Dog-friendly places
Dogs are much-loved members of the family and we know they love to join you on a great day out! Many of our places welcome dogs – we ask that all dogs are kept under proper control, and that their owners clean up after them.
There are some areas where dogs can’t go (assistance dogs excepted) including buildings that are open to the public, walled gardens, most cafés and restaurants, and shops. Please check with staff at the property if you’re unsure. Dogs (including assistance dogs) are not allowed on St Kilda.
Where there is livestock, dogs must be kept on a short lead or under close control to keep everyone safe. For more information on responsible dog walking, please visit the Scottish Outdoor Access Code website.
Arduaine Garden
Dogs are more than welcome at Arduaine, but we ask that they’re kept on a short lead at all times.
Balmacara Estate
Balmacara won the award of the most dog-friendly Trust property in a survey carried out by the Press and Journal. Your four-legged friend is very welcome to join you as you explore the estate!
Barry Mill
There are some lovely walks following the Barry Burn. The mill also connects with the Carnoustie path network, which offers lots of local options.
Ben Lawers NNR
Dogs are welcome but must be kept under proper control – there is livestock on the hill.
Ben Lomond
Dogs are welcome to join you on your walk. Following frequent disturbance to grazing livestock and to wildlife, please keep dogs on a lead at all times.
Branklyn Garden
Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome at Branklyn Garden (including in the tearoom).
Water bowls are provided at various locations in the garden.
Brodick Country Park
We welcome dogs to the garden and country park but ask that all pets are kept on a lead and under supervision at all times.
Only assistance dogs are allowed to enter the castle and walled garden.
Brodie Estate
Dogs are very welcome on the estate.
Dogs are also welcome in the Playful Garden but we ask that they are kept on a short lead.
Assistance dogs only please in the castle.
Broughton House Garden
Dogs on a lead are allowed in the garden, and we always have a bowl of fresh water at the front door on hot days.
Burg
Dogs must be kept under close control, especially around livestock. Dogs are unable to access the final part of the walk as it involves clambering down the side of a cliff on an iron ladder.
Canna
Dogs may visit but must be kept under strict control at all times as livestock may be roaming freely – the island is a working farm.
Castle Fraser Estate
Dogs are welcome in the grounds, garden, shop and tearoom. Dogs must be kept on a lead in the walled garden and courtyard, and under close control elsewhere on the wider estate.
Corrieshalloch Gorge NNR
Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a lead at all times.
Craigievar Castle grounds
Dogs are welcome in the grounds but please keep them on a short lead in the marked area in the vicinity of the castle and when close to fields with livestock.
Crarae Garden
Dogs are welcome at Crarae, but we ask that they are kept on a short lead at all times.
Crathes Estate
Dogs are very welcome across the estate, and in the shop and café.
Only assistance dogs are allowed in the castle, the walled garden and Wild Wood Play Area.
Culloden
Dogs are welcome in the visitor centre and on the battlefield, but please keep them under close control.
Culzean Country Park
Dogs are very welcome but should be kept under control at all times and must be on a lead in the Walled Garden.
Only assistance dogs are permitted inside the buildings and the adventure playgrounds.
Dollar Glen
The glen is a popular place for walkers and the network of paths and trails is easily accessed on foot from Dollar, via the Mill Green, or from the Quarry car park.
Drum Castle Estate
Dogs are welcome in the grounds but must be kept on a lead while in the car park, near the children’s play areas, in the courtyard and around the castle areas.
Dogs are not allowed in the walled garden.
Dunkeld
Dogs will enjoy the mile-long walk along the south banks of the rivers Tay and Braan, part of the longer Birnam Circular Walk, which provides excellent views of Dunkeld Cathedral and the town. There’s also a walk beside the Tay to the nearby Hermitage.
Falkland Palace Garden
Dogs (on a short lead) are welcome in our garden, but only assistance dogs are permitted in the palace.
Falls of Glomach
This is a challenging walk to one of the country’s finest waterfalls, in one of the remotest and least spoilt areas of the Highlands.
Geilston Garden
Dogs are welcome in the garden on all days except Tuesdays. Please make sure that they are on a leash at all times. They are not permitted into the walled garden, kitchen garden or play park. Information on local dog walks is also available at reception.
Gladstone’s Land
Well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome in the ice cream parlour and coffee shop.
Glencoe NNR
Dogs are welcome in the glen but must be kept under control to avoid disturbing wildlife, either on a lead or returning immediately to the owner’s side on command.
Dogs are also welcome on a lead inside our visitor centre.
Glenfinnan Monument
Dogs are welcome in the grounds but please keep them on a lead.
Only assistance dogs are permitted in the visitor centre.
Goatfell
Please act responsibly and keep dogs under control. Take extra care during the lambing and deer-calving season.
Greenbank Garden
Dogs are welcome in the woodland, café and courtyard area.
Assistance dogs only within the walled garden please.
Grey Mare’s Tail
Dogs are welcome but we ask that they are kept on a lead at all times to avoid disturbing the wild goats and grazing sheep.
Harmony Garden
With the exception of the kitchen garden area, dogs are very welcome in the garden – we ask that they are kept on a lead at all times.
The Hermitage
Dogs are welcome at the Hermitage as long as they are kept under control at all times.
Please note that dogs are not allowed within Ossian’s Hall for safety reasons and the comfort of all our visitors.
Echoes of gunfire from clay pigeon shooting can occasionally be heard in certain areas. If your dog is spooked by these noises, please ensure they are kept on a lead.
During wedding events on the site you may be asked to put your dog on a lead.
The Hill House
Dogs are welcome in the shop, roof terrace and on a lead in the garden.
Hill of Tarvit Garden
Dogs are welcome throughout the estate and gardens but must be kept under close control/on a lead.
Assistance dogs only are permitted in the mansion house.
Holmwood grounds
Dogs are welcome in our café and in the grounds as long as they are on a lead.
House of Dun Estate
Dogs are very welcome on the estate and in the café. Dog bowls and biscuits are available at the café and in the courtyard.
There are some areas where dogs need to be kept on a lead (signposted).
Inverewe
Dogs are welcome in the garden during opening hours, and there are several longer walks around the estate. There is also a dog walking area adjacent to the car park.
We ask that you bring only one dog per person, and dogs must be kept on short leads.
Kellie Castle grounds
Dogs are welcome in the garden (on a lead) and across the grounds.
Killiecrankie
With miles of footpaths through woodlands and along riverbanks, you’re bound to find a walk that is perfect for all the family, including the dog!
Dogs are welcome inside the visitor centre but must be on a lead.
Kintail
All visitors should act responsibly and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Leith Hall Estate
Dogs are welcome on the estate and on our trails, but are not permitted in the walled garden nor in the Hall itself.
There is a dog-friendly area of the tearoom, The Nook, which can be accessed from the courtyard.
Linn of Tummel
Our 3-mile circular path makes the most of the vistas. Walk across the suspension bridge over the Tummel, then take in the excellent views of Killiecrankie from the Garry Bridge.
Mar Lodge Estate
Dogs are welcome on the estate but please keep them under close control or on leads, especially during bird nesting season between April and July.
Newhailes
We are a dog-friendly site, and well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome in the estate, café, shop and stables courtyard. Please check the Dogs Welcome facility on our main property page for more information about walking your dog at Newhailes.
The Pineapple
Enjoy a walk though the surrounding woodland or a peaceful stroll around the pond.
Pitmedden Garden
Dogs are welcome on the woodland estate.
We are currently trialling well-behaved dogs in the garden. Dogs must be kept on a short lead, and owners are reminded to pick up after them (spare bags are available from the admissions desk).
Priorwood Garden
Dogs are very welcome in the garden – we ask that they are kept on a lead at all times.
Rockcliffe
Dogs are welcome but please keep them under close control, especially during the bird nesting season and in areas where livestock are grazing.
St Abb’s Head NNR
Please keep dogs under close control, and on a lead near farm stock.
Although there are dog waste bins at the car park, there are none out on the reserve, so please come prepared (with a suitable sealable container) to carry your dog’s waste.
Threave Garden & Nature Reserve
Dogs are welcome in the garden and nature reserve but must be kept on a lead at all times.
Dogs are not permitted in the walled garden, Kelton Hill Wood or the play area.
Torridon
Well-behaved dogs are welcome everywhere on the estate, but please take care when other animals such as sheep and farm stock are encountered.
Also, please be aware of nesting birds when walking along the shore.
Unst & Yell
On Unst, please be aware that Shetland ponies roam freely across the island.
There are several outstanding coastal walks on Yell and the secluded sandy beaches at West Sandwick, Gossabrough or the Sands of Breckon are perfect for a picnic.
West Affric
Visitors should be suitably equipped for the remote mountain environment. Please be aware that the main paths involve crossing streams, which can be extremely difficult during periods of intense rainfall.
Dogs may enjoy taking a dip in the River Affric on warm summer days.