Inverness

A chain of small wooded islands in the middle of the River Ness, linked by Victorian suspension footbridges and reached on foot from the centre. Flat, tarmacked paths under the pines make this the city's signature dog walk, free and good in any weather.

Thomas Telford's canal runs through the city, and the flat towpath from Muirtown Basin to the sea lock at Clachnaharry gives an easy walk past locks and boats. Under close control, on lead near the locks and swing bridge.

The red-sandstone castle stands above the river in the city centre. The interior (the Castle Experience) admits assistance dogs only, but the grounds and Castle Hill viewpoint are free to walk on lead, with a fine panorama over the rooftops and the Ness.

A managed forest on a hill west of the city, with waymarked trails climbing to an Iron Age vitrified hillfort dating to around 300 BC. A firm favourite with dog walkers, with views over Inverness and the firth from the top.

The moor where the 1746 Jacobite rising ended, a National Trust for Scotland site. Dogs are welcome outdoors, on a lead and on main paths from April to August to protect nesting skylarks, with grazing livestock present.

The shingle beach at Dores, at the north end of Loch Ness, gives the classic view straight down the loch, with no seasonal dog ban and the dog-friendly Dores Inn and its garden right behind.