angled graphic

Dogs Welcome at Igloo

Dogs welcome - treat your dog to a stay at a dog friendly lodge and the prized spot by the wood burning stove.

We offer dog friendly accommodation in Aviemore and Highlands Scotland. With so much to do and explore - The Cairngorms are a great choice for a dog friendly holiday in Scotland. Here our dog friendly recommendations to get the most out of your trip.

The Cairngorms really has some great experiences available for your dog, so read on and check out why it is a great choice for a dog friendly holiday in Scotland.

Dog Friendly Lodges in Aviemore

We are dog friendly here at Igloo - we love dogs and between us have 4 (3 Whippets and a Collie). So we are sure you will love our dog friendly self catering lodges and holiday homes. We try our best to give you the best experience, so you will find each lodge complies with the Visit Scotland  Pets Welcome scheme. In your lodge, you will find some extras for your pets and also details of some great walks for your dog.  The Cairngorms really has some great experiences available for your dog, so read on and check out why it is a great choice for a dog friendly holiday in Scotland.

Dog friendly Pubs and restaurants in Aviemore

There is no need to leave your dog behind, there is a great dog friendly atmosphere in many pubs and restaurants in Aviemore - here are some of our favourites:

  • Head along to the Explorer cafe in Tiso for  a coffee and cake or lunch with wine or local beer.  The menu is exciting and dietary requirements are catered for.  A great dog friendly venue which also has a soft play for children. 

  • The Old Bridge Inn  is now open for breakfast as well as lunch and dinner service, and is also dog friendly.   Grab a seat by the fire for ultimate dog happiness.   This is one of the most popular venues so book ahead, especially for dinner service. 

  • Ben Macduie’s is located in Aviemore’s main road.   Being dog friendly, it is ideal for popping out for a few drinks or a longer evening of dining.   The menu boasts some Scottish Fayre and classics that will keep you coming back. We love the sharing platters with a few glasses of wine. 

  • Try The Bothy Bar at The Winking Owl for casual dining which is dog friendly.  Open for lunch and evening service, the meals are generous and you can sample some fine locally brewed beers and ales.  

  • The Pine Marten Bar in Glenmore - your dog will love you for taking him or her to this dog friendly bar.  Not only can you eat and drink in a fantastic location, you are a stone's throw away from the beach.   Not every dog likes to swim,  mine certainly do not like water, but they do enjoy a good chase in the sand. 

  • Aviemore Taxis accept dogs - so a good option for getting back to your lodge if you fancy enjoying a few beers or glasses of wine. Especially if you or your dog have had enough walking for the day!

Things to do with in Aviemore with a dog

As well as the dog friendly pubs and restaurants you are sure to find some other dog friendly activities

  • Landmark Adventure Park is really accommodating and dog friendly, which makes the family days out so  much easier.  Water bowls are located outside the cafes and in key points throughout the park.  

  • Take the Steam Train with the Strathspey Railway.  The railway are really accommodating and have provided a special seating area for travellers with dogs.  Spaces are limited so book ahead.  From Aviemore, the train will take you to Boat of Garten or Broomhill Station in the nostalgic era of steam.  For a full day out, try walking home from Boat of Garten on the Speyside Way and take in some of the best views of the Strath.  The path is suitable for all abilities and is well maintained, so whether you are biking, in a buggy or just walking,  you are guaranteed an enjoyable day. 

  • Many shops in Aviemore welcome dogs - look out for the "Dugs Welcome" signs.

Best dog walks in Aviemore

It wouldn't be a dog friendly holiday in the Highlands without taking some time to explore some of the great walks on the doorstep of your luxury highland lodge. What could be better after a day of exploring than coming back to relax at your very own lodge with a hot tub.

There is an abundance of dog friendly walks available her in the Cairngorms but here are some of our favourites.  Please remember that some areas of the park are very sensitive so you should follow the advice of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code at all times. 

  • Glenmore has a huge network for all abilities.  Try walking around Loch Morlich and Loch an Eilean for some stunningly scenic views on well  maintained paths.   You can also follow the Old Logging Way back into Aviemore from Glenmore,  or head towards Ryvoan passing the very picturesque Green Loch on the way. 

  • Cairngorm has some great paths heading into the hills so please go as far as is comfortable and appropriate for the conditions.  Pets can become disorientated in poor conditions too, so it is a good idea to  keep your dog on a lead. 

  • For easy family dog friendly walks, join on to Aviemore Orbital route.  The path is well maintained and circles Aviemore.  You can jump on and off at many points. 

  • Craigellachie Nature Reserve promises some fantastic views over the Strath and is well worth taking the challenging route.  Some parts of the climb are challenging for beginners, so take a good stash of goodies as an incentive to get you up that hill.

What you can expect in a dog friendly lodge

  • Our gardens are enclosed
  • We provide water and food bowls incase you forget your own. 
  • Poop bags are provided
  • Places and pubs to take your dogs
  • Favourite dog walks
  • Location of the nearest vet and pet supplies
  • Old towels for muddy paws
  • We allow between 2 - 4 dogs depending on the size of the lodge. 
  • We do not allow pets on beds or sofas
  • We respectfully ask that no trace of your dog, including mess and hair is left behind.

Dog friendly lodges Scotland

We know ourselves from our own trips how great it is to get away with the family on a dog friendly holiday. Our growing range of dog friendly accommodation in the Cairngorms comes with everything both you and your dog need, whether you are looking for a fully enclosed garden for them to enjoy safely or are looking to treat yourself with a bit of luxury in a lodge with a private hot tub - we are happy to help and look forward to welcoming you and your dog on your next Highland holiday.

Dog Friendly places in Aviemore - Lots of forest walks
Lots of forest walks
Dog Friendly places in Aviemore - Dog walking in the changing seasons
Dog walking in the changing seasons
angled

A fresh approach to Highland Self Catering.

angled

Copyright Igloo Highland Ltd. 2023 © | Designed + powered by Bookster