Our Favourite Scottish Dog Walks of the Year (So Far!)

As dog trainers, we know that a walk is so much more than just a toilet break. It's a sensory adventure, a chance to explore, and a vital part of our dogs' well-being. Getting out into new environments provides incredible enrichment, allowing our dogs to experience different sights, sounds, and, most importantly, smells! A good "Sniffari" is one of the best ways to mentally tire your dog and build their confidence.

This year, I've made it a mission to explore more of the less well known amazing walks Scotland has to offer with Scoop and my family. Here are four of my absolute favourites that provide fantastic experiences for both dog and owner.

1. Croy Shore, Ayrshire

Why I love it: There's nothing quite like the salty air and the wide-open space of a beach walk. Croy Shore offers stunning views of the Isle of Arran and Culzean Castle. It’s a long, sandy stretch perfect for a game of fetch or just letting your dog enjoy the sensory experience of the waves and seaweed.

• Sniffing Opportunities: A rich tapestry of salty seaweed, sandy dunes, and coastal breezes.

• For Reactive Dogs: Its vast, open nature is a huge plus. During off-peak times (like weekday mornings or evenings), you can often find huge, quiet stretches, making it much easier to manage distance from other dogs.

• Accessibility Notes: There is a car park at the end of the road to the beach. While there are no designated disabled bays I could confirm, the ground is relatively flat. Access directly onto the sand might be difficult for wheelchairs, but the views from the car park are still lovely.

• A Wee Tip: Always check the tide times before you go to ensure you have plenty of sand to walk on!

  
  

  

  Croy Shore

  
  

2. Three Lochs Forest Drive, The Trossachs

Why I love it: This is a truly magical spot. For a small fee per car, you can take a one-way, seven-mile drive through the stunning Loch Ard Forest, with access to three beautiful lochs: Lochan Reòidhte, Loch Drunkie, and Loch Achray. You can park up at various picnic spots and choose from numerous walking trails.

• Sniffing Opportunities: An incredible mix of pine forest, earthy trails, and freshwater loch-side scents.

• For Reactive Dogs: Because there are so many different trails and parking spots, it's often possible to find a quiet area to yourself. The forest setting also provides natural barriers, which can help break line-of-sight if you see another dog approaching.

• Accessibility Notes: The main car park at Loch Drunkie has accessible toilets and some designated disabled parking bays. Some of the paths around the picnic areas are surfaced and relatively flat, making them more accessible.

• A Wee Tip: Bring change for the entry fee (£2 when I last visited, blue badge holders may be free) and be prepared for limited phone signal. It's a perfect place to switch off.

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

3. Banton Loch, North Lanarkshire

Why I love it: A hidden gem for a peaceful, circular walk. Located near Kilsyth, this local nature reserve is a haven for wildlife and offers a lovely, relatively flat loop around the water. It’s a great option for a relaxed, straightforward walk that’s still full of interesting smells.

• Sniffing Opportunities: Wetlands, woodlands, and lots of birdsong make for a rich sensory walk.

• For Reactive Dogs: The main path can be narrow in places, so it’s best visited at quieter times. However, there are sections with good visibility across the water, allowing you to see if anyone is ahead.

• Accessibility Notes: We managed to park close to the start of one of the paths, however gaining access wouldn't be easy for everyone. Wheelchair users would find different parts difficult to navigate if not completely inaccessible, and there is also some steep drops along the pathway to be aware of.

• A Wee Tip: This is a nature reserve, so it’s vital to be a responsible owner. Keep your dog on a lead during bird nesting season (spring/early summer) and always away from the wildlife.

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

4. Hillend Reservoir, near Airdrie

Why I love it: For a walk that feels wild and expansive without being too remote, Hillend is fantastic. The path follows the edge of the largest man-made loch in Scotland, offering huge skies and a refreshing, open feel.

• Sniffing Opportunities: Fresh water, grassy banks, and the earthy smells of the moorland surroundings.

• For Reactive Dogs: This is one of its biggest advantages. The path is wide and the visibility is excellent, meaning you can spot other walkers from a great distance. This gives you plenty of time to find a wider spot and manage your dog calmly.

• Accessibility Notes: There is free parking available. The main path is wide, flat, and well-maintained, making it a great option for wheelchair users or those with buggies. There are no specific disabled bays, but the car park surface is solid.

• A Wee Tip: It’s very exposed, so wrap up warm, even on a sunny day! The wind can really whip across the water.

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

Your Turn!

Exploring new places is one of the greatest gifts we can give our dogs. I’d love to build a bigger list of fantastic, dog-friendly walks. What are your favourite spots in Scotland? Share your recommendations in the comments below!