A selection of dog friendly walks. These are all routes which avoid long sections walking on roads near traffic or through farmland where there is likely to be livestock.
Disclaimer: I’m mindful that everyone’s dog is an individual and different breeds have different requirements when it comes to what could be considered a dog friendly walk. Some dogs like/need to be on lead at all times, whilst others like to run free. Some dogs prefer routes which avoid other dogs, whilst others want to be social. Some dogs are ok around livestock, others not so much… You’ll find a small dog icon near the top of each of the below routes and beside some of them you’ll find additional information which I encourage you to read in case it is relevant to your dog.
Take yourself back to a time when coal mining was the main industry in this part of East Ayrshire with a visit to the Barony A Frame. The walk down into the Dumfries House Estate is only 1.5 miles away and gives you the opportunity to enjoy open views across the grassy farmland towards the neighbouring villages. … More Walk 228 – Barony A Frame to Dumfries House Estate – 3 miles
Get up close to Craufurdland Castle on this delightful short circular walk through the Estate’s woodland and forest plantations. … More Walk 225 – Castle View Trail, Craufurdland Estate, Kilmarnock – 1.4 miles
An easy, short circular walk at Irvine Beach, located less than an hour from Glasgow. The route takes advantage of the sheltered trails behind the sand dunes, which you might find lined with summer roses or purple heather depending on the season. I recommend paying a visit to the dragon viewpoint along the way for a stunning panorama of the Ayrshire coastline and Isle of Arran! Return via the golden sands of Irvine Beach, popular with horse riders. Go at dawn or dusk to enjoy a spectacular sunset and hundreds of rabbits in the Beach Park! … More Walk 223 – Irvine Dunes Circular – 2.7 miles
This fully way-marked circular walk takes you along the Water of Gregg and into the tranquil Changue Forest. As you gaze down into the Stinchar Valley from the viewpoint, ponder the legend of the battle between the Devil and the Laird of Changue reputed to have taken place here many years ago. … More Walk 220 – Devil’s Trail, Barr
Reelig Glen is located close to Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. It is home to some of the tallest trees in Britain and as you walk through this mossy woodland beside the Moniack Burn, you can’t help but feel small compared to the massive fir and spruce trees towering above you. Information boards dotted along the trail offer ID opportunities and some fun facts. … More Walk 219 – Tall Trees Walk, Reelig Glen – 1 mile
A beautiful short walk in the quiet Dunlop countryside. Starting with the Commoncraig Wood’s bubbling burn and bench with a view, a short hop over a stile takes you along the road to the impressive Dunlop House. The route returns to the village via the recently upgraded Wee Glen. … More Walk 218 – Commoncraig & The Wee Glen, Dunlop – 2.9 miles
A village favourite, this short circular walk begins at Dunlop Train Station and takes you through the conservation area of the village to Dunlop Kirk before heading out into the countryside. An adventure through the Millenium Woods is next, en route to the ruins of Templehouse where Minnie Gemmell once lived. Return to the village via quiet tracks and country lanes, past the former cricket lawn. … More Walk 217 – Minnie Gemmell’s Loop, Dunlop – 2 miles
One of Scotland’s most famous waterfalls, Grey Mare’s Tail is located near the town of Moffat, within a nature reserve managed by the National Trust for Scotland. It is one of the UK’s tallest falls, cascading 60m down into the glen below. This walk takes you from the car park uphill to the source of the waterfall – the very peaceful and remote Loch Skeen. … More Walk 216 – Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall, Moffat – 2.8 miles
This route combines the Waterfalls Trail and Lochan Trail within Aros Park. You will pass both the Upper and Lower Falls on Aros Burn then walk around the east side of peaceful Lochan Gharrabain. The Waterfalls Trail involves uneven and sometimes boggy woodland trails and has some steep hills and steps. The path around the lochan is flat and wider/gravel. Good way-marking throughout Aros Park. … More Walk 215 – Aros Park Waterfalls & Lochan Trail, Isle of Mull – 1.9 miles
Tobermory has become famous as the setting for popular children’s TV series Balamory. It is also home to an attractive row of colourful shopfronts, its very own gin, and the Isle of Mull whisky distillery. This circular walk starts at the distillery and heads along a good path to Tobermory lighthouse. The return takes you onto higher ground and along the edge of the golf course for fantastic views down into the village. … More Walk 214 – Tobermory Lighthouse Circular Walk – 3.6 miles
Starting with a wander around the Art in Nature Woodland Sculpture Walk, you will then head down towards the iconic Calgary Bay. Walk along to the pier and back and then across the white sandy beach, returning to the start via field-edge paths. … More Walk 213 – Calgary Bay & the Art in Nature Trail, Isle of Mull – 2.5 miles
This circular walk starts at the ferry slip on Iona and visits several idyllic white sandy beaches (have your camera at the ready!). The return is via more challenging terrain involving faint trails on moorland cliff-tops which lead you to the Bay at the Back of the Ocean and Iona Golf Course. … More Walk 211 – Isle of Iona, North Circuit – 6 miles
An extended version of the popular 3.7 mile Falls of Clyde walk. Starting in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of New Lanark, follow the Clyde Walkway through a scenic nature reserve managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The highlight of the walk is the spectacular waterfalls along the river gorge, including the well-photographed Corra Linn: the largest in Britain by volume of water. The return route takes you along peaceful woodland trails down the west bank of the River Clyde and into Kirkfieldbank, then through Castlebank Park. … More Walk 210 – The Falls of Clyde Circular Walk, New Lanark – 7 miles
The Pass of Killiecrankie and Faskally Forest in Perthshire are two of the best places in Scotland to enjoy a stunning display of autumn colours and this circular route takes you through both! … More Walk 209 – Killiecrankie & Faskally Forest Circular – 10 miles
This walk takes you around the perimeter of Glenafton Reservoir just outside New Cumnock. On a still day the water creates stunning reflections of the surrounding hills and forests so remember to take your camera! … More Walk 207 – Afton Dam Circular – 5 miles
Gillian's Walks 