Inverness itself is a river city, but a short drive brings you to two very different kinds of shore, both dog-friendly all year. On the freshwater side, the shingle beach at Dores looks straight down the length of Loch Ness and is a classic Highland dog spot with a welcoming inn behind it. On the sea side, the Black Isle across the Kessock Bridge offers the sandy sweep of Rosemarkie and the famous spit at Chanonry Point, one of the best places in the UK to watch wild bottlenose dolphins from the shore. There are no seasonal dog bans on these beaches, unlike many English resorts, but keep dogs under control near wildlife and other visitors.
A long shingle beach at the north-eastern tip of Loch Ness, with a classic view straight down the loch that is beautiful in every season. Dogs can paddle in the fresh water and roam the stony shore, and the Dores Inn just behind has a dog-friendly beer garden overlooking the loch, making this the perfect half-day loch outing from the city.
๐ก It is a stony beach, not sand, so bring water for your dog and be aware there is no swimming shelving; the loch drops away steeply and is very cold
A two-mile stretch of sand and pebble on the Black Isle, backed by low red cliffs and the wooded Fairy Glen behind. It is a relaxed, family-friendly beach where dogs are welcome year-round, with plenty of room to run at low tide and a cafe by the shore. Combine it with the short walk to Chanonry Point next door.
๐ก The Fairy Glen woodland walk starts from the village and makes a lovely leashed forest add-on to the beach
A narrow shingle spit reaching out into the Moray Firth beside the Fortrose lighthouse, and the single best place in the UK to see wild bottlenose dolphins from land as they hunt in the fast tidal channel. Dogs are welcome on the beach all year, but this is a busy wildlife-watching spot, so a lead near the point keeps everyone, and the dolphins, happy.
๐ก Dolphin sightings are best on a rising tide about an hour after low water; the small car park fills fast, so arrive early
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Ness Walk
โ โ โ โ โ ยท 9.4/10
โฌ120/night
Cambeth Lodge Guesthouse
โ โ โ โ โ ยท 9.4/10
โฌ120/night
Fairfield Townhouse Guest House
โ โ โ โ โ ยท 9.2/10
โฌ120/night
Looking for a place to stay elsewhere? These destinations near Inverness also welcome your dog.
