The Isle of Skye is a destination of staggering beauty and is an apt selection for a break for those who love the outdoor life. Impressive walking trails, challenging climbs, unforgettable boating trips, and wildlife spotting opportunities abound; your dog will love it as they can spend quality time with you in a place defined by its clean air, memorable views and the immediacy of the blue ocean and sky.
The Isle of Skye is the largest of the Inner Hebrides and is home to 12 Munros that you can climb; it also has a fascinating history of clans and bloody uprisings to discover. Visit the small towns and villages like Portree, Dunvegan, Broadford, and Armadale, or take in the majesty of The Old Man of Storr. The Isle of Skye is a superb place to get away from it all with your loved ones, especially your dog!
We have a range of enticing self-catering dog-friendly properties all across the Isle of Skye. Choose the perfect place for you and your pet, then escape to your Skye holiday of a lifetime. Read on to discover what else lies in store on the dog-friendly Isle of Skye.
What have we got to get tails wagging?
🐶 Top days out
🐾 Top walkies
🍴 Top dining spots
🏡 Top places to stay
Top dog-friendly days out on the Isle of Skye
Staffin Beach
For a good run with the dog, head to Staffin Beach at low tide. A short walk from the village of Staffin, found below Trotternish Ridge and The Old Man of Storr, you will find a slipway to one of a collection of sand and rock beaches complete with mysterious dinosaur footprints. There is also a lovely walk over the towering hills from the Columba 1400 Leadership Centre, which has a dog-friendly café inside, between the beach and Staffin.
Why your dog will love it: All dogs love the beach, whether it’s for the sea, a bit of a run and play, or the breeze coming off the waves, and this is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Scotland, let alone the Isle of Skye.
Armadale Castle and Gardens
Armadale Castle is the spiritual home of the Clan Donald and the former home of the Macdonalds of Sleat. Today you will find that there are acres and acres of landscaped garden and parkland to enjoy with your dog. There is a lovely dog-friendly place to eat and drink at Armadale Castle too, a café called Gasta. The only part of the castle which is out of bounds to dogs is the Museum of the Isles, where you can learn about the clans, the Jacobite uprising and the farming history of the Hebrides.
Why your dog will love this: Besides its really special dog-friendly place to eat, there’s lots of room for a casual walk within beautiful surroundings. Pawfection!
Loch Coruisk
If your dog doesn’t mind the odd boat trip, climb aboard the Bella Jane and see some fantastic views of the Isle of Skye from the water. You can embark on a trip across the loch to the far shore for a walk with your four-legged friend – there’s tea, coffee and snacks available aboard too.
Why your dog will love this: Some dogs love seeing the world spin past whilst aboard a boat!
Top dog-friendly walks on the Isle of Skye
The Old Man of Storr
Perhaps the Isle of Skye’s best-known landmark, The Old Man of Storr is a tall pinnacle of rock that points upwards like a gigantic claw. It can be seen for miles and is the destination point along the famous Trotternish Ridge walk. The walk is about 2 miles in length and can be completed in around 1.25 hours. It’s quite a challenging, uncovered trail, that can get rather boggy after a rainy spell, so bring your boots!
Why your dog will love it: Your pup will lap up the opportunity to become one of the highest dogs in the region on this top Scottish dog walk!
Mealt Waterfall and Kilt Rock
For great sea views for you and your pooch, seek out Mealt Waterfall and Kilt Rock. Found on the road between Quiraing and The Old Man of Storr, the 90-metre-tall Kilt Rock is said to resemble a pleated kilt; in certain lights the basalt and sandstone rocks appear to have a tartan pattern.
Fed from Mealt Loch, Mealt Falls has that wow-factor as it plummets over the cliff edge into the sea. There’s a good viewpoint, parking, and a clifftop walk for you and your four-legged friend to uncover on your visit.
Why your dog will love it: Even though its safest to remain on the lead or at heel, your dog will certainly love the bracing fresh air and the staggering views.
Fairy Pools
Accessible via a woodland pass through the Glen Brittle Forest, this collection of pretty waterfalls and swimming holes is called the Fairy Pools. Made magical with ancient myth, the pools look like a setting from Lord of the Rings. You can see the waters rush between the ponds causing a beautiful cascade after rainfall. It’s a gorgeous place to go for a lovely walk with your dog and it is brilliant for photo opportunities galore.
Why your dog will love it: The walk to Fairy Pools is a nice moderate one for dogs of all sizes and ages.
Top dog-friendly places to eat on the Isle of Skye
The Uig Hotel Bar, Uig
For a great pint and a nice hot meal, The Uig Hotel is recommended. The food is gorgeous and very reasonably priced; at the time of writing, a three-course Sunday meal costs £15. Specialities include Highland red deer, and the haddock and chips. Dogs are most welcome in the bar and there is a superb choice of whisky and wine to choose from. They are open for lunch and dinner all year around. Booking ahead is advised, as this is one of the best dog-friendly places to eat in Scotland.
Why your dog will love it: This ambient pub is a friendly and relaxing spot to rest between walks.
L’incontro, Portree
This dog-friendly Italian restaurant is a rarity! We don’t know many Italian restaurants that welcome dogs to accompany their owners to dinner, but L'incontro is one of them! Your pooch may also be in luck, as sometimes the staff come bearing dog treats. The pizzas are legendary and we’d highly recommend them for a dog-friendly evening outing with the pup in tow!
Why your dog will love it: Remember that scene from Lady and The Tramp? Even dogs find Italian restaurants romantic.
Cuillin Coffee Co., Fairy Pools
Close to the gorgeous Fairy Pools at Glenbrittle Campsite is this dog-friendly option if you are looking for something light to eat during the day. Cuillin Coffee Co. serves speciality coffee, freshly baked pastries, bread and cakes as well as herbal and fruit teas and artisan hot chocolate. The staff are friendly too and always give your dog a warm welcome!
Why your dog will love it: After a long stroll through Glenbrittle Forest to the Fairy Pools, this a good spot for a delicious snack!
Dog-friendly places to stay on the Isle of Skye
Taobh An Uillt, Uig | Sleeps: 2 dogs and 9 guests
This thoroughly modern, designer holiday retreat is a fantastic choice set close to Uig on the Isle of Skye. With panoramic views of the surrounding glens, its layout has been inspired by those of traditional Scottish longhouses. There is a wood burner and a cosy living area for social meals and evenings together.
Discover our range of dog-friendly places to visit and things to do on the Isle of Skye. Browse our collection of Isle of Skye where you and your dog will encounter handy features that will make your trip to the Inner Hebrides easier. Choose your perfect self-catering dog-friendly holiday cottage from our collection – book your ideal holiday home on the Isle of Skye today.
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.