Top dog-friendly spots in Scotland for a summer adventure with your furry friend
As the summer sun shines and staycation demand continues to rise, dog owners across the UK are looking for holiday ideas that welcome four-legged family members.
From paddleboarding on lochs to steam train adventures and doggy ice cream, this summer's top activities are all about bonding, exploring, and tail-wagging fun, with Scotland offering some of the best spots of all.
Dog Friendly Retreats has rounded up ten of the most exciting dog-friendly things to do around the UK this summer, with Scotland being home to two of them.
Whether you're planning a week-long escape or just a fun day out, these adventures are designed for both pups and their people.
One standout is Loch Morlich, nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. As Scotland's only freshwater beach to win national awards, it combines soft golden sands with postcard-perfect views of the snow-topped peaks.
Dogs can splash in the shallows or explore lochside forest trails, while owners relax or enjoy water sports from the nearby activity centre.
Equally stunning is Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, an ancient volcano that rises 251 metres above sea level and offers panoramic views over the city.
Surrounded by Holyrood Park's 640 acres, dogs are welcome to roam grassy paths and craggy slopes, or sniff their way through the ruins of St Anthony's Chapel. The area's rich history, geology and birdlife make it more than just a walk in the park.
Further south, Camber Sands in East Sussex and Rhossili Bay in Wales offer expansive beaches where dogs can roam free, while Lake Windermere in the Lake District has become a hotspot for paddleboarding with pups.
Calm morning waters and hire shops that cater to dogs make it a perfect way to try something new.
But it's not all about the coast. The Four Falls Trail in Bannau Brycheiniog, previously know as the Brecon Beacons, winds through ancient woodland and rocky gorges, rewarding dogs and owners alike with four spectacular waterfalls and plenty of cooling plunge pools along the 5.5-mile route.
If you prefer a slower pace, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway offers a nostalgic ride on a steam train where dogs travel for free. Hop off at Goathland, better known as Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter films, for a moorland ramble or a wander through Whitby's historic harbour.
For foodie pups, Salcombe Dairy in Devon serves up Scoop's Ice Cream for Dogs, made with banana, apple and probiotic yoghurt. And for a more peaceful pace, a gentle cruise along the Norfolk Broads offers dog-friendly boats with plenty of scenic pub stops and wildlife spotting.
Events are also stepping up their game. Paws in the Park in Kent and the UK-wide DogFest series feature everything from agility courses and canine splash zones to gourmet food stalls and live music, all with wagging tails in mind.
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Josh Williams, owner of Dog Friendly Retreats, said: 'More and more people are choosing staycations so their dogs can be part of the adventure, and it's brilliant to see so many destinations stepping up with dog-friendly options.
'From wild swimming to steam train rides, these experiences are all about making memories with your dog, not just finding places that tolerate them. Whether you've got a seasoned hiker or a sun-loving sofa surfer, there's something here to suit every kind of pup and their human.'
Dog Friendly Retreats' top 10 things to do with your dog this summer
1. Explore Camber Sands, East Sussex
2. Hike to waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons
3. Wild swim at Loch Morlich, Cairngorms
4. SUP with your pup on Lake Windermere
5. Roam the Rhossili Headland, Gower Peninsula
6. Ride the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
7. Stroll Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh
8. Visit a dog-friendly festival
9. Enjoy dog ice cream at Salcombe Dairy, Devon
10. Cruise the Norfolk Broads by boat
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