Haggis Recommends – Dog-friendly walks

Wanting to make sure your route is dog-friendly?  Here’s our list of Haggis favourites where you can walk with the favourite member of your family…

Dumfries & Galloway

The South West of Scotland is often overlooked as people favour the North or West coasts.  But this stunning area has the best of both worlds – beaches and forests.  Home to the world’s biggest ‘Dark Park’, the forest is a huge area to run your furry friend ragged. The coastline is home to Mossyard, one of the most popular beaches, as well as other great beaches including Port Patrick, Carrick and Southerness.

The Cairngorms National Park

It’s not only the mountains that the Cairngorms are famed for. Scotland’s only award-winning freshwater beach is situated at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and near the outdoors town of Aviemore. The sandy bay is the perfect place for a stroll and you are rewarded with cracking views. Our particular favourite is ‘The Green Loch’, a good 8 mile hike from Nethy Bridge and well worth the walk.

North Berwick and East Lothian beaches

We shared some pictures of North Berwick and its huge expanse of beach.  It’s a great seaside town for a wander.  Throughout East Lothian there are over 40 miles of beaches to explore.  Other favourites include Yellowcraigs, Seacliff and North Berwick West Bay.

Argyll

Over on the west coast there’s a plethora of walks to choose from including some fantastic ones on the islands.  Mull is home to some beautiful beaches and from here you can head over to Iona. Mull is the second largest island of the Inner Hebrides and is full of fabulous walks and wonderful wildlife.   All the sea air will definitely build an appetite for a huge plate of fish and chips at the end.  It’s all about the reward!

Torrisdale, Campbeltown

Facing the Isle of Arran, Torrisdale Castle Estate is located on the east coast of the Kintyre peninsula in Argyll.

The bay is a great place to spot seals and otters. For those doggies that love a swim the water is irresistible. Although it may be a little chilly for us humans! A few miles along the coast from Torrisdale there are a number of beaches and bays. Carradale is a great part to spot wildlife while Westport is a favourite destination for surfers.  And don’t forget Saddell Beach – the location for the famous Wings video ‘Mull of Kintyre’.

Sango Bay, Durness, Sutherland

A slice of heaven on the North coast of Scotland. This is the perfect mix of sand, rocks formations and shelter from the cliffs. Durness is only 10miles from Cape Wrath, the most North-Westerly point on the British Isles.  It’s rather breezy but well worth the visit.  Other beaches worth checking out are Balnakeil and Kearvaig.

West Sands, St Andrews Fife

Scene of the iconic beach run in ‘Chariots of Fire’, this huge windswept beach is a great space to tire out the hounds. East Sands is the sister beach just over the other side of St Andrews and here you can explore the ancient ruined Cathedral. The bustling university town is home to international students and local Fifers.

A 15-minute drive from St Andrews towards Dundee, takes you to Tentsmuir Forest and beach. Covering 50 square miles, the forest has some fantastic trails to explore leading to a huge expanse of beach.  For wildlife enthusiasts, there are many plant and invertebrate species including some of national or regional importance.

Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park

Enjoy a stroll along forest paths or the shore of the loch. If you’re feeling energetic, the walking path to the summit of Ben Lomond starts from Rowardennan on the eastern banks of Loch Lomond. Whatever you choose you and your dog are sure to enjoy the views and tranquillity.

Aberdour, Fife

Home to our very own Team Haggis, Aberdour has 2 great beaches to choose from, Silver Sands and Black Sands. Beautiful beaches lending themselves to great walks along the Fife Coastal Path to Burntisland and beyond.

If you have a favourite beach or area that is perfect for your pooch, get in touch – we love hearing about new places!