Three trails in the country have been singled out as the best for four-legged friends.This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh has been named one of the top spots for a dog walk or run in the UK(Image: pjoswald82 / Getty Images)
Scotland’s “most friendly” walks and running routes have been named. Three trails in the country were singled out, with a city beauty spot topping the list.
On Tuesday, July 29, GO Outdoors shared a list of the best routes across the UK to run or walk with four-legged friends. The experts analysed factors such as trail ratings, popularity and the number of dog-friendly restaurants close by.
Topping the list for Scotland is the Dry Dam Path to Saint Anthony’s Chapel and Arthur’s Seat trail in Edinburgh. The route also placed at number three on the overall UK-wide roundup.
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Dry Dam Path to Saint Anthony’s Chapel and Arthur’s Seat is the main trail up Arthur’s Seat in the Scottish capital. The ancient extinct volcano is the primary peak of the group of surrounding hills, and dominates the cityscape.
The experts found that the route has 2,349 ratings on walking specialist website AllTrails, with an average score of 4.7 out of five. GO Outdoors also found that there are 208 dog-friendly restaurants in Edinburgh to head to before or after the walk.
According to AllTrails, the route is 3.2 kilometres in length and has an elevation of 197 metres. The there-and-back trail takes an average of one hour and 15 minutes to complete.
Conic Hill placed second for Scotland(Image: Marc Guitard / Getty Images)
Following behind as the second “most friendly” walk and running route in Scotland according to GO Outdoors is Conic Hill in Stirlingshire. The beauty spot, which overlooks Loch Lomond, placed at number four on the overall list of 10.
Conic Hill is an out-and-back route that begins in Balmaha and guides walkers and runners up to the summit. As stated by AllTrails, the trail is 4.2 kilometres in length and has an elevation of 323 metres.
GO Outdoors found that Conic Hill has 1,956 ratings on AllTrails, with an average score of 4.7 out of five. According to the experts, there are 21 dog-friendly food venues in nearby Stirling.
A similar route came in at number three for Scotland, with the Conic Hill via Balmaha Loop trail placing at number nine on the UK-wide top 10. Unlike the Conic Hill route, it is circular and slightly longer at 5.6 kilometres in length.
According to GO Outdoors, the Conic Hill via Balmaha Loop has 1,554 ratings on AllTrails. It has an overall score of 4.7 out of five on the site.
Author and outdoor enthusiast at GO Outdoors Nataile Wolfenden commented: “Running with your dog can be both healthy and fun for you both, but it is important that you take the right precautions. It is recommended that you take it easy at first and build up your distance to avoid any injuries.
The experts also shared tips for those heading out on a walk or jog with their dog(Image: munro1 / Getty Images)
“Alternate between walking and running and make sure that you rest if you need to. Before any walk or run, you should check the difficulty and only take your dog on a route that they can safely complete.
“It is also imperative that you take the right equipment for both you and your dog. You should have a sturdy lead that is comfortable for your dog to wear, as well as a hydration pack that holds enough water for both you and your dog.
“You should pack a collapsible water bowl for your dog to drink out of, as well as any poo bags.”
Wolfenden added: “If your dog starts to show any signs of exhaustion or overheating, such as excessive panting or difficulty breathing, excessive foaming at the mouth, being drowsy and uncoordinated, shaking its head, pulling to the side, reddened gums, or vomiting, you must stop, find a shaded place, soak its coat with cool water, and give it water to drink before seeking further help.”
To put together their list, the experts created a seedlist of popular dog-friendly running trails across the UK. Ratings were then sourced from AllTrails, while the number of dog-friendly restaurants was sourced from Tripadvisor.
Read on for the full list of 10 best dog-friendly trails in the UK.
The UK’s best dog-friendly trails
- Pen Y Fan Horseshoe, Merthyr Tydfil
- Derwent Water Circular, Keswick
- The Dry Dam Path to Saint Anthony’s Chapel and Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
- Conic Hill, Stirling
- Castleton, Mam Tor, and The Great Ridge Circular, Castleton
- Mam Tor and The Great Ridge via Elbow Ridge, Castleton
- Old Glossop and B-29 Crash Site Circular, Old Glossop
- Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) via Llanberis Path, Llanberis
- Conic Hill via Balmaha Loop, Stirling
- Donard Park to Slieve Donard, Newcastle