Our Guide to Dog-Friendly Holidays in the Cairngorms

If your dog comes on holiday with you, you've chosen a rather good part of Scotland.

We spend a lot of time exploring the Cairngorms on foot, and some of our favourite walks are also brilliant places to take a dog. There are pine forests, lochside trails, riverside paths and miles of countryside to explore, along with plenty of cafés and pubs where four legged visitors are welcome too.

All of our dog friendly holiday cottages are within easy reach of Aviemore, so we've brought together some of our favourite walks, useful places to know about and a few practical tips for enjoying the Cairngorms responsibly with your dog.

Dog friendly cottages near Aviemore

At Love Cairngorms, dogs are very much part of the family and all of our self-catering properties welcome them. We have three individually chosen self catering holiday cottages in the Cairngorms, each in a different location and with its own character.

Hillview Cottage, Alvie

A stylish and spacious cottage sleeping up to seven, with an enclosed garden and a fantastic location just a short drive from Aviemore. Hillview is particularly well placed for exploring Loch Alvie, Dalraddy, the Speyside Way and the wider Cairngorms.

Railway Cottage, near Kingussie

A cosy and characterful two bedroom cottage overlooking Insh Marshes, with woodland, riverside and countryside walks close by. It's a lovely choice for couples travelling with their dog as well as families or friends looking for a peaceful base in the Cairngorms.

The Hayloft, Rothiemurchus

A romantic one bedroom hideaway for two, tucked away at Rothiemurchus and surrounded by some of the best known woodland and walking country around Aviemore.

Have a look through all of our Cairngorms holiday cottages to find the one that suits you and your four legged travelling companion best.

Our favourite dog walks near Aviemore

One of the joys of staying here is the sheer choice of places to walk. And you certainly don't need to head into the mountains to find somewhere beautiful.

We've divided some of our favourites into easy, moderate and more challenging walks, so you can choose something to suit your dog, the weather and how energetic everyone is feeling that day.

Easy & scenic dog walks: ideal for relaxed strolls, shorter days or older dogs

Loch an Eilein, Rothiemurchus

A Cairngorms classic for good reason. The path circles the loch through the ancient pinewoods of Rothiemurchus with views across the water to the ruined island castle.

It's particularly convenient if you're staying at The Hayloft and a lovely choice when you want a proper walk without committing to a big hill day.

Rothiemurchus is important habitat for wildlife, including capercaillie, so pay attention to local signs and keep dogs under close control.

RSPB Insh Marshes

Directly opposite Railway Cottage, Insh Marshes is one of our favourite places for a gentler outing.

The landscape here feels completely different from the pine forests around Aviemore with wide open views across the wetlands and the Monadhliath mountains beyond.

It's particularly lovely early in the morning or towards evening when the light changes across the marshes. Because this is an important nature reserve, dogs should be kept under close control and you'll need to follow the guidance displayed on site for crossing the railway track.

Aviemore & River Spey circular

A lovely option when you want to combine a walk with some time in Aviemore.

Riverside paths and woodland tracks allow you to escape the bustle of the village remarkably quickly, and it's easy to finish with coffee or lunch without having to get back in the car.

Lochan Mor

A quieter alternative to some of the better known Glenmore walks, Lochan Mor takes you through peaceful woodland with the lochan tucked among the trees.

It's a good one to have up your sleeve when you fancy a relatively gentle forest walk away from some of the busier visitor spots.

Loch Morlich

Sandy beach, pine forest and mountain views make Loch Morlich one of the classic Cairngorms outings.

There are several ways to explore the loch and surrounding Glenmore Forest so you can adapt your walk to suit your dog, the weather and how far you feel like going.

The wider Glenmore area is particularly important for wildlife, so always follow seasonal signage and guidance for dogs.

Moderate walks & leg stretchers: longer routes with a little more variety and interest

The Speyside Way

You certainly don't have to walk all of it. Sections of the Speyside Way pass through Aviemore, Kincraig and the surrounding area, with a mixture of riverside paths, woodland and open countryside.

It's a brilliant option when you simply want to set off and walk rather than drive to one of the better known visitor spots.

Craigellachie National Nature Reserve

Sitting right beside Aviemore but feeling remarkably removed from it, Craigellachie combines woodland paths with steeper climbs and viewpoints over Strathspey.

The paths can be narrower and steeper in places making this a better choice for dogs and owners comfortable with uneven terrain.

Alvie and Balavil Estates

Both Alvie and Balavil offer beautiful countryside for longer walks with estate tracks leading through woodland and open Highland landscapes.

Alvie is particularly handy if you're staying at Hillview Cottage, while Balavil sits close to Railway Cottage, so both are good options when you want to head out for a walk without driving to one of the better known visitor spots.

Both are working Highland estates where deer management and stalking can take place. Before heading onto the open hill, check Heading for the Scottish Hills for current stalking information and pay attention to any notices or guidance displayed locally.

If stalking is taking place, follow any reasonable requests to use an alternative route. Where there is no specific guidance, stick to established paths and tracks where possible and keep dogs under close control.

Challenging walks & big days out: for fit walkers and trail ready dogs

Cairngorm Northern Corries

For experienced walkers, the Northern Corries take you into very different territory.

This is mountain country, with rocky and exposed terrain, rapidly changing weather and conditions that require proper preparation, navigation skills and appropriate equipment.

Whether a high mountain route is suitable for your dog will depend very much on the dog, conditions and your own experience. Check the mountain forecast and detailed route information before setting out.

Meall a' Bhuachaille, Glenmore

If you and your dog are ready for something more energetic, Meall a' Bhuachaille is a brilliant hill day from Glenmore.

The climb rewards you with wonderful views over Loch Morlich and towards the Cairngorm mountains. It's a popular route, though, so don't expect to have the hill entirely to yourself.

Again, check the weather and route conditions before setting off.

A Wee Hidden Gem

Uath Lochans

Uath Lochans is one of our favourite places to walk in the Cairngorms.

Hidden among the woods of Inshriach Forest, the trails weave between small lochs, Scots pines and boardwalks. You can choose the gentler Uath Lochans Trail or extend your walk by climbing towards Farleitter Crag for wonderful views over the surrounding forest and Strathspey.

It's particularly beautiful when the woodland is quiet and the lochans are completely still.

We have a full guide to walking at Uath Lochans if you'd like to plan your visit.

Exploring the Cairngorms responsibly with your dog

The Cairngorms National Park is a wonderful place to explore with a dog but it's also home to some exceptionally rare wildlife.

During the bird breeding season, dogs need to be kept under proper control in sensitive woodland, moorland and lochside areas. Some places have specific seasonal guidance because they are home to capercaillie and other vulnerable birds.

Around farmland, keep dogs well away from livestock and take particular care around young animals.

And of course, always pick up after your dog and take waste away with you.

The simplest rule is to look out for local signs wherever you're walking. Different estates, reserves and land managers may have different guidance depending on the wildlife, livestock and time of year.

Safe off lead options

Secure dog parks near Aviemore

Sometimes you just want somewhere your dog can have a proper run without worrying about wildlife, livestock or questionable recall.

Aviemore Dog Park has secure fields available for private use, while The Glade at Rothiemurchus offers another private, bookable secure dog field near Aviemore.

These can be particularly handy for nervous dogs, dogs who prefer their own space or those who simply need to burn off some energy somewhere you can relax too.

Weather & terrain: what to expect

Weather in the Cairngorms can change quickly and that applies just as much to a dog walk as it does to a day in the mountains.

Paths can become muddy or icy, particularly during winter and after heavy rain. Higher routes can be cold and windy even when conditions feel quite pleasant lower down.

Ticks are common during the warmer months so it's worth checking your dog after walks and always carry enough water on longer outings.

Good footwear, layers and a willingness to change your plans when the weather says otherwise will make everyone's day considerably more enjoyable.

Our favourite dog-friendly cafes & pubs

A good walk followed by coffee, cake or a pub lunch is a combination we can wholeheartedly get behind.

The Barn at Rothiemurchus has a dog friendly area and is particularly easy to combine with a walk around the estate.

The Old Bridge Inn in Aviemore welcomes well behaved dogs in the lounge, making it a great option after a riverside walk.

Ryvoan Cafe in Aviemore is another favourite of ours for lunch or coffee.

Dog policies can change, so it's always worth checking directly before making a special journey.

You'll find plenty more ideas in our Discover Cairngorms guides to our favourite places to eat, coffee stops and places for brunch.

Useful local contacts

Pet shops & vets

It's always useful to know where these are before you need them.

Pampered Pets, Aviemore is the local pet shop at Myrtlefield Business Park.

Strathspey Veterinary Centre has practices in Aviemore and Grantown on Spey.

We'd suggest checking their current contact details and opening information directly if you need them during your stay.

Planning a dog friendly stay in the cairngorms

You really don't have to plan every day before you arrive.

One of the nicest things about staying near Aviemore is having so much within easy reach. You can spend one day wandering through the Rothiemurchus pinewoods, another beside the River Spey and another exploring the lochs and trails around Glenmore.

And when the weather inevitably decides not to cooperate, a cosy cottage and a snoozing dog aren't such a bad alternative.