10 must-see places in Scotland with your dog
Want to travel to Scotland with your dog but don't know where to start? Laurine and her dog Saga present 10 must-see places to discover with your dog in Scotland, and they're quite impressive!
Scotland is definitely on my list of countries I want to visit with my dog. So, to prepare for this trip and give you lots of great tips along the way, I interviewed Laurine, who has travelled around Scotland with his dog a few months ago, and discovered incredible gems Laurine, I'll let you introduce yourself before taking us on a journey through Scotland.
Thank you Sophie! My name is Laurine, and my adventure partner is Saga, my golden retriever who accompanies us on all our escapades.
On our last big trip, we went on a road trip through Scotland, which we absolutely loved. Between the wild landscapes, immense lochs, mountains, castles and incredible hikesScotland is a perfect destination to discover with your dog. Especially if, like Saga, your dog loves water and running in wide open spaces!
In this article, I share with you 10 hidden gems you can discover in Scotland with your dogI've also created a comprehensive guide: "Road Trip in Scotland with a Dog." It includes all the places we discovered or would have loved to discover, with lots of detailed information and practical tips. I'll tell you more about it at the end of the article 😉
Table of contents
Practical Memo
You can find a hotel, hostel, or other accommodation where you can stay with your dog by checking the "Pets allowed" box on Booking.com 😉
Traveling to Scotland is easy!
Level formalityEvery human being must have a valid passport and an electronic travel authorization called an ETA.
Et for your dogIt must have:
- a European passport issued by a veterinarian
- electronic chip identification
- an up-to-date rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before departure)
- a deworming treatment (against tapeworm) which must be administered by a veterinarian between 24 and 120 hours before entering British territory.
In addition, for cross the English Channel, the the fastest and dog-friendly solution is to take the Shuttle (Eurotunnel). The crossing takes 35 minutes, you stay in your car, and therefore with your dog during the journey.
Circus Lane and Dean Village, in Edinburgh
Now that you know all the travel formalities for going to Scotland with your dog, I'm taking you to Edinburgh, the first gem in this top 10.
EdinburghLondon, the capital of Scotland, is clearly a must-see!
This city is very charming and has a somewhat mystical feel. It's very pleasant to explore and particularly dog-friendlyDogs are welcome in many restaurants and most shops, and there are also plenty of parks and lovely places to walk your dog.
There are two places in Edinburgh that we really loved for their very peaceful and charming atmosphere, accessible with our dog: Circus Lane and Dean Village.
Circus Lane It's a very photogenic, semicircular alleyway, with its stone houses covered in flowers and ivy. This place exudes a very calm atmosphere, especially early in the morning or at the end of the day when there is little traffic.
We went through this alley to get to Dean VillageLocated about a 20-minute walk away, we really enjoyed this walk, which is perfect for taking your dog along, as the route follows the Water of Leith on a peaceful little path. And if your dog loves water like Saga, he can even take advantage of the river to cool off!
Dean Village is a small village seemingly untouched by time. The place is very peaceful, exotic, and photogenic. With its old buildings, stone bridges, and the soothing sound of the river, you completely forget that you are just a stone's throw from the city center.
Midhope Castle, near Edinburgh
This castle, 30 minutes from Edinburgh, is a A must-have for all fans of the Outlander series !
What an incredible feeling to visit the filming locations of this series, and to see with my own eyes Lallybroch, the family home of Jamie Fraser, the real name Midhope Castle.
And of course, This place is dog friendly Dogs must be kept on a leash, however, and be aware that the area can be very touristy. Also note that only the exterior of the castle is accessible, as the interior is not open to the public.
There is an entrance fee of £7,50 per person (free for dogs).
I also advise you to take a walk around the castleThere's a short walk to be had in the woods, which follows a small river. The place is really lovely and allows you to walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters.
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Ben A'an, central part of Scotland
Located in the Trossachs National Park, the Ben A'an This was our first Scottish hike. We loved doing it, it's magnificent!
This hike is 4 km long with approximately 350 m of elevation gain. The trail climbs quite steeply at the beginning, through a forest with many steps to ascend, before giving way to a 360° view on the surrounding hills and on the Loch Katrine down below. The view is truly incredible!
She's very pleasant to do with a dogbecause there are no exposed sections. The path is quite wide and easy to climb. Dogs must be kept on a leash. (as in the vast majority of hikes in Scotland, by the way) because there may be sheep in the vicinity.
That day, we had typical Scottish weather, alternating between showers and sunshine, but which also offered us magnificent rainbows!
So don't forget to equip yourself properly...and bring a raincoat. Even Saga had his, by the way, a must-have in this country!
Musher and Sophie: "These landscapes impress me 🤩 I'd like to take this opportunity to recommend our dog raincoat comparisonThis will help you choose the best model for your dog! It protects him from the rain, wind, and cold, and in the long run, prevents a lot of arthritis; it's important to think about it from a young age 😉"
Conic Hill, central part
Also located in the Trossachs National Park, Conic Hill is an unmissable hike with a magnificent view on the Loch Lomond.
This hike is approximately 4 km long with 300 m of elevation gain. The trail is easily accessible, with numerous steps leading up to the summit. Once at the top, the view is superb, offering a panorama of the various islands in the loch.
If the weather is on your side, I recommend going for the sunset; the view and colours must be truly incredible.
And if, like us, it's a rainy day, the advantage is that Scotland remains beautiful in all weather.
Three Sisters of Glencoe, Highland
The Three Sisters are one of the most iconic landscapes of the Highlands, with an absolutely incredible view.
You can simply stop at the main car park to admire the view, which is already magnificent, or go hiking with your dog to explore the valley and discover typical Scottish landscapes.
The complete loop of the hike is approximately 11,5 km with 1260 m of elevation gain. It is therefore a fairly demanding hike, for which you need to be well-equipped and remain cautious, as the trail is not always very well marked.
We didn't do the full loop, but we covered about 4,5 km with 300 m of elevation gain, and it was perfect. We went all the way to the end of the valley, to Lost Valley, which is magnificent with its waterfalls cascading down the cliffThen we turned back. This section of the hike was more than enough to admire the iconic Highland scenery and the famous Three Sisters.
It is therefore a a must-see in Scotlandand the advantage is that you can easily adapt the hike depending on the weather, your current desires and your hiking level.
Musher and Sophie: "To best prepare you for the hikes that await you in Scotland, I recommend our guide to hiking with a dogTips, feedback, essential equipment – you'll know everything you need to know to make sure your dog enjoys it as much as you do!"
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Highland
See a iconic scene from Harry Potter With your dog? It's possible in Scotland, and more specifically in the Highlands!
Le Glenfinnan ViaductAs you've probably recognized, it's the viaduct where the famous Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter saga. It's clearly a must-see for all fans!
Speaking of sagas, my son Saga was very intrigued when he saw that steam train go by. It was truly a magical moment. However, be careful with sensitive dogs.The noise is quite impressive when the train passes.
Urban artist The landscapes around the viaduct are truly magnificent.I recommend you take a walk around the area; Saga even had the pleasure of enjoying the small river located below.
However, it's a very touristy place. It's better arrive at least 1 hour in advance to find a parking spot. The train usually runs from the end of March to the end of October and only passes twice a day, generally around 11am and 3pm.
In my Road trip guide to Scotland with a dogI'll give you all the details on how to find the best spot to see the train and check its schedule. I'll also list other places to visit related to the Harry Potter universe!
Eilean Donan Castle, Highland
This is one of Scotland's most iconic castles, located just before entering the Isle of Skye.
Le Eilean Donan Castle is located on a small island accessible by a stone bridge, and it offers a magnificent setting with its mountains in the background and lochs all around.
It’s A must-see photo spotHowever, it's important to know that there aren't really any walks to be had in the area. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed, either on the bridge or inside the castle.
Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye
The Fairy Pools are a very touristy place on theisle of skyeWe discover there a a series of small waterfalls, the famous "fairy pools", in a magnificent setting with the mountains of Blacks Cuillins background.
These are small natural pools in which you can swim, provided you are not sensitive to the cold because the water is freezing!
For dogs who love water like Saga, it's clearly paradise. The pools are fairly easy to access, with some areas being a little deeper than others.
We can stroll peacefully along the different pools, which can lead us to a 5 km hike with 150 m of elevation gain.
As it's a very popular spot, it can get quite crowded. If you'd like to enjoy the peace and quiet, I recommend coming early in the morning.
Dogs must be kept on a leash, because there are often free-roaming sheep wandering around the area.
Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye
If I am asked one must-see in ScotlandThis would undoubtedly be the hike that leads to Old Man of Storm.
This is clearly the postcard of the Isle of Skye, with a spectacular panorama of these iconic rock formations, as well as a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and lochs.
To reach the famous viewpoint, you need to allow approximately 4 km round trip with 300 m of elevation gain. The hike is quite accessibleWithout any particular difficulty, with a well-maintained path. There is some elevation gain and a good part of the route is on stone steps.
Of course, it's a very touristy place. So I advise you to come early in the morning or late in the day to fully enjoy the area and avoid the crowds of hikers on the only trail.
As for the weather, it's very changeable, especially on the Isle of Skye. So remember to pack a raincoat for everyone!
The Quiraing, Isle of Skye
The last place on this top 10 list of must-sees in Scotland, and certainly not the least: The Quiraing.
This is one of the most spectacular landscapes of the Isle of Skye, with a panoramic view stretching as far as the eye can see over green valleys, impressive cliffs, lochs, and even the sea in the distance.
The famous photo spot of this place is located right at the start of the route, so it is possible to stop there quickly to admire the view.
Alternatively, you can embark on an approximately 8 km hike with 380 m of elevation gain, in the heart of this absolutely magnificent landscape. It's a legendary loop with plenty of beautiful viewpoints, which truly allows you to appreciate... the immensity and beauty of the Scottish landscapes.
As for the weather, as is often the case on the Isle of Skye, it can change very quickly, and the wind can be very strong there. Again, it's best to be prepared!
Dogs must be kept on a leashbecause there are many free-roaming sheep in the area. Furthermore, the path sometimes passes close to cliffs, so it is important to remain vigilant.
In conclusion, Scotland is clearly one of the most beautiful countries to discover with your dogBetween the wild landscapes, accessible hikes and numerous dog-friendly places, it's a perfect destination to share a wonderful adventure with your dog!
We have very fond memories of it, we really loved our road trip from beginning to end, and Saga was very happy to run around in his wide open Scottish landscapes!
Thank you Laurine for all these details, it makes me want to discover Scotland even more! These 10 places are obviously just a glimpse of everything that can be discovered on a road trip in Scotland, and I highly recommend Laurine's guide. For even more details:
- Regulations and practical advice for travelling with your dog
- Everything you need to know to properly prepare for your trip (Scottish weather, driving on the left, preparing for midges (invasive and biting midges), choosing accommodation, etc.)
- Clear organization into 4 main regions, with some locations in England
- detailed hiking guides with all the practical information
- iconic places, but also hidden gems
- Interactive map to find all points of interest
👉 The Road trip guide to Scotland with a dog is available as an ebook here.
Don't hesitate to follow all of Saga and Laurine's adventures on their Instagram account. @sagawlau !
If you're looking for other good places, I recommend the series of 4 articles on Romain, Cynthia and their dog Stilton's trip to ScotlandExciting too!
And you, do you have any other hidden gems to share with us in Scotland that are accessible with a dog?
