Joey
14 August 2019
Scotland is simply overflowing with breathtaking beaches that the rest of the British Isles have no clue even exist, and best of all, many of them are dog friendly. Read on to discover the best dog-friendly beaches in Scotland.
Did you know that if you were to include the 700 plus islands that sprinkle the Scottish coastline, it amounts to over 10,000 miles of white sandy beaches and secret coves? That’s a tail-wagging amount of coastline for our four-legged members of the family to have fun on!
Are dogs allowed on the beaches in Scotland? YES! Many of the beaches here welcome the dogs; there will be signs if they don’t, and all we ask - being friendly locals - is that you pick up after them and keep them on a lead in populated areas. So, if you’re pondering where to head for a sandy stroll with your canine companion, we’ve picked out some of the best dog-friendly beaches in Scotland. Let them bound across the sand, splash in the waves, and chase frisbees to their hearts’ content.
Here is our guide to finding the ultimate dog-friendly coastal walks in Scotland’s different regions. And why not complete the adventure by staying in a dog-friendly cottage? Here are some of the best beaches in Scotland for dogs…
Northern Highlands and islands
Imagine Scotland and you will probably conjure up an image of the Highlands. Clichéd as it may seem, this truly dramatic concoction of unparalleled rugged beauty, culture, architecture, ever-changing skies and tempestuous history is indeed the stuff of Hollywood movies. Haunted with an air of mystery, the landscape of the Scottish Highlands is dotted with beautiful and romantic castles, such as Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye and the Castle of Mey on the mainland - where the coastline has to be seen to be believed. Here are two great dog-friendly beaches in the northern Highlands and islands.
Balnakeil, in the north-west Highlands with near white sands, turquoise waters and grassy dunes, is often described as looking like an oil painting or a film set. Whichever you choose to see, the scenery is unquestionably phenomenal.
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A church ruin and graveyard sit on the edge and add to the air of mystique and drama. After blowing away the cobwebs by exploring this coastline, there is a café where it is possible to get a hot drink while you enjoy the beautiful setting.
Stay nearby at: The Wee Housey, Durness | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs 🐕🐕
Big Sand is a small and remote crofting village situated on the shores of Loch Gairloch, 4 miles from Gairloch Village. Perched on the edge of the Outer Hebrides and looking across to the Isle of Skye sits its sheltered and beautiful bay, Big Sand Beach.
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The snow-capped mountains of Skye and Torridon rise up in the distance and the incongruity is immediately apparent as well as mouth-droppingly stunning. Despite the remoteness of this coastal reach, there are toilets, showers, and even a small shop.
Stay nearby at: Bothan Buie, Strath | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs 🐕🐕
West coast Scotland
Home to 23 inhabited islands and a 'secret coast', this region combines stunning scenery with unique island paradise and rugged, awe-inspiring mainland landscapes and some of the best dog-friendly beaches on west coast Scotland. There are seven nature reserves, so not surprisingly, this is the best place in the country to spot iconic and rare wildlife such as the white-tailed sea eagle. You can enjoy the unspoiled white expanses of beach around the Isle of Colonsay or discover one of the many hidden coves in the area.
This little beach is one such secret cove and is accessed by a path from the busy fishing port of Tarbert Harbour. It meanders through woods where you can spot wildlife and seabirds from the sheds dotted along the way and then opens out on to the pebbly beach. There is a picnic table and when the tide is low, the beach turns from pebbles to beautiful white sands that are actually crushed shells.
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The view back towards the harbour and bobbing boats is lovely from here, but if you feel adventurous, there is an extra half-mile loop that takes you through even more peaceful woodland to a viewpoint called Cnoc Mor. You will probably need wellies and a dog towel for this bit as the ground underfoot can often be boggy, but the view is worth the squidgy trek. The nearby Loch Fyne is a 5-mile drive further on and is devastatingly beautiful.
Stay nearby at: West Winds, near Lochgilphead | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs 🐕🐕
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If you travel further south from Tarbert, you will come across this lovely beach in Kintyre that is miles and miles and indeed miles of perfect white sand and rolling white horses. When conditions are right, it is possible to swim or even surf with your dog and a dolphin may well pop by to say hello. This beach is part of the Mull of Kintyre Half Marathon and has been voted the 'most scenic race in the whole of the UK': a title it most definitely wins.
Stay nearby at: Rothmar East, Machrihanish | Sleeps 10 + 2 dogs 🐕🐕
North East Scotland
Many people miss this slice of the country with their headlong rush to the honey-pots of the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness, but it is a beautiful region that houses scenic glens, rich farmland, the River Spey and Moray, and is jam-packed with castles!
This very long stretch of sand is divided into East, Central and West Beach and is so dog friendly that the dog walkers great each other in a jovial and enthusiastic manner - there is also a spot known simply as 'Secret Beach' by the locals. West Beach has nooks, crannies, and rock pools in which you can fish for treasures and East Beach is a huge expanse of sand backed by dunes and a forest.
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Be aware of the tide though if you venture as far as the sand bar, as it approaches quickly and it's possible to get cut off. There are cafés for warming cuppas and the view stretches over towards the Moray Firth. Parking is free and if it's your lucky day, you may see a dolphin playing in the surf.
Stay nearby at: Craigmoy, Nairn | Sleeps 4 + 1 dog 🐕
Edinburgh and the Lothians
Cosmopolitan and culture-rich, the city of Edinburgh borders the lush countryside and coastline of the Lothians so this region enjoys the best of both worlds. Bursting with history, natural beauty and adventure, be prepared to be swamped with entertainment options and places to see - but where can Fido go for a day out?
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Cramond Beach is popular with Edinburgh locals and a hidden gem away from the hustle and bustle of city life, but only a whisker away. There's a fishing village vibe, a harbour, and it's possible to walk to Cramond Island when the tide is right. Beware, there is only a 2-hour window of opportunity otherwise it is a long wait for the next low tide!
Stay nearby at: The Cooperage, Leith Shore | Sleeps 2 + 1 dog 🐕
Taking into consideration the fact that Longniddry Beach is only 10 miles from Edinburgh, this beach is a quiet and relatively undisturbed haven. Strewn with many rock pools and visited regularly by the local wildlife, the beach is popular with walkers, water sports enthusiasts and families. Especially dog friendly, there is even an area dedicated to their exercise.
Stay nearby at: Dunesk Lodge, near Edinburgh | Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs 🐕
Southern Scotland
The south is more populated and accessible than the wild, ruggedness of the north of the country, but still has a beautiful coastline where much of it is unspoiled. The fishing port of Arbroath is famous for its Arbroath Smokie and Ayr is a popular holiday resort with ferry crossings across to the Isle of Arran.
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Backed by a long esplanade, Saltcoats Beach is wide and sandy with far-reaching views across the Firth of Clyde to the mountainous Isle of Arran. Close to two town centres, Ardrossan Castle sits not far from the beach atop of a small hill. Oliver Cromwell's army destroyed most of it in the 17th century and it is said to be haunted by William Wallace's ghost!
Stay nearby at: Castle Wing, near Kilmarnock | Sleeps 16 + 2 dogs 🐕🐕
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A few miles from Oban and nestled around the clear waters of Ganavan Bay is this splendid and scenic beach. The views stretch to the cragginess of the isles of Lismore and Mull, and dogs are welcome all year round.
Stay nearby at: Number Three Oban Bay | Sleeps 5 + 1 dog 🐕
Central Scotland
Not geographically central to Scotland, an area known as the Central Belt lies between the Highlands and the Southern Uplands. It is the most densely populated region of the country and although it is sometimes referred to as the Midlands, there are beaches in this region - many of which are dog friendly.
St Andrews East Sands, East Leven and West Leven are worth a mention, but if you are a fan of big skies and wide-open spaces, head for Kingsbarn Beach, 8 miles down the coast from St Andrews.
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This beach was awarded the Keep Scotland Beautiful Seaside Award and if you are ever there at sunrise on a clear summer's day, you'll get to see the magic of this alluring spot.
Stay nearby at: The Cormorant, near St Andrews | Sleeps 4 + 1 dog 🐕
For more inspiration on how to entertain the dog during your trip to Scotland take a look at our helpful guides:
Top off the adventure by staying in a dog-friendly cottage in Scotland
We have lots of lovely holiday homes throughout Scotland which welcome the dogs with open arms, some of them welcoming up to four dogs. Take a look at our guide featuring some of the top dog-friendly holiday cottages in our collection for some great ideas. Our cottages range in size from large cottages suitable for bigger families, to cosy pads which the pooch will love. Many have great enclosed gardens perfect for leg stretching, and lots are next to the beach too!
Browse the collection today and plan your next trip to a dog-friendly beach in Scotland.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.