Day 1
Carbisdale Forest Walk, Central Sutherland
The first of Rab’s favourite dog-friendly walks is nestled in the heart of Sutherland, near Ardgay. Carbisdale Forest Walk is the perfect way to soak up the peaceful beauty of the Kyle of Sutherland. With sweeping views and a rich tapestry of local history, including the tale of the Duchess of Sutherland and the infamous Carbisdale Castle, also known as the Castle of Spite, there’s plenty to discover along the way.
You can begin the walk from the opposite side of the railway bridge, near the Invershin Hotel. This route offers dramatic views of the castle perched above the Kyle, but a word of warning: the footbridge surface isn’t exactly paw-friendly, resulting in an unimpressed Rab opting to be carried across to the other side. If your dog also prefers solid ground, we recommend driving through Ardgay and Culrain to the signed Forestry car park just beyond the castle gates. It’s a smoother start for sensitive paws.
Once you’re on the trail, the busyness of the outside world quickly falls away. The only sounds are the rush of fresh streams and the rustle of trees overhead. Carbisdale Forest is vast, and if your dog is anything like Rab (prone to wandering off in pursuit of irresistible smells!) it’s best to keep them on a lead.
Expect a few muddy patches, but don’t worry, your four-legged friend can rinse off in the pristine waters of Carbisdale Loch. Just be sure to stand back when it’s time for the post-swim shake!
This circular route will take you back to the car park, where you began your walk. Meaning exciting new smells and sights around every corner, perfect for any dog who loves to explore.
Time to refuel on energy? Visit the Oykel Bridge Hotel, a dog-friendly bar and hotel near to Rosehall, west of Lairg. Enjoy a hearty meal or well-deserved pint in the cosy and welcoming dog-friendly main bar. Fancy resting your head for the night? They offer dog friendly accommodation for those travelling through the heart of Sutherland too.
Distance:
6.25 km / 4 miles or slightly shorter if starting from the Forestry Land Scotland Car Park.
Terrain:
Mostly flat with some hills, well pathed but can be boggy and slightly overgrown in areas.
Day 2
Achmelvich to Alltan’abradhan, North West Sutherland
Take yourself West and discover the Achmelvich to Alltan’abradhan trail, ideal for those seeking dog-friendly coastal walks and beaches near Lochinver, Sutherland. Achmelvich Beach is a must-see stop on the North Coast 500, but just under two miles away lies the lesser-known (but just as special!) gem of Alltan’abradhan. This peaceful spot features the ruins of an old mill and a secluded sandy cove, perfect for a quiet break.
This well-marked path begins at Achmelvich Beach and winds through heather-covered hills along the coastline, passing ancient drystone dykes and offering breathtaking views across the Minch. And if you think the views on the way out are impressive, just wait until the return leg where you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas over Achmelvich Beach and the rolling coastline down towards Lochinver.
This route is great for dog walking, thanks to the easy-to-follow trail. However, it’s important to keep your dog on a lead at all times. While the cliffs aren’t too close (but you should still be wary of them), livestock graze along the route, and during lambing season especially, dogs should be kept well away.
It’s also worth noting that just before reaching the old mill, there’s a small river crossing, manageable for most dogs, but Rab, ever the enthusiastic explorer, wasn’t quite so graceful and ended up taking an unexpected dip but luckily had the return route to dry off!
Distance:
6km / 3.75 miles
Terrain:
Clear path over hillside with a rocky shallow burn to cross.
The Inchnadamph Bone Caves, North West Sutherland
Not far from Achmelvich, you’ll find another of our stunning dog-friendly walks near Lochinver, which not only offers incredible views but also tells stories of the ancient natural history of Sutherland. Tucked beneath the crags of Beinn an Fhuarain, the Inchnadamph Bone Caves are one of Northwest Sutherland’s most fascinating geological gems. These natural caves earned their name after a historic discovery over a century ago, of bones belonging to ancient creatures like reindeer, lynx, and even polar bears, all of which once roamed these wildlands.
Rab was a little disappointed to find the bones long gone (he had high hopes), but there’s still plenty to marvel at. The walk itself is dramatic, covering lots of variations of landscape, with rugged limestone cliffs and sweeping views that make this journey as intriguing for you as it is for your 4-legged companion.
The route winds through peaceful glens and alongside trickling burns, perfect for a refreshing water stop or two along the way. The trail eventually forms a loop, offering different perspectives of the caves and the surrounding rockface.
There is a narrow, steep section on the ascent to the caves, so it’s best to keep your dog close during this part of the trail. The same goes for exploring the caves themselves, Rab has been known to wander off in search of his long-lost ancestors, so this is a good place to keep leashes short and your pets close!
Distance:
4.5km / 2.75 miles
Terrain:
Clear path which can be boggy with a steep and narrow ascent, care should also be taken at the caves.
Day 3
Eas a’ Chual Aluinn – Britain’s highest waterfall, North West Sutherland
This walk, just off the North Coast 500 near Wailing Widow Falls, calls for a bit more effort and fitness but the rewards are more than worth it. Not only will you be treated to views from Eas a’ Chual Aluinn, otherwise known as Britain’s highest waterfall, but the journey itself is packed with ever-changing landscapes that make every step worthwhile.
The 6-mile return route leads you deep into the heart of the Assynt Mountains. Be prepared for a boggy start, an absolute dream for dogs like Rab who don’t mind getting their paws wet! Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities for a rinse before heading back to the car, so packing a dog towel is highly recommended.
While the wide, open landscape offers plenty of space for four-legged adventurers to roam, this isn’t the place to lose sight of them, especially if they’re tempted to chase a stag into the hills. Extreme care is also needed near the falls, where steep cliffs drop away suddenly. Keep your distance and your dog close. Rab, not being a fan of heights, had no intention of getting too close, but the views over Loch Glencoul, which looks almost like a Norwegian fjord, are absolutely breathtaking.
Once you’ve soaked it all in, it’s time to retrace your steps and take in some equally breathtaking views from the opposite direction, giving your dog one last chance to enjoy those bogs and puddles before a final splash in the loch at the trailhead.
After a big day of exploring, you and your four-legged companion have earned a treat. Just 10 minutes up the road, the dog-friendly Kylesku Hotel awaits with award-winning food and drink, and yes, dogs are welcome in both the bar and lounge areas. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, a perfectly cooked steak, or a well-deserved dram of premium malt whisky, this is the perfect spot to unwind together. Go on, you’ve earned it!
Distance:
9.75km / 6 miles
Terrain:
Boggy start then a clear yet rough and rocky path, where extreme care needs taken near the falls.
Day 4
Talmine and Achinver Beach Circuit, North Sutherland
This is our favourite of the dog-friendly walks on the North Sutherland Coast. The Talmine and Achinver Beach Circuit captures everything that makes Melness, a secluded Sutherland parish, so special, from tranquil sandy beaches and forgotten steadings to historic crofting townships and peaceful glens with views stretching inland and out to sea.
The route begins on the striking white sands of Talmine Pier, framed by the almost tropical blues and greens of the sea. From here, follow the track along the heather and grass covered coastline. You’ll spot the Rabbit Islands in the distance (not quite the Rabbit Islands, much to someone’s disappointment!), and beyond them, Eilean nan Ròn, the island of the seals.
As you continue, you’ll pass through ancient croftland rich in history and traditional ways of life, sweeping straths, stone ramps, and hidden coves. While the route isn’t difficult to follow, it can get boggy in places, perfect for mucky pups, as Rab quickly demonstrated! Once you return to the beach, it’s a great chance to let your dog have a quick rinse. Although that’s easier said than done if your dog is anything like Rab, who’s suspicious of the sea but has no problem diving headfirst into peatbogs!
This trail crosses through a lot of croft and farmland and includes a short section along the road, so it’s best to keep your dog on a lead throughout. Don’t worry, they’ll still have plenty of new smells on route to keep their tails wagging.
After all of that exploring, it’s time to unwind. Head to the Tongue Hotel, a firm favourite stop on the North West Coast of Sutherland, and settle into the dog-friendly Varrich Bar, where you and your four-legged companion can relax by the open fire. Enjoy a well-earned rest in stylish, cosy surroundings and treat yourself to a delicious, locally sourced meal. You’ve both earned it.
Distance:
10km / 6.25 miles
Terrain:
Can be pathless and rough in areas, with some sections on road and wet path.
Our region is full of fantastic dog-friendly walks and trails, for both you and your 4-legged pal to enjoy equally, and we hope this list of Rab’s favourite scenic dog walking routes in the Scottish Highlands has offered a helpful place for you to start planning your dog friendly holiday to Sutherland.
All we ask is that you enjoy our region responsibly, to keep both our nature and wildlife and your four-legged companion safe.
Top Tips for enjoying the North Highlands with your dog:
- Always keep your dog under control, especially around livestock, wildlife, and other walkers. It’s essential for their safety and for protecting the environment and local communities.
- Don’t forget to bring waste bags and dispose of them properly to help keep these beautiful landscapes clean and enjoyable for everyone.
- Know your dog’s limits and choose walks that suit their fitness level, the last thing you want is to be carrying a tired pup down a towering Munro!
- And while you’re out exploring, keep an eye out for ticks (on both of you!). Tick removers are easy to purchase and handy to carry as you never know when one might hitch a ride.
Most importantly, enjoy yourselves! Take in the stunning North Highland scenery, breathe in the fresh air, and make memories with your best friend by your side. Relax, recharge, and reconnect, with nature and with each other.