Dog Friendly Aviemore and Cairngorms
We love dogs at igloo and offer a wide range of dog-friendly accommodations in Aviemore and the Cairngorms, from cosy apartments to large luxury lodges.
Bringing your dog on holiday can be a rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. The forests of The Cairngorm National Park provide fantastic opportunities for exploration, with miles of trails to explore and plenty of lochs for your dog to enjoy a swim. After exploring relax at one of the many dog friendly pubs, cafes and restaurants in Aviemore.
We hope our guide helps you to discover the best dog friendly places in Aviemore.
Dog Friendly Pubs in Aviemore
What could be better than relaxing in a pub that welcomes dogs. Here are some tried and tested favourites in Aviemore.
- The Old Bridge Inn – allows pets in the bar area ( has a wood burning stove ) but not in the restaurant so make sure you book the right table in advance if you are dining. Benches and covered outdoor areas are right beside the River Spey.
- The Winking Owl – has surpassed all expectations by providing a doggy roast on the Sunday Lunch menu, a huge hit with their 4 legged clientele. Well worth a visit and there are some spots in front of the fire too!
- The Balavoulin – allows dogs into certain areas of the bar and you can even get a doggy treat from the bar! Maximum of two dogs and they must be kept on leads whilst visiting. Hopefully you get a seat beside the fire!
- The Pine Marten Bar – is set on the stunning Loch Morlich, perfect for a long walk or a swim with the added bonus of dog parents able to dine and have a pint at the bar. A long established and very dog tolerant cafe and bar, it is well worth a visit. They have a cosy fire for your pet to lie beside too.
- Mambo’s – is dog friendly and provides dog water and outdoor seating areas right in the centre of Aviemore. Enjoy a meal and a drink in one of Aviemore’s more bustling spots.
- MacDuie’s – sits by the train station in Aviemore and welcomes dogs in the bar and restaurant. Serving traditional meals as well as sharing platters, a hearty portion is guaranteed.
- The Skiiing Doo – serves up some of the finest steaks and burgers with furry friends also being welcomed in the bar.
Dog Friendly Cafes in Aviemore
For a casual lunch or coffee break, check out these dog-friendly cafes:
- The Coffee Pot – is a locally run small cafe with great bakes and a wood burning stove for the winter months. There are also outdoor tables in the better weather.
- Tiso Explorer Cafe – you have to go into Tiso to access the cafe ( there is a lift) and a warm welcome awaits your furry friends. The food is pretty good with a healthy selection on offer.
- The Barn at Rothiemurchus – is the perfect pit stop as you enter the delightful Rothiemurchus. The visitor centre will keep you well informed of activities and helpful information on where to go.
- Route 7 Cafe – is located close to the actual route and the Parkrun starting point. A wood burning stove tops it all off for your 4 legged friend. Enjoy fresh bakes and locally sourced ingredients. Small treats for good dogs too!
- Ryvoan Cafe – lovely new cafe beside Highland Home Centre – with varied options for breakfast, brunch and lunch options. Try the waffles they are amazing. Art Work by Ann Vastano adorns the walls. Dogs welcome and treats at the till.
- La Taverna – This much loved Aviemore restaurant now has a dog friendly bar – with 6 seated tables and a choice of bar stools. The outdoor spaces are also dog friendly.
For more dining options, read our guide to eating in Aviemore.
Discover pet-friendly places to visit during your stay:
- Strathspey Veterinary Centre – not just for emergencies, they also sell ranges of dog food and other pet essentials that you may need whilst on holiday including tick removers.
- Pampered Pets Aviemore – has everything you could possibly need and lots of treats for your pet to enjoy on holiday.
- Kinrara Gin Distillery – welcomes dogs on tours, in the shop as well as having a tie up facility at the entrance.
- Landmark Forest Adventure Park – welcomes all dogs to join their families in all the fun. Remember to bring snacks and water for your pet as this can be a long day for them too. Dogs must be kept on a lead and bear in mind that it can be quite busy and noisy for nervous dogs.
- Strathspey Steam Railway – welcomes dogs aboard its fleet of steam and diesel trains. They are not permitted in the dining car but all is not lost as you can dine at your destination as The Boat Hotel will welcome your dog in the bar area.
- Tiso – welcomes dogs that are on a leash and even have a dog section for enthusiastic sporty dogs. Fatface and Trespass also welcome dogs.
- Highland Home Centre – has lots of wonderful things to buy for your home, including hot tubs! But they also stock local entrepreneur Bark and Ride products, which are specifically designed for active dogs who love trails and van life as much as their owners.
Best Places to Walk Your Dog in Aviemore
The Cairngorms are well served for Forest trails, mountain walks and an abundance of water. Here are some of the easy places to walk your dog around Aviemore.
- Aviemore Dog Park – is a bookable space for your exclusive use and is a great place to get a good run without risk of losing your pet or disturbing wildlife. It includes jumps and tunnels to keep them very interested.
- Loch an Eilean – is a 45 minute to an hour walk round the loch with paths for all abilities. Dogs will love the chance to explore the surrounding area and of course a wee paddle in the Loch. Please consider local wildlife, much of which is living in a protected habitat, by keeping your dog on the path or on a leash and picking up any mess left behind.
- The Aviemore Orbital – can be easily joined by many of our Aviemore lodges and apartments. The route circles the whole village but also leads on to other tracks such as route 7 to Boat of Garten. A pergola is situated by the River Spey on part of the route, perfect for a picnic whilst exploring the area. Please note that there may be livestock along the route at points and care must be taken not to worry them.
- The River Spey – has many access routes for a riverside walk. The easier ones are at The Old Bridge Inn carpark, the path leading under the tunnel from the water feature ( by Harry Gows) and by crossing the Dalfaber Golf course at its access points.
- Loch Morlich – is a paradise for pets with yellow sand and shallow water for swimming by the shore, coupled with the forest setting it is just perfect. If your dog enjoys watersports, Loch Morlich Boat House has some dog friendly options for hire.
Dog Friendly Shops and Experiences in Aviemore
Discover pet-friendly places to visit during your stay:
- Strathspey Veterinary Centre – not just for emergencies, they also sell ranges of dog food and other pet essentials that you may need whilst on holiday including tick removers.
- Pampered Pets Aviemore – has everything you could possibly need and lots of treats for your pet to enjoy on holiday.
- Kinrara Gin Distillery – welcomes dogs on tours, in the shop as well as having a tie up facility at the entrance.
- Landmark Forest Adventure Park – welcomes all dogs to join their families in all the fun. Remember to bring snacks and water for your pet as this can be a long day for them too. Dogs must be kept on a lead and bear in mind that it can be quite busy and noisy for nervous dogs.
- Strathspey Steam Railway – welcomes dogs aboard its fleet of steam and diesel trains. They are not permitted in the dining car but all is not lost as you can dine at your destination as The Boat Hotel will welcome your dog in the bar area.
- Tiso – welcomes dogs that are on a leash and even have a dog section for enthusiastic sporty dogs. Fatface and Trespass also welcome dogs.
- Highland Home Centre – has lots of wonderful things to buy for your home, including hot tubs! But they also stock local entrepreneur Bark and Ride products, which are specifically designed for active dogs who love trails and van life as much as their owners.
- The Cairngorm Brewery – is already a must visit for fans of real ale but many people ask is Cairngorm brewery dog friendly, the great news is yes the Brewery shop welcomes dogs. Perfect to pick up some refreshments after a long walk.
Top ten tips for taking your dog and pets on holiday to Aviemore
Holidays should be brilliant fun for dogs but sometimes they are just not welcome or won’t enjoy your planned activity. Make sure you have accounted for that in your itinerary so your dog isn’t at risk of being left alone or in a car. Some of the most common issues we have come across is scratching or crying from dogs unsure of their new surroundings or having been left alone, which of course we do not recommend. There are dog walkers and kennels available who might be able to help but please always make arrangements in advance.
- If you have a long journey, plan for dog friendly stops so your pet can exercise and toilet. Roadside emergency stops can be dangerous for dogs and humans.
- Bring any medication, shampoos and Tick removers. The heather and deep undergrowth is a Tick paradise.
- Will your dog be warm and dry? Do you need extra protection? Consider how you will clean your dog after muddy walks, will you need to bring extra towels or throws to keep your rental clean.
- Familiarise yourself with the vet practice and it’s location.
- Remember that your dog is in a strange location and may react differently to given situations. Make sure your dog’s ID tag is up to date for a quick re-unification should they get lost. This happens more than you can imagine.
- Take treats on walks with you to keep your dog from straying too far. Ask for clean drinking water wherever you go to avoid cross contamination.
- Have a lead ready for interactions with other dogs – not everyone wants to say hello!
- Beware of warning signs at the Loch’s. From time to time there is a poisonous Blue Green algae that forms in the summer months called cyanobacteria.
- Beware of Birch fly, particularly round the Kincraig area. They are very rare but give a nasty bite which bleeds profusely but has no other side affects.
- Keep in mind that there may be ground nesting birds or small animals that do not like to be disturbed, some of which are endangered such as Capercaillie.
Discover our collections:
With so much to do Aviemore and The Cairngorms are a great choice for your next family holiday – discover all our properties have to offer in these handpicked collections for your next family holiday that are all dog friendly.
Hot tub lodges
Our hot tub lodges in Aviemore and Cairngorms make the perfect place to get everyone together. Sleeping from 8 to 19 there is a place for everyone. All are dog friendly too.
Family friendly
No matter the size of your family, our Highland lodges and holiday homes are a great choice in the holidays. They have everything you need for a family break.
Budget friendly
We have great options in stylish dog friendly Aviemore apartments – perfect for small families or couples. Close to everything Aviemore has to offer
Rural retreats
Our rural Dog friendly homes in The Cairngorms offer relaxation in tranquil settings but also make a great base to get out and explore.
Stay in Aviemore
Aviemore is a year round destination for holidays – there is so much on offer for humans and dogs alike. It also makes a great base to explore the Cairngorms and wider Highlands.
Dog friendly
All of our properties that welcome dogs in one handy search. Take the whole family to Aviemore – with great walks from your doorstep there will be sure to be waggy tails every day.
