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Scotland’s 10 best places to walk your dog Where to exercise your pooch
DURING lockdown, there was a surge in dog ownership across Scotland. Many people viewed an extended period of time spent at home as the perfect excuse to take the plunge into life with a four-legged friend.
But, as these lockdown puppies grow up, owners might be struggling for inspiration about where to take them on a scenic walk, as the nearest patch of grass doesn’t quite cut it for active breeds. We have compiled a handy list of some of the most picturesque, dog-friendly walking routes across Scotland. Tail-wagging is guaranteed.
1.PRIMROSE HILL, LOCH KATRINE Most visitors to Loch Katrine will flock to the Trossachs Pier, admiring the
Sir Walter Scott Steamship and the information panels about him that are dotted along the water’s edge. Those who are more adventurous might decide to climb Ben Venue, the spectacular craggy Munro that rises above the water on the south of the loch. But those who are really in the know will avoid both the chock-a-block Ben Venue car park and the busy water’s edge, and climb high above the crowds on to Primrose Hill. This unspoilt, unpopulated hill sits opposite the loch from Ben Venue, offering a glorious – yet rarely seen – perspective of the famous Munro. Yet, although you will face a sharp climb at the start of the walk, Primrose Hill is a relatively easy route for both humans and dogs, even those who are still puppies. There are spectacular views over the Trossachs to be enjoyed at the top and, if you follow the path along the edge of the hill, it then descends via a quiet forest, which dogs will love to run around in.
2. CRIFFEL HILL, DUMFRIES
While certain breeds of dogs have the energy to sprint up Ben Nevis and back down again, some dogs don’t quite have it in them to take part in the Munro-bagging craze currently sweeping Scotland. But there are plenty of less strenuous hills that offer these dogs – and their owners – the same sense of achievement and some excellent views. One of these is Criffel Hill in Dumfries, located near the village of Southerness. It isn’t very high, at only 569 metres, but it has the advantage of being the only real hill for miles around, meaning that it offers an excellent vantage point for admiring the Solway Firth. The path starts off with well-maintained gravel but it soon turns boggy and muddy as you near the summit of the hill. Your dog will inevitably love leaping through the heather and getting covered in mud, but you may enjoy it less so if you aren’t wearing suitable clothing or footwear.
3. KELVIN WALKWAY, GLASGOW The west end of Glasgow, with its myriad tenements and busy roads, isn’t exactly the ideal place to walk a dog. But, if you take a walk along the banks of the River Kelvin, as it carves through the heart of the west end, it feels like you are a world away from the bustle of the Scotland’s biggest city. Start in Kelvingrove Park and then head down beside the river along to Inn Deep, stopping for an optional pint if you fancy it, before venturing down alongside the river to the ruins of the North Woodside Flint Mill. A little further on you will see a charming blue-and-white bridge which, if crossed, will see you emerge into the famous Glasgow Botanic Gardens. But if you fancy it you can continue on further, into some stretches of quiet woodland which most dogs will enjoy exploring on the hunt for a stick. There are plenty of opportunities to cross back over to the other side of the river and make your way back out towards Byres Road, but if you wish to you could follow this path all the way to Milngavie. This walk is particularly good for sociable pups, who are sure to meet dozens of doggy friends on their way down the Kelvin.
4. THE WHANGIE, KILPATRICK HILLS, STIRLING
It might only be just outside Glasgow, but the Whangie wouldn’t look out of place in a scene from Lord of the Rings. This unusual rock formation is found near the top of Auchineden Hill, a short, craggy peak that has a car park conveniently located at its foot. Dogs will love scrambling along the rocks of the path that curves along the side of the hill, though humans may have to take a little more care to avoid a twisted ankle on certain sections. It doesn’t take too long to reach the Whangie itself, where visitors can walk right the way through it via a large gash in the rocks, offering some excellent photo opportunities. If you’re feeling brave you can climb up certain sections of this rock (your dog will likely find this easier than you) to enjoy an impressive view over to Loch Lomond and beyond.
5. WEST SANDS BEACH, ST ANDREWS, FIFE
Famed for being the filming location for the iconic running scene in the film Chariots of Fire, you might expect West Sands Beach in St Andrews to be heaving with pesky tourists. But, fortunately, the beach is big enough that it never feels too busy, particularly if you visit at low tide. Dogs can tire themselves out for hours on the huge sandy expanse and, if they’re brave, a splash in the North Sea. And, after all that exercise, you can both unwind at the dog-friendly Criterion Bar on South Street, which offers water bowls and biscuits for well-behaved pooches. For humans, there is an extensive range of Scottish beers as well as some seriously impressive pies.
6. DORES AND ALDOURIE CASTLE, LOCH NESS
The mystical beauty of Loch Ness makes it a wonderful place to visit at any time of year. But now the summer tourists have mostly cleared away, it is a great opportunity to explore the loch with your four-legged friend. There is a great walk that begins from the Dores Inn on the loch’s northern edge, leading through a woodland path that offers some excellent views out on to the water. You can take a detour to catch a glimpse of Aldourie Castle, a grand structure that dates back to the 16th century, before the path leads inland through some lovely stretches of forest and open fields. When you are finished, you can take your dog for a trip on one of the Jacobite boat cruises that sail out across the loch: with dogs welcome on board the Reflection, Contemplation and Inspiration tours. Just make sure to keep them away from Nessie…
7. BURN ANNE TRAIL, GALSTON, EAST AYRSHIRE
If you are heading for a dog walk in
Ayrshire, you might presume that it’s best to go to the beach. But, although Ayrshire is famed for its coastline, it also has some excellent walking routes inland- particularly around East Ayrshire. Head for the village of Galston to explore the Burn Anne Trail, which takes in the peaceful Burnhouse Brae Wood, a perfect doggy playground that stretches for more than 15 acres. Start in the car park across from Barr Castle, before heading towards Burn Anne and into the woodland beyond. From there, the path meanders through the trees and meadows before reaching fields that offer a clear outlook over the countryside – even seeing as far as Ben Lomond on a good day. There are fences that separate the wildlife in the fields from the marked path, but it pays to keep your dog reasonably close just in case.
8. LUNAN BAY, MONTROSE, ANGUS
One of the best beaches in Angus – if not the country – Lunan Bay is well worth a visit. If you start at the signposted car park you can head to the northern part of the beach and enjoy 4km of glorious sands. If you follow it right to the end there is a sea cave that your dog will love sniffing about in- but be careful not to get trapped inside by the tide. From there you can make your way back to the car park via some great grassy dunes that rise along the edge of the beach. But if you’ve got an energetic pooch that still isn’t tired by the time you reach your car, there is the option to then visit the southern stretch of the bay via the hamlet of Lunan and the ruins of the “Red Castle”, which dates back to the 1400s. 9. STRATHKELVIN RAILWAY PATH, EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE
While the town of Kirkintilloch is relatively urbanised, it offers a springboard into some lovely countryside walks. One of these is along the disused Strathkelvin
Railway Path, a narrow woodland track that leads all the way out to the beautiful village of Strathblane in Stirlingshire. The route is almost all flat, so offers a perfect route for either puppies or older dogs who are past the peak of their fitness.
The path runs alongside a gentle burn – which water-loving dogs will enjoy jumping in and out of to retrieve balls or sticks – as well as some sections of open field and woodland. You can join the route at several other stages, such as Milton of Campsie or Lennoxtown, but it is on the approach to Strathblane that the scenery really becomes striking. The path leads through a postcard-perfect valley, passing through fields of Highland cattle, before taking you round the foot of the volcanic plug of Dunglass.
10. THE HERMITAGE,
DUNKELD
This charming walk offers a variety of terrain to please both dogs and humans alike. Begin at the Hermitage car park and then head through some lovely Perthshire woodland before you reach a dramatic waterfall over the River Braan. The path then continues past Ossian’s Cave – an artificial cave added to the landscape in 1785 – before emerging out on to a pretty field and leading on to a bridge overlooking a spectacular gorge. Dogs will love running around the woodland but it is wise to keep them on a lead near the fast-moving water.