The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers a wide variety of dog-friendly hiking trails. Our guide features over 90 routes, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hill walks, ensuring there's something for every dog and owner.

The terrain around Edinburgh is incredibly diverse. You can find everything from urban riverside paths along the Water of Leith, to the ancient volcanic slopes of Arthur's Seat, and the rolling hills and reservoirs of the Pentland Hills Regional Park. Many trails offer a mix of paved paths, grassy tracks, and rocky ascents.

Yes, Edinburgh has many easy dog-friendly options. For a gentle urban stroll, consider the Edinburgh Old Town tour, which is just over 3 km. The Water of Leith Walkway also provides a tranquil, mostly flat path through green spaces. Our guide lists over 50 easy routes perfect for a relaxed outing.

Absolutely. For those seeking a challenge, the Pentland Hills Regional Park offers more strenuous options. The Scald Law Summit – Carnethy Hill loop from Lennox Tower is a difficult 20 km route with significant elevation gain, providing rewarding views. Our guide includes 8 difficult trails for experienced hikers and their dogs.

The dog-friendly trails in Edinburgh are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 2,600 ratings. Hikers often praise the stunning views, the variety of landscapes, and the accessibility of nature even within the city.

Yes, many dog-friendly routes around Edinburgh are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Arthur's Seat & Salisbury Crags loop, or the Buckstone Snab Summit – View Across to Fife loop from Alnwickhill, which offers great views and is an easy 6.7 km walk.

Many trailheads in and around Edinburgh are well-served by public transport. For example, routes in Holyrood Park and on Calton Hill are easily accessible from the city center. The Pentland Hills Regional Park also has bus stops near popular starting points like Flotterstone or Balerno. We recommend checking local bus schedules for specific routes.

When hiking with your dog in Edinburgh, it's generally recommended to keep them on a lead, especially in areas with livestock or near roads. Always pick up after your dog. Some nature reserves or specific areas might have additional restrictions, so it's good practice to look for local signage.

Edinburgh offers many stunning natural features and viewpoints. Arthur's Seat provides panoramic city views, while View of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth offers a different perspective. The Pentland Hills feature serene reservoirs like Torduff Reservoir and Threipmuir Reservoir, perfect for a waterside walk.

Edinburgh is generally very dog-friendly, and many pubs and cafes welcome well-behaved dogs, especially in outdoor seating areas. After a walk in the Pentland Hills, you might find options in nearby villages. In the city, areas like Stockbridge and Dean Village often have establishments that cater to dog owners. It's always best to check with the venue beforehand.

Spring and autumn are often considered the best times for dog-friendly hiking in Edinburgh, offering mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring brings blooming flora, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer can be pleasant, but trails might be busier. Winter walks are also possible, but be prepared for colder, potentially wet or icy conditions, especially on higher ground.