Best dog-friendly camping spots in Scotland
With breath-taking views and miles upon miles of scenic landscapes, Scotland is the perfect place to explore with your furry friend and makes for a special staycation for both of you.
Whether your dog likes adventures and hill walks, or meeting new people on the beach, Scotland has plenty of spots that will get their tail wagging.
We caught up with dog behaviourist, Nanci Creedon to find out what dog-friendly Scottish spots she recommends for a pawesome holiday with your pooch, and how to make sure they’re kept happy while travelling.
Lochgoilhead
Lochgoilhead is a blissful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Glasgow, and the drive there is just as magical as the destination! En route from Glasgow, you can stop at popular viewpoint, Rest and Be Thankful to give your dog a chance to stretch their legs and explore the new smells, and it’ll give you the opportunity to soak up the majestic views.
Plenty of the restaurants and shops in Lochgoilhead are dog-friendly, so when you reach your destination, you and your four-legged friend will receive a warm welcome.
For water-loving dogs, the beaches around the village are great for a swim to cool off, and with an abundance of fantastic walking trails nearby including Duke’s Pass Circular and Cormonachan Woodlands, you’ll be kept occupied for hours.
Portobello
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly staycation on the east coast, Portobello beach in Edinburgh is a fantastic choice for those in the central belt. There are plenty of camping spots nearby and the entire length of Portobello beach and promenade are dog-friendly year-round. There’s also a good selection of cafes and bars to stop off for refreshments where your four-legged friends will be welcome.
What’s more, Portobello high street even has a speciality gourmet dog treat shop, Harry’s Treats, where you can take your pooch to pick up some healthy snacks and a holiday souvenir for them.
Buchlyvie
While a lot of dog owners flock to the east or west coasts of Scotland for their staycations, the often-overlooked city of Stirling offers an abundance of activities and pet-friendly options for you and your dog. Buchlyvie village is home to a wide selection of dog-friendly pubs and restaurants, as well as great outdoor walks including the Old Railway Track. Plus, it’s just a 20 minute drive from Loch Lomond waterfront, making it an ideal base from which to explore some of Scotland’s most loved landscapes.
The Ayrshire coast
Easily accessible from Glasgow, there are many beautiful spots along the Ayrshire coast which are ideal for a break with your dog. From the seaside town of Wemyss Bay (which was recently voted one of the most romantic towns in the UK), or even golfer’s paradise by the sea – Troon. Or for a bit of adventure hope across the water to Millport or Arran and leave the stresses of the city behind. With miles and miles of open beaches, coupled with acres of woodland and plenty of dog friendly cafes and bars, Ayrshire is an easy win for a pet friendly escape.
Nanci’s top tips for travelling with dogs:
- Crate train your dog for a good night’s sleep. You can set the crate up inside a tent, a caravan, or even in a shaded spot outside on a sunny day. Training your dog to enjoy the peace and quiet of going into the crate is essential, and you will have so much more peace of mind knowing your dog won’t destroy your accommodation!
- Invest in a ‘tie out cable’. This is a two-part tool, ideal for outdoor activities. Part 1 is a metal stake that twists into the ground to provide a secure anchor. Next, you can attach a long waterproof cable that attaches to the stake in the ground, and the other end attaches to your dog’s harness. The idea is that your dog will be able to roam outside without the risk of them escaping and running off! The most important tip here is to supervise your dog at all times and make sure they can't get the cable tangled up around a tree or object, so wide open spaces are best.
- Make sure you bring your dog’s normal food with them on camping trips and avoid the temptation to fill them up with treats and titbits from the barbeque or local restaurants. This can upset your pup’s stomach and make them restless or even sick.
- Chewing releases dopamine which is a calming hormone for dogs, so if you are going to be taking your dog to busy areas I recommend stocking up on toys like Kongs that encourage chewing, and stag bars which are a natural teeth cleaning treat.
- If your camping trip will include exploring the Scottish countryside, invest in a GPS tracking collar for your dog. It’s likely the landscape will be new to you, so it will also be new for your dog. The last thing you want is your dog to follow the exciting smell of deer, take off on an adventure, and get lost from you and your family. Treat your dog to a GPS collar for peace of mind on off-lead walks.