Paws and Paths: The Ultimate Dog - Friendly Guide to the Cairngorms
Planning a trip to the Scottish Highlands shouldn’t mean leaving your best friend behind. At Escape Cottages Scotland, we believe a holiday is only complete when the whole family is there—tails included.
The Cairngorms National Park is a natural playground for dogs, offering everything from rugged mountain trails to cozy fireside pubs. Here is your local guide to the best dog-friendly spots in Grantown-on-Spey, Kingussie, Aviemore, Newtonmore, and Balgowan.
Aviemore: The Adventure Hub
Aviemore is a dream for pet owners, with almost every corner welcoming four-legged explorers.
Aviemore Dog Park: A must-visit for safe, off-lead play. These secure, deer-fenced fields are available for exclusive booking—perfect for reactive dogs or those still mastering their recall.
Dog-Friendly Eats: For a warm welcome and great food, visit The Winking Owl, The Balavoulin, the Explorer Cafe, or The View Cafe. For a rustic vibe, don't miss The Barn Cafe.
Highland Views: Take the dogs up to the Cairngorm Mountain Resort Cafe or enjoy the majestic surroundings of Glenmore Forest Park.
Unique Attractions: Dogs are welcome on-lead at Landmark Forest Adventure Park and can even join you for a nostalgic trip on the Strathspey Steam Railway!
The Walks: Choose between the sandy shores of Loch Morlich or the ancient pines surrounding the fairytale Loch an Eilein.
Grantown-on-Spey: Elegant Trails & Local Treats
Surrounded by the stunning Anagach Woods, this historic town is perfect for woodland wanderers.
Dog-Friendly Eats: For a cozy sit-down, The Wee Puffin and High Street Merchants are fantastic pet-friendly options. If you're after a classic pub vibe and a famous pie, The Craig Bar is a local favorite.
The Walk: Explore the Anagach Woods. There are several color-coded trails ranging from easy strolls to longer loops that lead down to the banks of the River Spey.
Kingussie: Community & Culture
Kingussie is incredibly welcoming, offering great spots for foodies and walkers alike.
Dog-Friendly Eats: Stop by the Sugarbowl Cafe in town or head to the Wolf Bar for a pet-friendly atmosphere. For a meal with a view, The Boathouse Restaurant at Loch Insh is just a short drive away.
A Unique Spot: Even the Kingussie Golf Club is dog-friendly (please keep dogs on a lead)! It’s a great way to enjoy the fresh air and stunning scenery together.
The Walk: Visit the iconic Ruthven Barracks. While dogs should be kept on leads around the ruins, the surrounding marshes offer incredible Highland scenery.
Newtonmore: The Walking Village
Dog-Friendly Eats: Refuel with home-baked treats at The Wild Flour Cafe or Antlers Cafe, both of which love meeting furry visitors.
Attractions: The Highland Folk Museum is a massive open-air site where dogs on leads are welcome to wander through history with you.
The Walk: The Wildcat Trail is a 10km orbital route around the village that offers a bit of everything: rivers, waterfalls, and woodland.
Balgowan, Laggan & Dalwhinnie
Dog-Friendly Eats: If you are exploring the southern Cairngorms, The Apiary Cafe in Dalwhinnie is a fantastic "paws-welcome" stop, as is the charming Laggan Coffee Bothy.
The Walk: Laggan Wolftrax isn't just for mountain bikers! The forest walking trails here are superb and offer a great workout for energetic dogs.
A Note on Responsible Roaming
To keep our Highlands beautiful and safe, please follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Important: Always keep your dog on a short lead when near wildlife, sheep, cows, and during the spring/summer nesting season (April–July) to protect our rare ground-nesting birds.
Why Book with Escape Cottages Scotland?
At Escape Cottages Scotland, we hand-pick our self catering properties to ensure they provide the perfect base for your Highland adventures. Whether you need an enclosed garden, easy access to forest walks, or a cozy log burner for your dog to curl up in front of, our collection has you covered.
Browse our Dog-Friendly self catering Cottages and book your next Highland Escape today!