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A Pet-Friendly Haven for You and Your Dog

A Pet-Friendly Haven for You and Your Dog

* By silverglades on May 24, 2023

Pet friendly Self-catering accommodation

At Silverglades we love to welcome pets to our properties and provide your pet with their very own doggie welcome pack full of useful item for them to use during their stay. See our selection of properties that welcome pets.

Places to visit and eat when on holiday with your pet.

Nestled amidst the stunning Scottish Highlands, the town of Aviemore is a pet owners haven, known for its breath-taking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and welcoming atmosphere, Aviemore is an ideal destination for a memorable holiday with your furry friend. With a wide range of pet-friendly places to explore, you and your canine companion are in for an unforgettable experience. In this blog, we will highlight just a few of the best pet-friendly places to visit, as well as exploring some of the many pet-friendly places to eat in Aviemore, where you and your dog can enjoy a delightful dining experience together.

Cairngorms National Park:

The Cairngorms National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a paradise for dogs. Spanning over 4,500 square kilometres, this vast wilderness offers endless opportunities for scenic walks, hikes, and explorations. Take your dog on a leash and venture through ancient Caledonian forests, along sparkling lochs, and up majestic mountains. Enjoy the stunning vistas while breathing in the fresh Highland air. Remember to follow the park's guidelines for responsible pet ownership and keep your dog under control to preserve the park's delicate ecosystem.

Rothiemurchus Estate.
Just a stone's throw away from Aviemore lies the enchanting Rothiemurchus Estate. This sprawling estate is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy various activities alongside your furry friend. Go for long walks or gentle strolls along the well-marked trails, allowing your dog to explore the captivating woodlands and spot local wildlife. If your dog loves water, head to the beautiful Loch an Eilein, where they can paddle and play to their heart's content.

Cairngorm Mountain

A visit to Cairngorm Mountain is a must do during your stay. You can park in the car park and walk with your dog on a lead on the paths. Dogs aren’t allowed up the funicular railway, but they are welcome on the return journey, so if you are wanting more of a challenge you can hike up the path to the top station and the Ptarmigan Restaurant and take a ride back down the mountain on the funicular railway, the views can be amazing.

Loch Morlich: If you and your dog are water enthusiasts, a visit to Loch Morlich is a must. This stunning freshwater loch, surrounded by sandy beaches and dense forests, offers a tranquil setting for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing swim. Dogs are welcome on the beach, making it an ideal spot for some quality bonding time with your furry friend. Capture the beautiful moments while your dog splashes in the water or plays fetch on the shore.

Please read the Scottish Outdoor Access Code for dog owners before you head off on your dog friendly adventure with your pet.

Strathspey Railway

The Strathspey Railway which runs from Aviemore, through Boat of Garten ending at Broomhill and takes you on a nostalgic 20-mile round trip. The train passes through spectacular scenery running alongside the River Spey with the Cairngorm Mountains in the background completing the picture. Dogs are welcome in a special seating on the train. We recommend that you book ahead to guarantee your seat. If you would like to add a walk to your trip disembarking at Boat of Garten on the return journey and walk back to Aviemore, on the Speyside Way path. There is also a great village shop in Boat of Garten which makes a great take way coffee and cake.

Pet-Friendly places to eat in Aviemore: A Food Lover's Guide

Eating out with your dog

After an exciting day of exploring the Cairngorms National Park you will be hungry and looking for a pet friendly place to eat out with your dog. Aviemore boasts several local restaurants, cafes, and pubs which have outdoor seating areas that allow dogs, ensuring you can enjoy a meal or a drink together. Below are just a few that our guest love to visit.

The Balavoulin

Be prepared to be blown away by this traditional dog pub’s range of real Scottish ales. There is Innis & Gun lager and beer, Belhaven Best and Pentland Pale Ale from Stewart Brewing. For cider drinkers there is the Highland’s own Thistly Cross. Indoors there is an open fire to dry out in front of after an invigorating hike in the hills. Comfort food is the order of the day, and the pub grub includes steak pie and gravy, and fish and chips. Silverglades guests a 10% off their food bill Monday – Thursday. Excluding drinks.

The Winking Owl: Located in the heart of Aviemore, The Winking Owl is a charming gastropub that welcomes dogs with open arms. With a cosy atmosphere and a menu brimming with Scottish delicacies, this eatery offers a range of dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Relax with your pup in their dog-friendly beer garden and savour hearty pub classics like haggis neeps and tatties or traditional fish and chips.

The Cairngorm Hotel, 
Friendly local serving, home cooked bar meals from 12 noon until 9.30pm daily Relax in their dog-friendly lounge area and treat yourself to dishes like Caledonian chicken stuffed with haggis or Scottish salmon with seasonal vegetables. Silverglades guest 10% discount on food bills after 5pm on Mondays only. 

 Macdui’s, Grampian Road

With Alfie, the black spaniel in residence, you can be sure that this pub that takes dogs is going to give you a right royal tail-wagging welcome. It is a popular spot for locals who descend on the pub every weekend when there is live music. If your fur baby is sensitive to loud noise, then there is always the garden to retreat to. Macdui’s is famous for its haggis, neeps and tatties, warm Salmon salad and pumpkin ravioli.

The Old Bridge Inn: Situated on the banks of the River Spey, The Old Bridge Inn is a dog-friendly establishment that combines a rustic ambiance with a diverse menu. Whether you're craving a juicy steak, a mouth-watering burger, or a vegetarian delight, this place has something for everyone. Take a seat with your pup in their dog-friendly outdoor seating area, enjoy the scenic views, and indulge in their delectable food and extensive selection of craft beers.

The Pine Marten, Glenmore Forest Park

The wood-panelled bar is cosy and welcoming with an Austrian mountain style. Great selection of real ales from Cairngorm, craft (keg) beers, Scottish malts, and gins. It’s log-burning fire that is usually hogged by the hounds is proof that this is one of the best Aviemore pubs that allows dogs. Live music too most Friday and Saturday nights as well as during the week during holiday periods.


We hope this blog has shown you why Aviemore is not only a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiast but also a haven for pet owners seeking a remarkable holiday with their dogs. We look forward to welcoming you and your pet to your next Highland holiday stay at Silverglades.