Scotland's best dog walks have been revealed in a new study, with a "hidden valley" claiming the number one spot on the roundup. Picturesque hikes from across the country were named as part of the list, from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands and Inner Hebrides.
On Wednesday, August 26, Country Living shared the results of a study from outdoor experts Millets that ranked the 50 best dog walks in the UK based on factors such as popularity and difficulty. The researchers analysed more than 114,000 reviews from walkers on hiking app AllTrails to put together the ranking.
The Lost Valley takes top spot
The number one dog walk in Scotland according to Millets is Coire Gabhail, which is also known as the Lost Valley or the Hidden Valley. Situated to the south of Glen Coe in the Scottish Highlands, the high level glen walk is just over three miles in length and should take between two and three hours to finish.
Coire Gabhail is best known for being where the MacDonalds of Glencoe once hid stolen cattle from other clans. It is classed by Millets as "moderate" in difficulty due to its rough terrain and often-boggy conditions, and is better suited to larger and more active species of dog.
Millets wrote: "There are hikes with great views, and then there's The Lost Valley. Tucked deep into the mountains of Glencoe, this hidden glen was used as a refuge by the MacDonald clan in the 17th century, and it still feels like a place few people know about, despite nearly 3,000 glowing reviews."
Skye's Prison Walk and Fairy Pools follow
The second-best dog walk in Scotland according to Millets is The Prison Walk, which is an out-and-back trail situated on the Isle of Skye near its capital town of Portree. Around 2.6 miles in length and taking approximately two-to-three hours to complete, it is also classed as being moderate in difficulty.
The Prison Walk gets its name from a huge rocky pyramid that looks similar to a medieval keep when viewed from specific angles. The trail includes a large amount of rocky terrain and features narrow sections and a steep climb, so is ideal for more seasoned hikers and walkers.
The experts stated: "Don't let the name put you off! The Prison is a dramatic natural rock pinnacle that towers above you for most of the ascent—one of the most striking sights on any hike in Scotland. At just 2.6 miles, it's one of the shorter routes on this list, but what it lacks in distance it more than makes up for in scenery."
Placing at number three on Millets' list are the Fairy Pools, which are also located on the Isle of Skye and comprise a number of vivid aqua blue natural pools. The walk, which is described by the experts as being "easy" in difficulty, is around 2.7 miles in length and should take between 60 and 90 minutes from start to finish.
Top 10 roundup
Rounding out the top five best dog walks in Scotland are The Dry Dam Path in Edinburgh and the Conic Hill via Balmaha Circular in Stirling, with both of the hikes being classed as moderate in difficulty. The Dry Dam Path takes in iconic sights such as Saint Anthony's Chapel and Arthur's Seat, while Conic Hill offers breathtaking views out over Loch Lomond.
Coming in at number six on Millets' list is the Loch an Eilein Circular near Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park, while the Tom a' Ghrianain (Signal Rock), An Torr, and Hagrid's Hut Circular places seventh. Completing the top 10 are the Ben Lomond Mountain Path, Ben Nevis from Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, and the West Highland Way from Drymen to Rowardennan.
The 10 best dog walks in Scotland are: Coire Gabhail (The Lost Valley), The Prison Walk, Fairy Pools, The Dry Dam Path to Saint Anthony's Chapel and Arthur's Seat, Conic Hill via Balmaha Circular, Loch an Eilein Circular, Tom a' Ghrianain (Signal Rock), An Torr, and Hagrid's Hut Circular, Ben Lomond Mountain Path, Ben Nevis from Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, and West Highland Way: Drymen to Rowardennan. For more information about the study, visit the Millets website.
