Scotland is home to several dog-friendly road trips that offer good stops, walks, food options and places they can stay too
20:00, 03 May 2026
Spring time is the perfect time to hit the road with your dog (Image: Getty Images)
A dog is a huge part of the family so heading off on holiday with them in tow has become increasingly popular. If you’re planning a trip with Fido this spring, it is helpful to know where to stay and if they are welcome at pubs and restaurants you may want to visit too.
Luckily Scotland is also home to several routes that has both spectacular scenery for you and great walking stops and dog-friendly accommodation on route. The top three dog-friendly road trips have been unveiled in a new index complied by Dog Friendly Cottages which will help any pooch parent planning to get away with their four-legged friend.
The UK Dog Friendly Road Trip Index has assessed 20 well known routes across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, ranking them on how well they cater for dogs. The findings have also been turned into an interactive map designed to help travellers plan more suitable journeys.
The index considered a range of factors, including the availability of dog-friendly accommodation along each route, access to walking trails and green space, the number of pubs and restaurants that welcome dogs, the quality of service stations and rest stops as well as notable landmarks along the way.
Scottish routes feature prominently near the top of the rankings, with the Highlands and the north of Scotland standing out for its scenery and infrastructure tailored to travelling dog owners.
Read on to find out where the best dog-friendly road trips are in Scotland that will make sure you and man’s best friend will enjoy the break away.
There are plenty of routes popular for dog friendly road trips thanks to their scenic landscapes and pet friendly facilities.(Image: Getty Images)
Scottish Highlands A82 Glencoe
The A82 route from Glasgow to Inverness via Glencoe is ranked joint fourth overall, scoring 83.1 alongside the Lake District. While it may offer fewer formal walking trails than some English routes, it compensates with vast open landscapes and dramatic scenery.
The journey covers around 170 miles and typically takes between four and a half to five and a half hours to drive. According to the data, there are 5,206 dog-friendly places to stay along the route, alongside 184 dog-welcoming pubs and restaurants.
The Pass of Glencoe offers dramatic scenery and a rugged, wild setting that is especially appealing for dogs(Image: Getty Images)
The Pass of Glencoe is highlighted as one of the most striking sections, surrounded by towering peaks and wide valleys shaped by ancient glaciers and volcanic activity. The route is often described as one that prioritises wilderness over convenience, making it particularly appealing to those seeking a more rugged experience with their dogs.
Glen Coe itself is a protected valley known for its natural beauty and wildlife. The A82 runs through it, offering uninterrupted views of mountains, lochs and waterfalls, with stopping points that allow visitors and pets to take in the landscape at a slower pace.
North Coast 500
The North Coast 500 is one of Scotland’s most recognised road trips, forming a 516 mile circular route from Inverness around the far north of the country. It ranks ninth in the index with a score of 53.8.
The North Coast 500 is a popular 516 mile circular road trip starting and ending in Inverness that loops around northern Scotland.(Image: Getty Images)
The lower ranking reflects its remoteness rather than its appeal. While it offers dramatic coastal scenery, mountain passes and beaches with very few crowds, it also has fewer pubs and walking trails per mile, and longer distances between rest stops. The research suggests careful planning is essential for those travelling with dogs.
One of the most notable sections is Bealach na Bà, a winding mountain road near Applecross that climbs to panoramic views across to the Isle of Skye. Despite the logistical challenges, the route is regarded as a standout for travellers seeking space, isolation and natural scenery.
North East 250
Completing the Scottish entries in the top 10 is the North East 250, which ranks tenth overall with a score of 50.0. The 250 mile circuit begins and ends in Aberdeen and is designed to be completed comfortably over a long weekend.
The route passes through Aberdeenshire and Moray, combining coastline, castles, whisky distilleries and the edge of the Cairngorms. It includes 2,634 dog friendly places to stay and 104 dog welcoming pubs and restaurants.
Balmoral Castle sits along the route and is surrounded by woodland walks and river valley scenery, offering accessible walking opportunities for visitors with dogs.
The wider circuit also includes fishing villages, beaches and forest trails that provide varied stopping points without requiring extensive travel days.
The North East 250 is positioned as a more accessible alternative to longer Scottish road trips, offering a condensed version of the country’s landscapes without the extended driving times required on routes such as the NC500.
Matthew Fox, CEO of Dog Friendly Cottages said: “A road trip with your dog should be an adventure for both of you – not a series of compromises.
“But the reality is that some routes are simply much better set up for dog owners than others, whether that’s the number of trails to explore, the pubs that will welcome you in at the end of the day, or the sheer range of places to stay overnight.
“What our research shows is that the UK has some truly exceptional routes for dog owners to discover. From the Cotswolds to the Cambrian Way, these road trips aren’t just beautiful places to drive through – they’re genuinely built around the kind of experience that dogs love. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a week-long adventure, choosing the right route can make all the difference.”