Dornoch and Embo Beaches
Dogs love our beaches! Miles and miles of golden sand to run on and gentle shallow water for a good swim! Both beaches are popular throughout the year. Walk south to the Dornoch Point for views towards the Kyle of Sutherland or carry on north to Embo.
Camore and Skelbo Woods
Skelbo woods have a fantastic circular route which takes you through pine woods and native deciduous woodland, over streams and past ancient ruins. It takes about an hour and is a perfect place for your dogs to have a good run!
Camore Woods has miles of well maintained forestry paths for you and your canine friend to explore. Stroll though the native pinewoods and enjoy glimpses of the surrounding countryside and coastline. You can walk to the woods from the centre of Dornoch for a five mile loop.
Outside The Box Toys & Gifts Shop
Outside The Box sells a huge range of toys, games, kids’ clothes, geeky products, Scottish souvenirs and more! Dogs are welcome to come and browse with you, and they even provide a water bowl and dog treats!
Mitchell’s Chemist & Post Office
Take your dog shopping in the chemist! Mitchell’s sell much more than you would expect a chemist to stock and are also home to the Post Office. There is a photo printing facility and they stock all beach essentials – suncream, hats and flip flops! Dogs are allowed in and there are also two dog loops outside if you would prefer to leave your pooch to watch the world go by whilst you browse. An water bowl is also provided.
Ultimuttly Groomed
With only one dog being groomed at a time, Ultimuttly Groomed provides a luxury and calming experience for your VIP pooch. Dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome with plenty of cuddles and treats provided in a relaxed, dog friendly environment in Viki’s private garden.
Eagle Hotel
The Eagle is a friendly hotel in the centre of Dornoch. It welcomes non-residents to eat in its cosy bar and restaurant areas, as well as the picnic tables out front.
The Eagle’s menu includes authentic home cooked food and award-winning real ales. There is a lovely beer garden as well as tables outside on Castle Street. Dogs are welcome to join you outside, whilst you have a meal or a drink in the sun. Dog water bowl provided. (Due to staff with dog allergies, dogs are not allowed inside).
Milk and Honey Cafe
A firm favourite with locals and visitors alike, this café serves delicious breakfasts and lunches – soups, sandwiches, quiche, wraps, filled bagels, salads and a kids menu. The coffee is by Inverness Coffee Roasting Co, fine teas are from eteaket and there’s a delicious selection of fresh home baking prepared daily on the premises. You will find Milk and Honey on the High Street between Mitchells Chemist and the Dornoch Bookshop. Open 9 am – 4 pm, Monday to Saturday. There is seating outside, both out front and in a secluded garden at the back of the café where your furry friend is very welcome to join you. They also supply a dog water bowl. Dogs are not permitted inside due to lack of space.
Dornoch Castle Hotel
The Dornoch Castle hotel is famed for its Whisky Bar and fantastic locally sourced menu. Whether you want that special candle-lit dinner in the Garden Restaurant which overlooks the formal walled gardens, or a more informal meal in comfortable surroundings in front of the roaring log fire in the 11ft fireplace, which was formerly the Bishop’s kitchen in the 1500s, there is an excellent choice of dishes. If you want to bring your dog with you to experience the ambiance of the historic Castle Hotel, visit on a sunny day and enjoy your food in the wonderful walled garden where dogs are more than welcome to join you whilst you eat.
Cocoa Mountain
Dogs are allowed to join their owners inside, but on sunny days there is no better view of the Cathedral than from the outside tables. This is the place to sample ‘the best hot chocolate in the world’ – tea, coffee, croissants, baguettes and of course a fantastic range of delicious chocolates are also available.
Gairdie Kennels
Situated just outside of Dornoch, Gairdie Kennels is the perfect place to leave your dog whilst you go exploring a bit further afield. Owned & run by Mark & Fiona Sullivan for the last 20 years, they have a very good reputation locally and you can be assured that your dog will be well cared for. The dogs are walked 4 times daily and they also have an outside run for dogs.
Other Dog-Friendly places:
- Kincraig Fabrics provide dog water outside their shop.
- Historylinks Museum has a pole to tie dogs to and provide water.
- St Finnbarr’s Charity Shop has railings outside which are ideal for dogs to be tied to whilst you browse. There is also a bowl of water provided