It’s time to hit the road! Road trips have made a spectacular comeback in recent years and what better way to explore the great outdoors than with your furry best friend by your side? So pack up the campervan, grab your pup and get ready for the ultimutt road trips to take with your dog. With the freedom to go wherever the wind takes you, road trips offer endless opportunities for scenic drives, long walks and beach visits, all while bringing the comfort of home with you. Trust us, there’s nothing quite like cuddling up under the stars with your loyal companion after a long day of exploring. We’ve teamed up with the experts at campervan hire platform GoBoony to bring you the five best road trips to take with your dog.
The Snow Roads Scenic Route: Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
Distance: 90 miles / Recommended length: 3/4 days / Start: Blairgowrie End: Grantown-on-Spey or Aviemore
Looking for a shorter road trip to take with your dog that’s packed with adventure, history and stunning scenery? Look no further than the Snow Roads Scenic Route! This 90-mile drive takes you through the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park in the UK, where you’ll be surrounded by mountains, hidden castles, and even off-grid whisky distilleries.
Starting in Blairgowrie and ending in Grantown-on-Spey, this route takes you through some of the most picturesque towns in the Scottish Highlands, including Braemar and Ballater. Make a stop at the royal Balmoral Castle, where dogs are welcome in the castle grounds and gardens for a beautiful walk. Close by you’ll also discover Loch Muick, a fairly easy 7 mile walk that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and mountains.
The Cairngorms National Park is a playground for nature lovers and their four-legged friends. Explore ancient forests, sparkling lochs and remote glens, all while taking in the fresh Scottish air. Even in the height of summer, venture a little off the tourist trail and it’s easy to find pockets of tranquillity.
If you have more time, continue onto Aviemore where you’ll have the perfect base for further adventures. Nearby beauty spot Loch Morlich is ideal for a summer dip and hidden gem An Lochan Uaine is a short yet picturesque loch hidden in the valley close by. Just remember to be cautious when letting your pup take a dip in any green lochs – they may have high levels of algae that can be harmful to your furry friend. So grab your leash and hit the road for an unforgettable Scottish adventure!
The Atlantic Highway, England
Distance: 70 miles / Recommended length: 3/4 days / Start: Bridgwater End: Land’s End
Are you and your furry friend ready for a road trip to take with your dog that’s full of stunning coastal views, picturesque fishing villages, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures? Look no further than the Devon and Cornwall coastal drive, also known as the Atlantic Highway! This 70-mile stretch takes you from the Devon border into the northeastern corner of Cornwall, where you’ll find some of the most beautiful scenery in all of England. With four main stopping points – Barnstaple, Bude, Exmoor National Park, and Newquay – there’s no shortage of things to do and see. The shorter driving distance is perfect for dogs who don’t love to be in the car for too long, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy a coastal sniffari.
Exmoor National Park is a must-visit destination for dog owners. With over 600 miles of footpaths and walkways, there’s plenty of opportunities for you and your companion to explore the rugged terrain, rolling hills and ancient woodlands. For a real treat, head to Saunton Sands Beach, where your pup can roam off-leash across three and a half miles of golden sand and enjoy a dip in the sea. Along the coast you can also discover stunning viewpoints like Heddon’s Mouth or the Valley of Rocks. And don’t miss the Arlington Court and National Trust Carriage Museum, a dog-friendly spot where you both can wander around the stunning grounds.
But the coastal drive isn’t just about outdoor adventures – there are plenty of charming towns and villages to explore along the way. From the pretty fishing village of Boscastle to the historic town of Barnstaple, there’s something for everyone on this scenic route. And with so many dog-friendly pubs and cafes dotted along the way, you and your furry friend can refuel with a delicious meal or pupachino. So what are you waiting for? Grab your leash and hit the road for an unforgettable coastal adventure!
Pembrokeshire Coast 200, Wales
Distance: 200 miles / Recommended length: 3/5 days / Start: Saundersfoot End: St Dogmaels
Pembrokeshire National Park and coast is an excellent destination for scenic walks with your furry friend, featuring impressive cliffs, stunning beaches and rugged headlands. You can start your trip in Saundersfoot, a beautiful seaside village popular for its fishing harbour and vibrant Georgian houses. Follow the coastal route west and upwards into Pembrokeshire National Park. The beauty of this stretch of coastline is that there’s unmissable views around every corner and lots of opportunities for peaceful walks. Take the time to stop as much as you like – this road trip is more about the journey than the final destination!
The coastal route leading west into Pembrokeshire National Park is a treat for the senses. Broad Haven South beach is a beautiful stop for a long walk, but there are other secluded spots to explore with your dog. Pembroke Castle, with its stunning mediaeval exterior and picture-perfect setting, allows well-behaved dogs in the grounds and castle, except the gift shop. History buffs can also visit Picton Castle and Gardens, which is also dog-friendly.
For even more breathtaking views of the wild Welsh coastline, head to St Govan’s Head, but make sure to keep your dog on a lead at all times for safety reasons. The area is quite flat, making it an easy and enjoyable stroll. Nearby, you’ll also discover St Govan’s Chapel, a gorgeous chapel built into the rocks which can be accessed with steps. Other unmissable stops on the journey include the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddi and Britain’s smallest city, St Davids. This is a road trip not to be missed, but visit outside the summer season for quieter walks and better access to the beaches!
Loch Lomond, Glencoe and The Isle of Skye, Scotland
Distance: 400 miles / Recommended length: 5 days / Start: Glasgow End: Applecross
If you want to experience Scotland’s stunning scenery without committing to the full NC500 loop, we’ve got you covered! This west coast road trip and Isle of Skye route offers an unforgettable taste of Scotland’s natural beauty, with breathtaking beaches and majestic mountains just waiting to be explored alongside your furry companion.
Kick-off your adventure in Glasgow and drive north to Loch Lomond, where you’ll discover peaceful trails and breathtaking views in the national park. Continue your journey northwards and make a pit stop in Glencoe, a filming location for James Bond movies, with scenery so spectacular it’ll leave you breathless. And if you’re a Harry Potter fan, you can’t miss the chance to detour to Glenfinnan Viaduct to witness the unique bridge used in the movies.
Your road trip continues onto The Isle of Skye. With its wild and untamed landscapes and dog-friendly hikes, Skye offers an unforgettable experience for both you and your pup. You’ll also be able to spot some highland cows along the way, just keep your dog on the lead if they have a tendency to want to say hello! The island is home to numerous dog-friendly beaches, including the famous Talisker Bay and Claigan Coral Beach, where your dog can run and play to their heart’s content and if they’re brave enough – enjoy a dip in the ocean.
Don’t miss the Quiraing, a unique geological formation located in the northern part of the island. The Quiraing features striking rock formations, rolling hills, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Hike up at sunrise for an unforgettable view to share with your pup. Another must-see are the Fairy Pools. Located in Glen Brittle, the Fairy Pools are a series of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls that are a popular spot for wild swimming and hiking.
Finishing the adventure in Applecross, you’ll drive the incredible Bealach na Bà which has some of the best viewpoints in the whole country. And if you have extra time, why not drive back with a detour through the Cairngorms, for one last taste of that highland beauty?
The Lake District, England
Distance: 83 miles / Recommended length: 3/4 days / Start: Coniston End: Keswick
You can’t talk about the best road trips to take with your dog in the UK without mentioning the famous Lake District. Bursting with lakes (obviously!), woodlands, peaks and more, it’s the ideal terrain to take your dog on the ultimate outdoor adventure. With hikes suitable for all fitness levels, both for you and your furry friend, and numerous scenic stops throughout the national park, there’s no shortage of breathtaking views to enjoy. One of the best things about the Lake District is that you can choose to base yourself in one location and take short day drives to various places if you prefer not to spend too much time on the road.
We highly recommend starting your trip in or near Coniston, a charming village in the heart of Cumbria that offers access to some fantastic walking routes. Consider taking a morning hike up the Old Man of Coniston, or try the less challenging Tarn Hows circular walk if you prefer a more relaxed pace.
Another great hike is up Orrest Head, or you could enjoy a chilled day on the water depending on your energy levels! The Lake District features 16 stunning lakes, with the most well-known being the enchanting Lake Windermere, which also happens to be the largest. While dog walking is a great way to enjoy the scenery, taking a lake cruise is another option to keep in mind. Both the cruises and self hire boats welcome dogs and offer the opportunity to disembark at specific points to discover fantastic walking trails around the lakes.
One hidden gem that is often overlooked is the serene circular lake walk nestled in a wooded valley called Loweswater – it’s one of our personal favourites. After the walk, take your pup to explore Holme Wood, where they can frolic around the oak, sycamore and ash trees. This area is especially gorgeous during bluebell season!
Wherever you choose to road trip with your dog, you’re guaranteed to have a great time. The UK is packed with secluded and beautiful spots that often go unnoticed due to people opting for more distant destinations. Owning a dog provides an excellent opportunity to explore your homeland, and you may find yourself awestruck by the breathtaking scenery that you discover! So pack the Kongs, prep the travel crates and hit the open road for a tail-wagging adventure!
For more unforgettable adventures and road tripping fun, visit GoBoony or gather some inspiration on their Instagram @goboony!
