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My Favourite Edinburgh Dog Walks
As a dog walker and trainer, I have plenty of experience of dog walks in Edinburgh.
When deciding where to walk a dog, I always consider the following:
- How busy will it be?
- Are there likely to be other dogs? People? Children?
- What risks might be there? (e.g. barbecues, people eating food, water ways)
- Is it enclosed?
- Parking and accessibility
- And a walk always gets bonus points if there is a lovely independent dog friendly cafe!
Here are my favourite Edinburgh walks…
1. Lauriston Castle
Pros:
- Views of the sea and Cramond Island
- Mix of woods and open grass areas
- Beautiful Japanese Gardens
- Mimi’s Bake House
Cons:
- Mimi’s bakehouse means there are usually people with food around, so be careful if your dog likes to scavenge!
- Dogs are not allowed on the croquet lawns
- There are several open ponds and water ways
- Parking is limited
- It can get very busy, especially at the weekend
2. Corstorphine Hill
Pros:
- Beautiful views across the city, especially at the Rest and Be Thankful spot
- Large area with lots to explore including the Tower, Walled Garden and World War II Bunker
- Two car parks with plenty of free parking
- Mostly forest with some open green spaces too
Cons:
- No café or toilets!
- Sometimes there are deer so you need to be careful if your dog likes to chase them
- It is a large, mostly forest area so if your dog doesn’t have a reliable recall this is not the walk for you
3. Cammo
Pros:
- Beautiful large area with lots to explore including Cammo House, Cammo Tower and the old stables
- New coffee van is there most days
- Two car parks with free parking
Cons:
- Can be very busy at times
- Gets very muddy during the winter
- Open water ways and a pond which dogs are not allowed in
4. Cramond Beach
Pros:
- Beautiful beach with plenty of options for walks- along the shore, out to Cramond Island or along the River Almond
- Plenty of cafes nearby. My favourite is Cramond Bistro- they do a delicious Mocha!
- Plenty of free parking
Cons:
- Very busy at the weekends, especially when the weather is nice
- You need to look out for people having picnics and barbecues!
5. Hermitage
Pros:
- Beautiful large area of woodlands, hills and open spaces
- Nice take away café with outdoor seating
Cons:
- Gets very busy, especially at weekends
- Parking can be tricky (although it is free)
6. Ravelston Woods
Pros:
- Lovely small hilly woodland with park at the bottom
- Usually lots of other dogs around if you and your dog like to socialise on walks
- Park is fully enclosed with a high wall and two gates
Cons:
- Parking is limited (although there is free on street parking by the park)
- Can get very busy at times and because it is a small area it can be difficult to get space if you and your dog need it
Wherever you go for a walk, make sure it is somewhere your dog will be able to enjoy. Think about how busy it may be and plan ahead to reduce stress for both you and your dog.
What are your favourite dog walks? Why?
