Top 10 Dog-Friendly Walks in Dumfries & Galloway
Peaceful paths, quiet beaches, and stunning views — perfect for exploring with your dog.
Dumfries & Galloway is one of Scotland’s best areas for relaxed, dog-friendly walking. From woodland trails to coastal views, here are ten of the best places to explore with your four-legged companion — all easy to reach from Gatehouse Luxury Lodges.
1. Carrick Shore & Ardwall Island
Best for: beach walks, calm water, sunset views
Distance: choose your own (flat)
A peaceful, uncrowded beach with soft sand and shallow water. At low tide, you can walk towards Ardwall Island (always check tide times).
Why guests love it: incredibly quiet, great for dogs who love the sand, and beautiful views toward the Isle of Man. I love this walk and so do my kids.
2. Cally Woods, Gatehouse of Fleet
Best for: sheltered woodland, wildlife
Distance: 1–5 miles
A huge network of easy paths just a short drive from the lodges. Tall trees, gentle gradients, and plenty of space to wander.
Why guests love it: ideal in any weather and perfect for older dogs.
3. Sandgreen to Carrick Coastal Path
Best for: scenic coastline, relaxed walking
Distance: around 3 miles
A lovely stroll linking two quiet beaches. Smooth, simple walking with wide, open views.
Why guests love it: peaceful and ideal for steady-paced walkers.
4. Mossyard Beach & Coves
Best for: exploring rock pools, sheltered bays
Distance: flexible
Mossyard has several small coves and sandy stretches, great for short walks or letting dogs run free safely.
Why guests love it: very dog-friendly, easy parking, and gentle terrain.
5. Threave Estate, Castle Douglas
Best for: riverside paths, flat walking
Distance: 3–5 miles
A National Trust estate with well-kept routes along the river and wetlands.
Why guests love it: calm, spacious, and great for a half-day outing.
6. Knocktinkle Viewpoint (Galloway Forest Park)
Best for: big views with little effort
Distance: 1–2 miles
A short uphill path leading to a brilliant viewpoint over Fleet Bay.
Why guests love it: manageable for most fitness levels and very rewarding.
7. Glentrool Trails (Galloway Forest Park)
Best for: quiet forest, lochside walks
Distance: 1–7 miles depending on route
Walk around the peaceful loch or take gentle woodland paths.
Why guests love it: extremely tranquil and great for dogs who enjoy wooded trails.
8. Fleet Forest (near Gatehouse)
Best for: off-the-beaten-track walks
Distance: varies
A lesser-known woodland area with quiet tracks and wildlife.
Why guests love it: rarely busy, lovely in the early morning or evening.
9. Kippford to Rockcliffe Coastal Path
Best for: coastal villages, smooth paths
Distance: 3 miles
A popular, easy seaside walk linking two pretty villages.
Why guests love it: good cafés, lovely scenery, and gentle terrain.
10. Brighouse Bay Coastal Loop
Best for: wild coastline, sea views
Distance: 3–4 miles
A slightly more rugged loop with rewarding coastal scenery and open space for dogs to explore.
Why guests love it: stunning views and a good mix of beach and cliff paths.
Helpful Tips for Dog Walkers
Keep dogs close around livestock and wildlife
Beaches look different at high and low tide — check timings
Some paths can be muddy after rain
Many cafés in the area welcome dogs, especially outside
Stay in a Dog-Friendly Lodge
Our dog-friendly lodges — Ocean Drive and Silver Birch — make the ideal base. Both offer plenty of space, panoramic views, and a relaxing place to unwind after a day of exploring.
Book your dog-friendly escape here
