The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Ettrick And Yarrow

There are 8 dog-friendly hiking trails in Ettrick and Yarrow featured in this guide. These routes range from moderate to difficult, offering diverse experiences for you and your canine companion.

The Ettrick and Yarrow region offers a diverse range of terrain for dog-friendly hikes. You can expect to traverse delightful river valleys, walk alongside glistening lochs, explore extensive woodlands and forests, and ascend rolling hills and wild moorland. Many trails follow old drove roads, providing varied surfaces and stunning views.

While this guide primarily features moderate to difficult routes, the region generally offers a variety of walks suitable for all abilities. For easier, family-friendly options, consider exploring the extensive network of trails within Bowhill Estate or Craik Forest, which provide gentler woodland paths. Always check the specific route details for elevation and distance to ensure it suits your group's fitness level.

The dog-friendly trails in Ettrick and Yarrow are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 300 reviews. Hikers often praise the serene and mostly undiscovered environment, the stunning natural beauty of the lochs and valleys, and the peaceful atmosphere perfect for walking with dogs.

Yes, the region is home to dramatic waterfalls. The most notable is the Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall, one of the UK's highest. While specific dog-friendly routes directly to the base of the falls might be challenging, you can find trails in the vicinity that offer views or lead to other cascades like Craigmechan Scar Gorge and Waterfall or Wolfcleugh Waterfall. Always ensure your dog is on a lead near steep drops.

Absolutely! The lochs are a highlight of the region. You can enjoy a beautiful dog-friendly walk around St Mary's Loch, offering tranquil settings and stunning views. Another excellent option is the St Mary's Loch – Loch of the Lowes loop from St Mary's Loch, which combines both prominent lochs.

Yes, many of the dog-friendly trails in Ettrick and Yarrow are circular, allowing for a varied experience without retracing your steps. For example, the St Mary's Loch – Loch of the Lowes loop from Dryhope offers a scenic circular journey around the lochs.

The valleys are rich in history, with many walks incorporating historical sites. You might encounter ancient standing stones, Bronze Age settlements, or the remnants of Tower Houses like Blackhouse and Dryhope Towers, hinting at the region's turbulent past. While specific routes in this guide might not directly pass all these, the general area is steeped in history, often tied to figures like Sir Walter Scott.

Yes, the region offers lovely forest trails. Craik Forest provides extensive woodland paths in the heart of the Southern Uplands, perfect for a shaded walk with your dog. Bowhill Estate also features miles of tracks through stunning woodland, ideal for exploring with your canine companion.

Ettrick and Yarrow is beautiful year-round. Spring brings wildflowers and new growth, while autumn offers spectacular foliage. Summer provides longer daylight hours, and winter can offer crisp, quiet walks, though some higher routes may be more challenging. Always check local weather conditions, especially during colder months, and be mindful of livestock and ground-nesting birds during lambing and nesting seasons.

Yes, for experienced hikers and their dogs, there are more challenging options. The Loch of the Lowes – St Mary's Loch loop from St Mary's Loch is a difficult, longer route that will test your endurance while offering expansive views of the lochs and surrounding hills.

When hiking with your dog in Ettrick and Yarrow, it's essential to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This means keeping your dog under close control, especially around livestock and wildlife. During lambing season (typically March to May), it's advisable to keep dogs on a lead in areas with sheep. Always pick up after your dog and dispose of waste responsibly to help preserve the natural beauty of the area.