Dog friendly holiday in the Highlands of Scotland 

Things to do and places to go with your dog in the Cairngorms National Park. 

Whether your dog is a relaxed country mutt or a smart town hound, they’ll think they’ve found doggy paradise when you bring them on your next Handpicked Lodges accommodation in the Scottish Highlands. Almost all of our lodges are dog friendly and almost all have completely enclosed and secure gardens so they can be let out safely. Many have extra dog friendly features like sets of specific dog-only towels, dog water bowls, doggy treats on arrival and even a large in-built dog house under the stairs in one! ​

Many of the pubs and cafes in the area are very welcoming to dogs. One place you are always sure to see a dog or two, even late into the evening, is The Old Bridge Inn in Aviemore. They are also welcome in the walled outdoor seating area outside the Druie Cafe in Rothiemurchus. Check out the Pet Friendly page on the website for more information and other dog-friendly venues - the list is growing all the time!

All dogs will enjoy a visit to Loch Morlich, Loch an Eilein or the Green Lochan, where they can paddle and cool off to their hearts content. Dogs of all ages and fitness will love a walk around Glenmore Forest, up into the forest tracks behind High Burnside in Aviemore, or along the Speyside Way path between Aviemore and Boat of Garten. If your dog is particularly fit, why not try a walk uphill from the Ciste car park (on the mountain road up to Cairngorm Mountain). From there you can reach a cairn above the Ciste Gully, from which you’ll get stunning views back over Glenmore. Another great walk takes you from the day lodge car park on Cairngorm Mountain along a path towards Coire an t’Sneachda (Corrie of the Snows). ​

Where do your dogs like to explore on their Handpicked Lodges holiday? 
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We always love to hear what our guests have been up to with their four legged friends on their Handpicked Lodges adventures, and to hear about any particularly great walks that you've enjoyed together. Do send us your photos of your dogs enjoying their Handpicked Lodges break - the best images may even make it onto our Facebook page!