Location 1: Forfar Loch

Start off day one at Forfar Loch Country Park, which offers fantastic dog walking opportunities in a relaxed, scenic setting. There is a beautiful walk around the loch that takes around an hour.

Keep your eyes open for kingfishers, otters, beavers, foxes, roe deer, as well as the osprey that plunge into the loch, helping themselves to fish. You can take part in nature events run by the Countryside Rangers to learn more about the fascinating flora and fauna here.

Look towards the middle of the loch, and you can see a partly submerged glacial ridge called St Margaret’s Inch. This ridge was excavated in 1781, revealing evidence of a Crannog (a lake-dwelling). Finds from the excavation included silver ornaments, boar tusks, wolf teeth and deer antlers. Later digs unearthed 13th-century chess pieces.

• ​​Location: Forfar Loch Country Park, Craig o’ Loch Road, Forfar, DD8 1BT
• Opening times: Daily
• Entry: Free
• Accessibility: Some uneven terrain but mostly flat

Location 2: Meffan Museum & Art Gallery

Before lunch, head to the Meffan Museum and Art Gallery on West High Street, where you will learn more about the town, including the history of the  Forfar bridie and the story of the Forfar witches. You can also discover the mysterious Picts, thanks to the museum’s collection of enigmatic sculptured stones.

Enjoy a stroll down the museum’s recreation of an old, narrow cobbled street called The Vennel. Peer inside several traditional shops, including Peter Reid’s sweet shop, a clock maker’s workshop, a baker’s shop with bread and bridies on display, and a shoemaker’s where you can watch shoes being made and mended.

There is also a diverse range of impressive artwork on display in the gallery from local, national and internationally-renowned artists.

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the museum.

• Location: 20 West High Street, Forfar DD8 1BB
• Opening times: Wednesday to Monday, 10.30am to 4pm (closed Tuesday)
• Entry: Free
• Accessibility: Full disabled access with lift to upper galleries. Accessible toilets.

Location 3: Lunch at The Mill

Enjoy lunch in a charming, dog-friendly setting at The Mill. The varied lunch menu will have something for everyone. Enjoy delicious food that uses the freshest produce from local suppliers. Fairtrade tea and coffee is on offer too.

Choose from lighter lunch favourites like soup, open sandwiches, salad and bruschetta, or enjoy something more filling like the battered North Sea haddock, ribeye steak ciabatta or applewood smoked macaroni cheese.

The Mill’s lunch menu has a good selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Tasty home-baked treats like the sticky toffee pudding, lemon drizzle cake and passion fruit brûlée are on the menu too.

People recommend The Mill for its reasonable prices, friendly and helpful staff, and the beautiful presentation of its food.

• ​​Location: Lochlands Mill, Dundee Road, Forfar, DD8 1XF
• Opening times: Daily, 10am to 4pm (lunch served from 11:30am)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilets

Location 4: Pitmuies Gardens

This hidden gem offers a superb garden, great borders, and a number of pleasant walks that are perfect for you and your canine companion. Pitmuies Gardens is located around 15 minutes drive from Forfar on the A932.

You’ll discover an extensive and diverse collection of plants, an attractive kitchen garden, a meadow, and spacious lawns here. Enjoy the river, woodland and lochside walks with your dog beneath the trees.

There are picnic areas on both sides of the small loch. Dogs should be kept on their leads while exploring Pitmuies Gardens.

• ​​Location: House of Pitmuies, Guthrie, DD8 2SN
• Opening times: Daily, 10am to 5pm
• Entry:
  • Adults: £5.00
  • Children: Free
• Accessibility: Partial disabled access with accessible toilets

Location 5: Newton Farm Holidays 

Sample daily life on a Scottish farm and soaking up the tranquil, rural Angus landscape with your dog by your side. Dogs are welcome on the standard tour around the farm; however, advance notice is required when booking your place on the tour.

Newton Farm is a real working farm offering an award-winning and authentic farm experience. You’ll be welcomed by farmers Graeme and Louise, who will introduce you to their animals and take you on a fun and educational tour of the farm.

You can hand-feed cows, sheep, goats, and Lucy, the micro pig, during your visit. You can also collect eggs from the henhouse. And why not take the friendly alpacas for a memorable walk for the full, authentic Angus farm experience. Unfortunately, dogs cannot take part in the alpaca walks.

• Location: Inverarity, Forfar, Angus, Scotland, DD8 2JU
• Opening times: Farm tours and experiences available most days (booking required)
• Entry: Prices vary per experience – check the website for details
• Accessibility: The farm is relatively level and accessible to all and has an accessible toilet

Location 6: Dinner at Forbes of Kingennie

Enjoy dinner after a busy day in the Cairn O’Mount Bar at Forbes of Kingennie. Enjoy tasty, hearty food and stunning waterside views.

There are options to suit all tastes here, and the children’s menu has a great selection of tasty main courses and exciting desserts. There are vegan and vegetarian options available too.

Bring your pup to hangout in the heart of the countryside, with a choice of indoor seating in the bar area or outside decking area overlooking the beautiful fishing ponds.

Your pooch can get their paws stuck into the Pampered Pooch Station, where man’s best friend can have a treat on the house, as well as a bowl of fresh water.

• Location: Forbes of Kingennie Drive, Dundee, DD5 3RD
• Opening times: Open daily from 9am
• Accessibility: Walks around the grounds are partially suitable for visitors with limited mobility. Accessible parking and toilets. Level access into the restaurant.

Location 1: Airlie Monument 

Take a scenic walk with your dog through picturesque Glen Prosen woodland to reach Airlie Monument on top of Tulloch Hill. The Airlie Estate is situated in unspoilt country in the heart of the spectacular Angus Glens. The estate has been passed down through the Ogilvy family for over 700 years.

The walk starts at a car park near the small village of Dykehead and follows a forestry track uphill through the woods. As the track leaves the forest, Airlie Monument will come into view.

The monument is a memorial to the ninth Earl of Airlie, Lord Lieutenant-Colonel David William Stanley Ogilvy, killed in the Boer War.

The path is suitable for all abilities and is ideal for dogs but can be steep at times. Once you have reached the top, you will enjoy a stunning 360-degree view, looking across to Glen Clova, Glen Prosen and south towards Kirriemuir and Forfar.

While in the area, visit the nearby Scott-Wilson Memorial. This memorial was erected in 2012 to commemorate Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Edward Wilson, who lived in Glen Prosen for a time, both of whom died during the infamous expedition to reach the South Pole.

• Location: Tulloch Hill, Airlie, Kirriemuir, DD8 4NF
• Opening times: Open at all times
• Accessibility: Some steep and uneven terrain

Location 2: Lunch at Wee Bear Cafe

Enjoy a hearty lunch with your dog by your side at the Wee Bear Café. Based at the beautiful Lodge at Lochside in Lintrathen, a short 15 minute drive from Kirriemuir, Wee Bear is the ideal spot to rest after your morning walk and soak in the spectacular views out to the loch.

Enjoy delicious home cooking and baking amidst the rustic charm of this pleasant café. They offer fantastic homemade food and soup, as well as a range of cakes that includes their delicious carrot cake. There are vegetarian and vegan options available too.

The café was named after the owner’s family dog, Bear, and your own four-legged family members will be made very welcome here.

• Location: Bridgend of Lintrathen, Kirriemuir, DD8 5JH
• Opening times: Thursday to Monday, 10am to 4pm
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Location 3: Redwings Mountains

Set in 220 acres of beautiful paddocks and woodland, Redwings Mountains Horse Sanctuary is home to horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. Dogs on leads are welcome at the sanctuary.

Based in Glenogil, a 20 minute drive from Forfar, the centre offers a fantastic and unique dog-friendly day out. There are signposted walks around the site to meet the lovely residents. No feeding is permitted, but everyone is welcome to give these friendly animals plenty of attention – they love a good scratch!

This stunning location also offers a chance to experience local wildlife, including red squirrels and mountain birds.

The on-site gift shop has a selection of drinks and snacks for takeaway and a wide range of souvenirs to take home. All proceeds support the hundreds of animals in Redwings’ care. You can even adopt one of the friendly horses and donkeys to help support the fantastic work done at the sanctuary.

• Location: Milton of Ogil Cottage, Glenogil, Forfar, DD8 3SQ
• Opening times: Special open weekends throughout spring and summer – see the website for details
• Entry: Free (but donations welcome)
• Accessibility: Partial disabled access with accessible toilets

Location 4: Kirrie Den

Kirrie Den, or ‘The Den’ (as it’s known locally), is a public park close to the centre of the town. It was opened in 1867 and extended later in the 19th century. The main gate is located on Tannage Brae where there is a public car park opposite.

Kirrie Den sits in a small valley with the Gairie Burn running through it and includes many pleasant walks that your dog will love. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the waterfall at the northwest end of The Den.

The burn can be quite spectacular when it’s in spate and is best viewed from the High Bridge near Lochmill.

• Location: Tannage Brae, Kirriemuir, DD8 4ES
• Opening times: Open at all times
• Entry: Free
• Accessibility: Not all routes around the park are suitable for disabled users or families with pushchairs

Location 5: Dinner at The Airlie Arms Hotel

The Airlie Arms Hotel is a traditional, family-run hotel in the heart of Kirriemuir that offers a relaxed, dog-friendly and convenient place for dinner.

Enjoy a range of freshly prepared food from the bar menu, including delicious starters like haggis bites, black pudding or salt and pepper squid, and main courses like Arbroath haddock, scampi, or homemade steak pie.

The menu also includes a selection of burgers, pizza and pasta dishes, as well as a number of options for children.

Dogs are welcome in the bar area at the hotel. They are also welcome in bedrooms if you are staying overnight (subject to an additional £10 cleaning fee).

• Location: 4 St Malcolm’s Wynd, Kirriemuir, DD8 4HB
• Opening times: Food served daily from 11am to 8:30pm
• Accessibility: Disabled access

Location 1: Montrose Beach

Montrose Beach sits within Montrose Bay which stretches for three miles from Montrose to the North Esk River, with impressive views south to Scurdie Ness Lighthouse.

This inviting and spacious golden beach is the perfect location for a memorable morning walk with your dog. The beach is easily accessible from the town centre on foot.

Enjoy the circular walk that heads along the length of this vast beach before returning via an inland route. Starting at the car park near the play area, the walk follows the beach northwards for over 4km until it reaches the River North Esk estuary with St Cyrus beach and National Nature Reserve sitting to the North.

The walk then takes you inland alongside the banks of the River North Esk, past a traditional fishing bothy and houses, through impressive beech woodland, and underneath the magnificent North Water viaduct.

• Location: Traill Drive, Montrose, DD10 8SW

Location 2: Montrose Museum

Montrose Museum opened in 1842, making it one of the first purpose-built museums in Scotland.

Today, the museum tells the story of Montrose and its people, from the earliest archaeological finds to the gallant Marquis of Montrose and the Jacobite uprisings, to the harbour and maritime trade.

The art gallery within Montrose Museum hosts changing exhibitions from the community and from Angus Council’s collections of paintings and sculptures.

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the museum.

• Location: Panmure Place, Montrose, DD10 8HE
• Opening times: Wednesday to Monday, 10.30am to 4pm
• Entry: Free
• Accessibility: Full disabled access with lift to upper galleries

Location 3: Lunch at Charleton Farm

Time to head to Charleton Farm to enjoy a spot of lunch!

The farm has a cosy café with indoor and outdoor seating, serving breakfasts, home-cooked lunches and a delicious array of coffee, cakes and desserts. It is famed for its summer strawberry tarts and well loved for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Dogs on leads are welcome around much of the farm including the fruit picking areas (the only exceptions being the play park and certain indoor restaurant tables).

There are water bowls and dog treats available for use. Blankets are on hand for owners who dine with their pets in the outdoor courtyard.

• ​​Location: Hillside, Montrose, DD10 9EW
• Opening times:
  Daily, 10am to 4pm
• Accessibility: Wheelchair access with accessible parking and toilets

Location 4: House of Dun gardens and woodland

House of Dun is an elegant Georgian country house set in glorious gardens and woodland. Dogs are very welcome on the estate grounds and in the café but are not permitted inside the house itself.

Wander through the beautiful formal gardens with your dog and take in the splendour of this 18th-century laird’s home. This elegant country house was designed with Georgian pride and baroque extravagance by renowned architect William Adam.

Discover an interactive visitor experience called the Angus Folk Collection in the courtyard. The collection contains over 4,500 pieces that together tell the story of Angus life, including a harpoon gun, a mother of pearl clock, a penny-farthing bicycle, and even a hearse.

There is an extensive network of paths throughout the estate. Don’t miss Lady Augusta’s Walk through the Den of Dun, a narrow gorge in the west of the grounds. You’ll pass by waterfalls and mature woodland dotted with rhododendrons and azaleas that are a riot of colour in the spring. You can see the ruins of the original Dun Castle and family mausoleum at the west walled garden.

There are some areas where dogs need to be kept on a lead – these are clearly signposted. You’ll find a water bowl and biscuits at the café and in the courtyard.

House of Dun lies close to the edge of Montrose Basin Nature Reserve, which is also worth exploring if the time and weather allow.

• Location: House of Dun, Montrose, DD10 9LQ
• Opening times: See the website for opening times
• Entry: Free to access the gardens and woodland walks
• Accessibility: The gardens are suitable for wheelchairs.

Location 5: Dunninald Gardens

Dunninald Castle is a family home with a beautiful walled garden, set in a planned landscape of woods and wild garden. Dunninald was built in 1824 by the architect James Gillespie Graham in the Gothic Revival style.

One of the main highlights of Dunninald is the walled garden. Set a short walk from the house, the walled garden is south-facing with a curved wall and planted with traditional mixed borders, vegetables, soft fruits, fruit trees and a greenhouse.

The wood path walk is well sign-posted and about a mile long. It’s the perfect spot for a pleasant walk around the woods with your dog among the many native trees, plants, and wildlife, including red squirrels.

• Location: Dunninald Castle, Montrose, Angus, DD10 9TD
• Opening times:
  • May, June and August: Sunday, Monday and Tuesdays, 1-5pm
  • July: Daily, 1-5pm
• Entry:
  • Gardens: £5.00
  • Children (under 16): Free
  • Dogs on leads: Free

Location 6: Dinner at The George Hotel

After an enjoyable day of activity, it’s time for a well-earned dinner at The George Hotel in Montrose. Located close to the town centre, The George Hotel is a dog-friendly, family-run hotel that has built a reputation over the last 25 years for offering generous portions of excellent food at reasonable prices.

The George Hotel’s restaurant and lounge bar serve a large selection of freshly-prepared dishes to suit all tastes and appetites. The dishes use locally-sourced produce when possible. Dinner options include tasty fish dishes like the grilled Scottish salmon, rice and pasta dishes, chicken dishes, burgers, and vegetarian options like the homemade vegetable lasagne and Quorn salt and vinegar fishless fillet.

The hotel has an extensive range of drinks to accompany your meal, including soft drinks, beers, a cask ale, a fine selection of local whiskies, and gin.

You and your four-legged friend are sure to enjoy a warm welcome and an enjoyable time here, whether you’re just staying for dinner or staying overnight.

• Location: 22 George Street, Montrose, DD10 8EW
• Opening Times:
  • Monday to Thursday: 12 noon to 2pm & 5pm to 8.30pm
  • Friday to Sunday: 12 noon to 8.30pm
• Accessibility: The restaurant is on the second floor and is not wheelchair accessible