Linn Park

Length: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy

This is the third-largest public park in Glasgow. It’s roughly 200 acres in size and it’s a great place to take your dog. There’s a pleasant mixture of open grassland and woodland, along with a river. It’s quite popular with dog walkers, so your own dog will no doubt have plenty of chances to make some new friends. If you decide to come here, there’s an easy 3-mile trail that covers most of the park. Complete it and take in the scenic views of this pretty green space.

Loch Morlich

Length: 3.5 miles

Difficulty: Easy

If you’re near Aviemore, consider visiting Loch Morlich and doing the circular walking trail. It takes you around the perimeter of the loch and is a great walk to do with your dog. Quite flat throughout, it takes you by the loch and through some woodland. It’s a decent length at 3.5 miles and is easy enough to complete. While on the walk, you’ll get to enjoy captivating views of the loch, the woodlands and the distant mountains of the Cairngorms National Park.

Alastrean Circuit

Length: 3.5 miles
Difficulty: Medium

This is a circular walking route that starts and ends in Tarland. The village lies about an hour west of Aberdeen and is right by the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. The route is waymarked and takes you through quiet woodland and across open fields. It’s fairly quiet a lot of the time, so you and your dog should have a pleasant experience. Since it’s mostly flat, you shouldn’t find it too challenging. There are a few parts where you should have your dog on their lead, just to be on the safe side.

Castle Fraser

Length: 1.5 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Located northwest of Aberdeen, Castle Fraser is one of many well-preserved castles throughout Scotland. It has one of the largest remaining tower houses in all of Scotland. Its collection of portraits is vast and impressive. If you come here with your dog, set off on the Alton Brae Trail. This is an easy walking route that covers some of the huge grounds the castle sits on. As you walk the trail, you’ll get to see the castle from many angles and will get great views of the surrounding area.

Balloch Castle Country Park Circular

Length: 2.1 miles

Difficulty: Easy

On the southern tip of Loch Lomond is the town of Balloch. A short walk away is Balloch Castle Country Park, which is where the town’s castle has been standing since 1808. The Balloch Castle Country Park Circular is a popular walking trail that covers much of the public park the castle is located in. It’s not too long and the terrain is flat, so you and your dog shouldn’t have any problems completing it. While getting some exercise, you’ll take in views of the loch, the castle and the surrounding parkland.  

Ben Lawers and Beinn Ghlas

Length: 7 miles
Difficulty: Hard

Lots of hill walkers want to walk all of the Munros. These are a series of mountains in Scotland with a height of over 3,000 feet. The official list of Munros includes some 282 peaks, of which Ben Nevis is the highest. If your dog is physically fit and you’re feeling up for the challenge, why not try to conquer some of these peaks?

Ben Lawers and Beinn Ghlas are two Munros you can do on a 7-mile walk from the northern side of Loch Tay. Naturally, there’s a lot of climbing to do and the terrain is very steep in places, so make sure you’re both up for it before taking on the walk. If you make it to one of the peaks, admire the views before going across to the other one or heading back down the way you came.

Holyrood Park to Arthur’s Seat

Length: 3 miles

Difficulty: Medium

If you’re visiting Edinburgh, be sure to do the walk from Holyrood Park up to Arthur’s Seat. Holyrood Park is a 650-acre royal park about a mile east of Edinburgh Castle. It’s a great place for your dog to get some gentle exercise before starting the walk. Within the park is Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano whose peak lies about 823 feet above sea level. 

The paths up to the top are well maintained and easy to walk on. There’s a section towards the end that’s quite rocky and steep, but you and your dog should manage it easily. When you reach the summit, you’ll be awarded with stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.