The best dog-friendly walks in Edinburgh

Some would say that city breaks are not the ideal getaway if you’ve got the pup in tow. You might think that the city streets are no place for a four-pawed pup who just wants to run and fetch until he refuses to give you the ball back.

However, it might interest you to know that the city of Edinburgh has beaches galore, along with country parks, riverside walks, seven famous hills and an extinct volcano. If this doesn’t get your hound excited for a vacation in Scotland’s capital, nothing will.

Keep reading to find nine of the best places to walk dogs in Edinburgh or just tap the button below and start searching our dog-friendly accommodation in the city.

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Portobello Beach

Starting our list of dog walks in Edinburgh is a fabulous stroll along Portobello Beach. One of many Edinburgh beaches that punctuate the coast to the north of the city, this sandy sanctuary has often been described as Edinburgh’s puppy paradise.

The water is popular with swimmers and kayakers but there’s plenty of room for Fido to chase a tennis ball into the waves. If the pup needs a break, there’s a promenade to wander along where you’ll find a dog groomer, a bakery with dog-friendly treats and numerous cafes and pubs that welcome four paws.

The Braid Hills

From the beach to a nature reserve. Move south towards the outskirts of the city and find one of the best places for dog walking in Edinburgh: the Braid Hills. One of Edinburgh’s Seven Hills, there are many paths and routes to explore, including one to the observatory and one along the Braid Burn which is very pleasant on a sunny day.

It’s worth heading to the top of the hills – it’s quieter than Arthur’s Seat and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the city, Blackford Hill, and all the way out to sea. Reach the summit and you’ll find a sign that points out all the Seven Hills of Edinburgh. This is a great viewing area with benches that are ideal for a picnic.

Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park

One of the best dog walks in Edinburgh, the ever-popular Arthur’s Seat is a must-visit destination for you and your pup. You can’t really travel to Edinburgh and not venture up Salisbury Crags to the summit of this extinct volcano. The views are phenomenal, taking in the city and the sea beyond; just be sure to bring some warm clothing as it can get blustery at the top, and don’t forget your dog-walking essentials.

If you and your pup don’t have the legs to venture to the top, spend some time in Holyrood Park which is situated at the bottom of the famous Royal Mile. Have a walk around Dunsapie Loch or the larger Duddingston Loch and Bird Sanctuary. At this point, if you need to refuel, the historic Sheep Heid Inn is a great dog-friendly option.

The Water of Leith Walkway

This charming route follows the Water of Leith, a river that runs through the city from Balerno in the south-west to Leith on the north-east coast. At 12 miles long, you could do the entirety of the Water of Leith Walkway in one day if you have a spirited hound; however, if you’re in the city for a few days, why not break it up into sections?

The Stockbridge to Dean Village section is seriously picturesque, taking in the impressive St Bernard’s Well and photogenic Dean Village with its cobbled lanes and grand buildings. Another scenic section is Colinton Dell to Balerno – it’s fairly intimate and follows pleasing forest trails that go past Redhall Mill and Kate’s Mill, where reputedly, Scotland’s first banknotes were made. Our last recommendation is Stockbridge to the Port of Leith, which sticks to some lovely paths before reaching the water. Here, you can stop for refreshments in the many bars and pubs.

Dalkeith Country Park

A little way outside of the city (approx. 7 miles), it’s well worth making the short journey to Dalkeith Country Park. If your four-pawed pal felt a little cooped up at the city parks and really needs wide open spaces to stretch her legs, then the 1,000 acres of this country park should suffice. You might find a new route each time you visit, with six waymarked trails to explore alongside wide open spaces to sniff out. Check out our top tips for hiking with your dog if you’re heading to this expansive country park.

Try the Old Wood Trail which follows the River Esk and has a 1,000-year-old oak, or the Pretty Trail which is alive with snowdrops in February and May. Pop the lead on and visit the Restoration Yard post-walkies and reward your pal with some doggy ice cream or a dog-friendly liver cake.

Cammo Estate

An area that hasn’t yet been consumed by the expanding city suburbs, Cammo Estate is an 85-acre piece of land managed by Edinburgh Council. Somewhat of a hidden gem, the only hints at mankind’s interference are some dilapidated ruins (which are somewhat cloaked by nature) and an easy-on-the-eye water tower.

There’s plenty of open space and some views of Edinburgh from some of the higher sections. To add a touch of variety to the walk, head towards Grotto Bridge on the River Almond and watch the rapids. Keep an eye out for squirrels, mallard ducks, magpies, robins and tits along the way and make a beeline for the walled garden which comprises some of the aforementioned ruins.

Inverleith Park

If you’re looking for a delightful green space in the midst of the city (granted, there are many), venture towards Inverleith Park. This park in Stockbridge is surrounded by an urban landscape, yet is large enough to help you forget that the bustling city is just beyond its borders.

There is ample room for your four-legged friend to run around; just be aware that this is a popular spot for picnics so a good recall is vital. You’re bound to run into other dogs at this park which is great if you have a sociable pup and there is a kids’ playpark and a pond with ducks and swans making it a wonderful destination for a family dog walk. If someone in the group is willing to mind the dog, you can even explore the Royal Botanic Gardens which are next to the park.

Corstorphine Hill

Found on the western edge of the city, Corstorphine Hill, another of Edinburgh’s Seven Hills, is a public park and nature reserve which is perfect for exploration with woodland-loving hounds. There aren’t many views to begin with due to the tree coverage but this, in turn, provides some much-needed shelter on warmer days.

As you approach the summit that stands at 161 metres, you’ll spot Clermiston Tower which is a memorial dedicated to the novelist Sir Walter Scott. Along this route, there are views of the cityscape and Arthur’s Seat – have a rest on the benches if you need to catch your breath. Further on, you can also catch a glimpse of the Forth Bridges and the distant Highlands on a clear day.

Roslin Glen

For the last of our dog walks in Edinburgh, we move a little way outside of the city: 8.5 miles to the south the be precise. This lesser-known dog-walking spot will fill your hound’s heart with joy as you traipse through this woodland gorge on the banks of the River Esk. This stretch of ancient woodland is, in fact, the largest in Midlothian and as you approach Rosslyn Chapel (which is supposed to hold the Holy Grail), you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve found a hidden world full of caves, cliffs, rapids and wildlife.

Find the time to explore the semi-ruinous Rosslyn Castle and if you have time, there are further wonders at Wallace's Cave and Hawthornden Castle. In fairness, there are a number of fantastic routes to take throughout Roslin Glen Country Park, each with its own slice of history: you may even find a spot where a scene from The Da Vinci Code was filmed!

Map of dog-friendly walks in Edinburgh

Find all these amazing walks on this handy interactive map.

Self-catering cottages in Edinburgh

Some of these strolls surely have to be amongst the best walkies in Scotland, so what are you waiting for? Book into our cottages in and around Edinburgh and start your dog-walking holiday today.