A dog-friendly itinerary for the Scottish Highlands
Date published: 31 Jul 2025
If you’re thinking of a Highlands adventure, we’ve got the dog-friendly itinerary for you. With its dramatic walks, lochs and welcoming pubs, the Scottish Highlands is up there with one of the best dog-friendly destinations in the UK. Our expert, Albie, and his owners checked it out for a week. Here’s their ulti-mutt guide to places to visit in the Highlands with your canine companion.
Stop 1: Keswick, the Lake District
Our adventure began in Keswick, in the Lake District, where we stayed for one night to break up the long drive. It’s known for being one of the most dog-friendly places in England, so what better place to start our trip? The town itself is full of dog-welcoming cafés and shops, plus miles of pup-friendly trails trickle out from the centre.
Must-dos:
- Walk the 10-mile circular trail around Derwentwater, where your pup can splash in the water and you can soak in the mountain views.
- Or, head out on a boat trip to explore the lake’s islands and beaches. Dogs are welcome on Keswick Launch Co tours and travel for free!
- We lucked out with the weather while we were there, but if things take a turn, retreat to The Puzzling Place. This indoor attraction is a hoot for lovers of optical illusions and dogs can join you for free.
- Grab a bite at The Dog & Gun. The homemade Hungarian Goulash is legendary at this cosy, dog-friendly pub.
Where to stay:
Pets stay for free at the Hodge Luxury Pod, which comes with its own hot tub. It’s just outside of Keswick.
Stop 2: Croftamie, near Loch Lomond
From Keswick, we crossed the border into Scotland to start our Highlands adventure. We headed for the tiny village of Croftamie, near Loch Lomond. It’s a handy halfway point for breaking up the drive north. It’s only 15 minutes’ drive from the village of Balloch, which sits on the southern shores of Loch Lomond. This place is a starting point for cycle paths and walking trails in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Plus, it’s home to a golf club, SEA LIFE aquarium and a bird of prey centre.
Must-dos:
- Explore the shores of Loch Lomond at Balloch Castle Country Park. This 200-acre park is made up of woodland, parkland and meadows. What’s more, there are loads of off-lead areas.
- Visit the oldest licensed pub in Scotland. The Clachan Inn, in Drymen, is a favourite among West Highland Way walkers. It’s a cosy, traditional inn that welcomes dogs in their snug bar area.
Where to stay:
The Old Wing at Drumhead is an 18th-century home set in beautiful surroundings.
Stop 3: Kinlochleven, near Glencoe
The next leg of our trip took us through the iconic Glencoe Pass. This is the Highlands you see in films and on Instagram. The drive was spectacular – think towering mountains, deep valleys and waterfalls. You’ll need to allow extra time for the winding roads… and all the photo stops! Our base for two nights was Kinlochleven, a small village tucked at the end of Loch Leven, surrounded by peaks and waterfalls. It was handily close to Fort William, but quieter and with more affordable accommodation. We stayed in a cabin in the centre of town, walking distance from shops, pubs and the Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall trail.
Must-dos:
- Tackle part of the West Highland Way, which runs through Kinlochleven – it’s rugged, dramatic and dog-approved (well, Albie approved, at least!). It leads all the way to Fort William, if you’ve got a full day to spare!
- Snap photos of the famous ‘Harry Potter’ steam train from the Glenfinnan Viaduct. It’s a short hike up to the viewpoint, but beware of midges in the summer, they’re everywhere! If you fancy a ride, dogs are allowed in standard class, so you can pretend they’re off to ‘Dogwarts’.
- From Kinlochleven, follow the signs for Grey Mare’s Tail. It’s a short, but steep walk to the 40-foot waterfall. If water levels are low, you can climb over the boulders, using the metal chains provided, for an even closer look.
Where to stay:
Stay in the middle of Glencoe’s idyllic countryside at Island View House. Hot tub and sauna included.
Stop 4: Broadford, Isle of Skye
No trip to the Highlands is complete without a visit to the beautiful Isle of Skye. We headed west, stopping en route at Eilean Donan Castle – one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. Dogs aren’t allowed inside the castle, but they can have a sniff around the grounds and swim in the surrounding waters. There are so many things to do in Skye with a dog. The walks are out of this world for both human and canine visitors.
Must-dos:
- Walk the dramatic Quiraing. Adventurous pups (and their humans) will love this walk across Skye’s rocky landscape. Just keep dogs on the lead near steep drops.
- Another dog-friendly hike to tick off your list in Skye is the Old Man of Storr. It’s a steep climb to the top, but the views are well worth it. It’s one of the non-negotiable things to do in the Highlands, with or without a dog.
- Visit the Fairy Pools – a dog-friendly trail to a series of pools and waterfalls. They can even cool off with a dip in the ice-cold water – brr…
Where to stay:
Ferry Cottage, in Balmacara, boasts loch views and easy access to Skye’s attractions.
Stop 5: Croftamie, near Loch Lomond
After a few days on Skye, we headed back to the mainland and returned to Croftamie for a well-earned rest. Doubling back allowed us to break up the long journey again and revisit the trails of Loch Lomond.
Stop 6: Newby, Yorkshire
Our final overnight stop was in Newby. We decided to switch things up and stay in the North York Moors National Park, instead of the Lake District, on our way home. We’d never been before, so it was a chance to explore the charming villages and rolling countryside. And, of course, let Albie blow off some steam.
Must-dos:
- Wander around Helmsley Walled Garden. Dogs are welcome everywhere, they just need to be on a lead.
- Tuck into pub grub at The Swan Inn, in Newby Bridge. It’s part of a fancy hotel, which has designated dog-friendly rooms, if you want to make a night of it.
Where to stay:
Blinkbonny puts you within easy reach of the village pub, shop and butchers, as well as the seaside town of Whitby and the North York Moors.
What we packed…
- Dog bed – to help Albie feel settled at our accommodation and in the car.
- Collapsible water bowl and bottle.
- Towels (hello, Scottish rain!)
- Longline lead – lots of the walks are through fields with livestock, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Tick remover – having never had a tick before, we found five on Albie over the week. Some alive, some dead – the remover was a life-saver!
Ready to fetch the best Highlands deals? Browse our dog-friendly cottages in Scotland and start planning your own Highlands adventure today.
Meet the author
Annabel JacksonAnnabel loves exploring new parts of the UK with her family, including French bulldog, Albie. They’re regular visitors to North Wales and Norfolk, but have also made some paw-some memories in the Peak District, Cotswolds, Highlands and Cornwall.
