Dog Friendly Cottages in Dumfries and Galloway by the Sea

Dog Friendly Holidays in Dumfries and Galloway

The Solway coast is a good place to start if beach walks are important to your holiday. Rockcliffe has a small beach and several walking routes through the surrounding countryside, while Sandyhills provides a much larger stretch of sand further along the coast.

Dogs are welcome at Rockcliffe but should be kept under close control, particularly during the bird nesting season and where livestock are grazing. Scotland’s wider access rights also cover most beaches and coastline, provided dogs are kept under proper control and local guidance is followed.

Further west, the coastline around Portpatrick has a very different character, with rocky bays, cliffs and longer walking routes around the Rhins of Galloway.

Beaches and Coastal Walks with Your Dog

Dumfries and Galloway gives you plenty of scope to mix beach walks with countryside routes. Around Rockcliffe, paths lead through woodland, fields and along the Solway shoreline, while other beaches can be found around Sandyhills, Southerness and the wider Solway coast.

On the western side of the region, Portpatrick is a useful starting point for longer walks. The Southern Upland Way begins in the village, while coastal routes continue around the Rhins towards places such as Killantringan Bay and the Mull of Galloway.

Dogs should be kept under close control around livestock and wildlife. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code advises keeping dogs on a short lead or close at heel around farm animals and during the main ground-nesting bird season, usually April to July, in sensitive areas including beaches, grassland and woodland.

Exploring the Solway Coast and Rhins of Galloway

The size of Dumfries and Galloway means you can choose very different walks depending on where you stay. The Solway coast has beaches, estuaries and woodland, while the Rhins of Galloway has more exposed coastal scenery and clifftop routes.

The Mull of Galloway is another area worth exploring, with walking trails around Scotland’s southernmost point. Wildlife is an important part of this coastline, so dogs should remain in sight and under control. Even well-trained dogs can disturb nesting or feeding birds if allowed to approach them.

For a wider choice of places to stay with your dog around the country, browse our Scotland dog friendly lodges by the sea.

If you are considering other UK locations for your next seaside holiday, spend a few minutes browsing our dog friendly coastal holiday guide, offering plenty of tips and helpful advice.