Jemima Kirkwood
11 September 2024
The Isle of Skye is a beautiful northwestern island, the largest island in the Inner Hebrides, and is home to some of Scotland’s most fascinating historic sites and landmarks. From ancient castles and stunning coastlines to dramatic mountain ridges, fairy pools and dinosaur footprints, there is so much to see and do on this island that your dog-friendly itinerary will be packed for days.
Taking your dog on holiday with you has never been so easy, and Skye is the perfect spot for you and the pup to take on some adventuring and exploring – after all, is that not what dogs do best?
Read on to discover our favourite pup-welcoming restaurants, pubs, beaches and dog-walking routes across the Isle of Skye, or click the button below to start exploring our range of Skye self-catering cottages. Find retreats for solo travellers and couples, groups of friends and extended families in our collection.
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Isle of Skye dog FAQs
Yes, you can take your dog to the Isle of Skye! With plenty of coastlines, beaches, woodland walks, castle gardens, dog-friendly establishments and acres of wilderness, you could say the Isle of Skye is one large playground for your four-legged friend.
CalMac Ferries offers the most popular ferry service to Skye, and yes your dog is allowed onboard. The first dog ticket type permits them to enter the ferry's passenger lounge, the second ticket type means that your furry chum will have to stay in the car while you cross. There is no limit or fee for support and assistance dogs.
Technically a mountain, Skye's Old Man of Storr is one of the island's most popular attractions, and yes your dog can join you here. We suggest taking caution around the steeper sections of the walk where you may need to scramble – this is a trip for younger, fitter dogs. Perhaps explore the flatter, greener sections at the base with older doggos.
Dog-friendly restaurants on the Isle of Skye
Dotted across the Isle of Skye is a generous mix of dog-friendly restaurants serving delights from the waters and fields around. Let Fido join you as you sample some of the region's freshest seafood dishes, famous Highland venison, and other Scottish delicacies in these dog-friendly restaurants on the Isle of Skye.
Caberfeidh Bar and Restaurant, Portree
For something a little different, head to the Caberfeidh Bar and Restaurant in pretty Portree which serves up the best pizza on the island. With toppings ranging from marinated chicken and anchovies to black pudding and basil pesto, the restaurant's sourdough pizzas will have you all coming back for more – Fido included! With other tasty options on offer, there is something for everyone here.
Good to know
- Location: Somerled Square, Portree IV51 9EH
- Opening times: Tuesday to Thursday 4pm–8.30pm; Friday 4pm–9pm; Saturday 1pm–9pm
- Why not try? The Caberfeidh Smash Burger with crispy bacon, American cheese and burger sauce
The Stein Inn, Stein
This is the oldest inn on Skye. Family run, with its customers at the forefront, this home-from-home pub welcomes you and the pup to eat and relax in style. The menu uses local ingredients and offers delicious dishes including fresh seafood, hearty pub grub, and light snacks.
With a lovely outdoor seating area, the dog can lie out in the sun whilst you enjoy a cold beer and, in the wintertime, the snug is the perfect place for marshmallow-topped hot chocolates and cosy afternoon snoozes.
Good to know
- Location: Macleods Terrace, Stein IV55 8GA
- Opening times: Lunch served Wednesday to Sunday 12pm–2pm; dinner served Monday to Sunday 5pm–9pm
- Why not try? Orkney haggis and Isle of Skye black pudding bonbons
Dog-friendly pubs on the Isle of Skye
There is nothing like entering a pub on the Isle of Skye and getting that warm welcome that the Scots are so good at. With local beers and ales on tap, drams at the ready and live ceilidh music, you and the four-legged friend will love the island pubs. Here are some lovely dog-friendly pubs on the Isle of Skye.
The Isles Inn, Portree
The Isles Inn is popular with locals and visitors alike and opens daily, welcoming both you and the dog for some rest as you enjoy local food and drink in a vibrant and friendly setting. Let the dog unwind at your feet as the hustle and bustle of pub life surrounds you with delicious smells of pie and chips, local venison steaks, and battered haddock and chips. Set close to the harbour of Portree, this is a lovely pit stop after exploring the village and coastline of this beautiful area.
Good to know
- Location: Somerled Square, Portree IV51 9EH
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday 12pm–11pm
- Why not try? Haggis tower served with mashed potato, neeps and creamy whisky sauce
The Ferry Inn, Uig
This traditional Scottish inn with heaps of character is located in the cute island village of Uig in the north of Skye. The quaint pub serves up stylish and extremely tasty sharing platters to its welcomed visitors. Offering local seafood, meats, vegetarian delights and charcuterie boards, there are lots of options when it comes to trying new cuisines in a lovely setting.
Good to know
- Location: Uig, Isle of Skye IV51 9XP
- Opening times: Bar open Tuesday to Saturday 5pm–10pm; restaurant sitting times Tuesday to Saturday 6:15pm, 7pm and 7.45pm
- Why not try? Loch Bay langoustines served naturally with lemon and house aioli
Dog-friendly beaches on the Isle of Skye
Taking the dogs to the beach is a brilliant way to burn off some energy as well as fulfilling mental wellness in the fresh sea air. Waste away hours playing fetch, dig holes as deep as the ocean, explore rock pools and relax on golden sand to your heart’s content. Skye has many beautiful beaches with water that looks positively tropical at certain times of the year – here are some great dog-friendly beaches that will get tails wagging.
Staffin Bay, Uig
Staffin Bay is found on the Trotternish Peninsula to the north of the island and is a lovely, sandy beach perfect for dog walks, games of fetch, dune jumping and hole-digging. You can have hours of fun surrounded by lovely, rugged scenery and views out to sea.
From here, you can explore the likes of Kilt Rock and the Mealt Falls Viewpoint, as well as the crofting village of Staffin itself. Don’t forget to check out the fossilised dinosaur footprints – we’re sure your dog will protect you!
Good to know
- Location: Staffin Bay Beach, Staffin, Isle of Skye IV51 9JS
- Facilities: Beach slipway, free parking near the pier and slipway
- Dog restrictions: Dog friendly all year round
Glenbrittle Beach, Skye
We thought we would include this special sea loch beach as it's just a few miles from the famous Fairy Pools of Glenbrittle. It is a lovely spot for a picnic after that magical walk. Nestled at the base of the Cuillin Mountains, there is plenty of space on this dog-friendly beach for lots of energetic paws to run, jump, and fetch their way to fun on the beach. Strong swimmers can explore the dramatic coastline with a snorkel or jump on a paddleboard with the dog on calmer days.
Good to know
- Location: Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA
- Facilities: Dog-friendly beach cafe serving drinks and snacks daily from 8am–7pm between April and October
- Dog restrictions: Dog friendly all year round
Dog-friendly walks on the Isle of Skye
Walks are a massive part of any dog-owner’s routine and when on holiday, we have even more time to enjoy them with no school runs or work commutes to worry about. Here are some great dog-friendly walks on the Isle of Skye where your four-legged adventurer can sniff, scout and scamper their way to happiness.
Cnoc a’Mhadaidh Ruaidh Circular
Translated to ‘Hill of Fox’, this lovely circular walk will take you and the pup on a nice, hour-long forestry ramble with plenty of undulations and pretty scenery to enjoy. This is a great option for a quiet walk and one where your dog can be off the lead adventuring to the full.
With plenty of boggy sections, uneven ground and rocky parts, there is lots to keep them entertained and you will all feel thoroughly worked out by the end of it.
Good to know
- Start point: Kyleakin, Isle of Skye IV41 8PQ
- Facilities: Free roadside parking, pubs and restaurants in the village of Kyleakin
- Difficulty: Moderate – 2 miles
- How to get there: Cross the bridge to Skye on the A87 and take the second exit at the roundabout, followed by the first right down Old Kyle Farm Road
Brother's Point (Rubha nam Brathairean)
Not far from Staffin, up the coast from Uig, lies Brother’s Point, an impressive rocky headland cuddled by the sea, to the north of Skye. The dogs will love this short but energetic walk and during the 2.1-mile dander, you will discover wonderful and historic landmarks including Kilt Rock, Dun Hasan and Mealt Falls.
The terrain is mostly flat and the views along the coastline are beautiful – on a really clear day you will be able to see across the sea to the mountains of Wester Ross. With a few sheep around and some very steep cliffs to contend with, we suggest you keep your pup on a lead!
Good to know
- Location: The Brother's Point, Near Culnacnoc, Isle of Skye
- Facilities: Free roadside parking near Culnacnoc
- Difficulty: Moderate – 2.1 miles
- How to get there: Take the A855 north from Portree, pass the Glenview Hotel, and turn into the car park on the left
Map of dog-friendly Isle of Skye
Explore our map below and find all our favourite dog-friendly restaurants, pubs, beaches and walking routes around Scotland's Isle of Skye.
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Book a dog-friendly holiday on the Isle of Skye
We hope you have enjoyed our dog-friendly guide to the Isle of Skye and that you feel inspired to explore the Inner Hebrides' largest island for yourself. With so much to do and see with your dog, we can promise an exciting and fun-filled holiday for all when staying on this magical island.
Start planning your dog-friendly holiday on the Isle of Skye today by clicking the button below and exploring our collection of pup-welcoming cottages, with retreats for outdoor-loving couples, solo travellers, groups of friends and large families.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.