the perfect pint. What’s more, theirs is a pint with a conscience, created with naturally grown organic barley and hops, in a brewery located on a farm focused on increasing biodiversity.

Along with their sister establishment in Inverness, the Fort William branch of Black Isle Brewery serves up delicious, organic wood-fired pizzas alongside their mouthwatering beverages – an experience you can enjoy in the company of your four-legged-friend who will be positively adored here.

The Bay | Dunbeath

If you’re on the North Coast 500 route, The Bay makes a perfect stop off for a pint and a filling meal. Dogs on a lead are welcome in the beer garden and restaurant, so settle in and browse the menu which is bursting with delicious choices including wood-fired pizza, burgers and fish and chips.

Take a look at The Bay’s logo and you’ll notice a peculiar-looking ‘y’ at the end – that’s one arm of the old Norse symbol, the Helm of Awe, a rune which symbolises protection and sanctuary, two things that The Bay aims to offer its visitors. A place to relax, feel welcome, and perhaps escape from the northern Highlands weather!

Old Bridge Inn | Aviemore

When you’re in Scotland’s outdoor adventure capital, Aviemore, you can’t miss a visit to the Old Bridge Inn, particularly if you’ve got your pet in tow. Set on the banks of the River Spey, with the occasional live music fixture, and a rustic lounge area that welcomes dogs, the atmosphere is inviting and comfortable.

The Old Bridge Inn is also the access point for launching watercraft on the River Spey, so if your pooch is accustomed to paddleboarding, or a willing passenger in a canoe, this could be the perfect spot to disem-bark (see what we did there?) for a spot of lunch on your trip down the river.

Dog-friendly beaches in the Highlands

Is your pup a water baby, or do they prefer zoomies on the sand? Whatever type of beachgoer your beloved dog is, there’s a beach in the Highlands to suit them (and you!). Here’s a round up of some of the dog-friendly beaches in the Highlands, and there are many more sprinkled along the coast.

Sango Bay

Don’t forget your camera, because Sango Bay is one handsome little Highland beach. Easy to reach with parking nearby, you’ll soon be padding around on its soft sand, admiring the striking rock formations and inviting blue water.

To the east lies Smoo Cave (find out more about this below), which you can reach by way of a circular walk if you’re feeling energetic. Sango is the closest beach to Durness, and one of the furthest north in mainland Scotland, and with a mixture of machair (low-lying grassy plain), sand dunes, sheer cliffs and stacks, its varied scenery gives you much to admire – if you’re not gazing out to sea to spot dolphins, that is.

Clachtoll Beach

If you like your beaches to look like a tropical paradise, set your compass for Clachtoll Beach, a glorious white-sand idyll, lapped by shallow turquoise water, just perfect for swimming. Boardwalks run through the dunes to the beach which lies on the North Coast 500 route.

It’s not just humans and hounds who frequent the beach; dolphins, porpoises and minke whales can often be spotted frolicking off the coast, while a weather eye on the skies may be rewarded with sightings of eagles and all manner of seabirds.

Firemore Beach

With the Gulf Stream sweeping warmer water into this calm tidal bay, close to Poolewe, you won’t find a balmier spot for a dip on the north coast of Scotland. While ‘warm’ may be a bit misleading, when you’re ankle deep and trying to accustom yourself to the chill of the water, you can motivate yourself with the knowledge that you won’t find higher temperatures elsewhere!

Perhaps your pooch can coax you out for a swim; they’re welcome on the beach, but must be kept under control due to livestock grazing nearby. As with other coastal spots mentioned above, the likelihood of spotting dolphins and other wildlife is fairly good, and if you can’t see anything out there in the ocean, focus your attention on the rock pools to the sides of the beach.

Morar Beach

A series of jaw-dropping sandy beaches make up the Silver Sands of Morar, tempting you away from the road if you’re driving past, and dazzling visitors with their fine white sand and fabulous views. Park up in the car park and wander along the beaches to find your own private patch with your pup.

If you’re looking for dog-friendly beaches in the Highlands on which to enjoy a family day out, Silver Sands of Morar is a top choice because the sheltered water is great for bathing.

Nairn Central Beach

Striking white sand and a backdrop of rolling sand dunes are the stand-out features of this dog-friendly beach in the Highlands. Just 16.5 miles from Inverness, it’s perfect for day-trippers from the city, and dazzles visitors with its awe-inspiring sunsets, and sometimes, glimpses of the Northern Lights.

A school of dolphins lives just off the coast, and the area is also popular for water sports. With plenty of amenities in town, and a thrilling splash pad on the seafront, it’s a fantastic choice of Highlands beach for families.

Dog-friendly walks in the Highlands

There are lots of inspiring dog walks in the Highlands to choose from, each offering spectacular scenery, varied terrain and points of interest along the way. So, grab the lead, slip on those walking boots and ready yourselves for a day of exercise and adventure.

Glenfinnan Viaduct Lookout

The 21 arches of the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct will be recognised by Harry Potter aficionados as the location of the flying car scene in the film, the Chamber of Secrets. Follow the Glenfinnan Viaduct Lookout route to discover it, and you may be lucky enough to witness the Jacobite steam train making its way across this iconic landmark.

The car parks at the beginning of the trail do get busy around the times of the train, so be sure to park up in good time. The route is fairly easy and short – it’ll take about half an hour to walk there and back – ideal for a mooch with the pup.

Cow Hill

This moderately challenging route showcases some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery, including views of Ben Nevis, and other nearby mountains. Passing through woodland, traversing moorland and climbing up to the summit of Cow Hill, it’s an engaging walk, also affording wonderful views of sparkling Loch Linnhe and Fort William.

Starting and ending in Fort William, you can be sure of a hearty meal on your return from this walk, with plenty of places welcoming dogs. It is an out-and-back route, so any of the vistas you miss on the way, you can have a second chance at spotting on the way back.

Urquhart Bay Woods and Loch Ness Circular

Keep your eyes peeled for Nessie as you strike out on this walk to the banks of Loch Ness. Ambling through the ancient woodland of Urquhart Bay Woods, the circular route opens out onto a tranquil part of the loch shore, taking in the rivers Enrich and Coiltie along the way.

If it’s been wet in the run-up to your walk, sturdy waterproof footwear will be necessary as the way can become muddy and slippy. It may not be possible to reach the loch if there has been too much rain, as it involves crossing a river which may be impassable when the water is high.

Sandwood Bay

Families and their pets will enjoy this lovely walk through rugged moorland, which is rewarded by stunning vistas upon reaching breathtaking Sandwood Bay. Pristine sand flanked by precipitous cliffs make it a magnificent backdrop for a picnic. Swimming is not advised though, due to the undertow, but there’s plenty to make up for that, including a freshwater loch that sits behind the beach.

Despite not being a swimming spot, it’s a top pick for surfers, so as you’re staring out to sea, you might see some people catching a few waves, or there may even be dolphins adding to the melee. While the beach is dog friendly, our canine pals should be kept on leads due to nesting birds and livestock.

Ratagan Loch Duich Circular

If your dog’s a water baby, this gorgeous lochside route could be the Highlands dog walk for you. Ambling along the banks of Loch Duich, there are many opportunities for your pup to get their feet wet while you stand and drink in the views.

The serene loch is surrounded by hills and mountains, with small boats bobbing peacefully on its glittering surface, and tree-lined banks giving it a wild feel. The walk follows a road and then a gravel pathway, making it a relatively easy route for those in suitable footwear.

Dog-friendly attractions in the Highlands

Days out with your dog can be difficult, but that’s not the case here in the Highlands. Dog-friendly attractions in the Highlands are spread across this epic landscape, allowing you to enjoy everything from steam train rides to adrenaline thrills.

Loch Ness Cruise

Undeniably, one of the best ways to fully appreciate the atmosphere of legendary Loch Ness is to get out on the water. There are several operators to choose from, all offering the chance to take in the sights, spot wildlife and learn about the history (and mystery!) of the infamous loch and its mythical inhabitant.

Cruise Loch Ness offers the unique opportunity to watch live images from sonar equipment to see what’s going on beneath the surface, and Jacobite Loch Ness promotes a range of tours to suit all tastes. Both operators welcome dogs if notified at the time of booking, but numbers may be limited.

Strathspey Railway

A thrilling journey on board a steam train through epic scenery could be just the ticket for one of the days of your dog-friendly holiday in the Highlands. Dogs are welcome to join you on your trip on Strathspey Railway, apart from in the first-class and dining carriages. So, pack a picnic and enjoy a nostalgic journey through the scenic Cairngorms National Park, starting at Aviemore Station.

Hop off at Victorian Boat of Garten Station which lies on the picturesque River Spey, and also stop at Broomhill Station, famous for its role as Glenbogle Station in TV series Monarch of the Glen. From here, you can take the path along the River Nethy to Nethy Bridge to browse the shops or find a bite to eat in dog-friendly Nethy House Cafe.  

Nevis Range Mountain Experience

Intrepid dogs and their owners will relish the opportunity to enjoy the scenery and adrenaline thrill on one of Nevis Range Mountain Experience’s mountain gondolas. Used by skiers, hill walkers, gliders and mountain bikers, the gondolas climb from an elevation of 100 metres to 650 metres up the north face of Aonach Mòr.

You’ll find there are 80 six-seater enclosed cabins suspended from a continuous steel cable, carrying 1,700 passengers per hour, on a journey that takes 12–15 minutes each way. Once at the top, you can stride out on two short walks to Sgurr Finnisg-aig or Meall Beag viewpoints, or simply enjoy the panoramas from the dog-friendly Snowgoose Restaurant and Bar.

Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve

The National Trust for Scotland’s Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve is home to a dramatic gorge, a crashing waterfall, a Victorian suspension bridge and a series of woodland trails. It also harbours an astonishing array of wildlife, including ravens, red squirrels and golden eagles. Check out the wildlife spotter’s guide before you go to find out what to expect.

The mile-long canyon was created by glacial meltwater and is now a playground for outdoorsy families and their four-legged friends looking to experience nature at its finest. There is a Gateway to Nature Centre and Cafe with facilities for visitors, and information about this unique location.

Smoo Cave

Smoo Cave is an impressive sea cave with a vast, 50-foot entrance, situated approximately one mile east of Durness. Formed by a burn running from the rear, as well as erosion from the sea, it is a dramatic natural wonder, now floodlit to allow us humans to enjoy it at its finest.

Access to the main chamber, and waterfall chamber via walkways is free of charge, and dogs are welcome to join you, however if you’d like to venture further in, you’ll have to nominate one of your party to look after Fido, as dogs can’t be accommodated on the boat tours (charges apply). Please note that tours don’t run after rainfall, due to flooding of the cave.

Glenlivet Estate

Encompassing an expansive 23,000 hectares between the Ladder Hills and Cromdale Hills in the Cairngorms National Park, the Glenlivet Estate is rural and peaceful, welcoming visitors to enjoy the countryside. The numerous walking trails are perfect for those with two feet and four, or take to two wheels at the dedicated mountain bike centre.

One thing’s for sure, you won’t be alone out there on the hills. There is wildlife aplenty, including red squirrels and red deer, with waymarked trails, guided walks with rangers and family events helping you learn about the different species that call the estate home. There are visitor centres in Tomintoul, two distilleries (dogs not allowed), an adventure playground and numerous historic sites to explore.

Map of dog-friendly things to do in the Highlands

As you can see, there are a plethora of dog-friendly things to do in the Highlands. Find all of the above suggestions on our handy map.

Dog-friendly self-catering accommodation in the Highlands

If there’s one holiday your pet won’t want to be left at home for, it’s your trip to the Highlands. Avoid having to disappoint the four-legged friend in your life and book a stay in one of our dog-friendly holiday cottages in the Highlands.

Perhaps you’re looking for an escape for two with your beloved canine pal? Or maybe you’re planning a family getaway to explore the fabulous scenery? Whoever you’re travelling with, and wherever you’re heading, you’ll find one of our dog-friendly Highlands cottages to suit. Tap the button below to start your search, or explore more dog-friendly UK destinations.