This route takes you along the North Sea with a few spots to see, such as Lauriston Castle (where you can park your car to start the journey), Granton Castle Walled Garden, and Gypsy Brae Recreational Garden. You can easily backtrack this route and start at either point.
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Our first stop on this dog-friendly walk in Edinburgh is Lauriston Castle.
Lauriston Castle has a parking area, making this a perfect spot to start your dog-walking route. The castle’s grounds are free to enter, and there are dog-friendly areas. While you get your furry friend ready and warmed up, you can admire the beautiful gardens and the castle built in the 16th century with new additions and extensions added over the centuries. You can book a guided tour here if you’d like to peep inside at the 17th-century furniture and see what life was like for the 20th-century middle class.
Lauriston Castle. Credit: The Least Weasel via Flickr
Leaving the castle past the car park, turn left down Barnton Gardens, then left again into Lauriston Farm Road. At the big circle, keep to the path on the left onto Silverknowes Road.
Part 1 of the 5.5km Dog-friendly Walk in Edinburgh
Continue up Silverknowes Road over the circle on Marine Drive to Silverknowes Beach.
Part 2 of the 5.5km Dog-friendly Walk in Edinburgh
Silverknowes Beach is a sandy and pebbly spot for your companion to enjoy, especially on a sunny day. See views across the Firth of Forth and Cramond Island in the distance. Cramond Island has some ties to prehistoric and Roman times as a stone burial cist and ruined farmstead were found there. The island is uninhabited but is let out to the Cramond Boat Club. You can visit it if you wish, but be aware of the low tide times as you wouldn’t want to be stranded on the island; there is a board with recommended crossing times.
Silverknowes Beach at low tide. Credit: Silverknowes Beach Facebook
Walk along the pathway with the sea on your left and straight into Gypsy Brae Recreation Ground.
Part 3 of the 5.5km Dog-friendly Walk in Edinburgh
Gipsy Brae Recreation Ground is another great dog-friendly area on your walk in Edinburgh. As the grounds are part of the Edinburgh Living Landscapes Programme, you should see some wildlife you wouldn’t usually see in the city. It is recommended to avoid the park on early Saturday and Sunday mornings as it may be busy with runners.
Continue in the same direction with the sea on your left to turn right into West Shore Road. Just as the road curves, the sign to your right will point you towards Edinburgh College Granton Campus. You will see a gate to your left down a pathway into Forthquarter Park.
Part 4 of the 5.5km Dog-friendly Walk in Edinburgh
Forthquarter Park was an industrial site and has been redeveloped into the park you see today. Granton House once stood here, but in 1954, it burnt down. You can see part of the burn near the quarry pond.
Forthquarter Park. Credit: Hyland Edgar Driver
Follow the pathway with the pond on your right towards the empty caged building to your left. When you reach the crossroad past the caged building, turn left then right at the end of the road into Caroline Park Avenue. Follow the curve in the road to the left towards the Granton Castle Walled Garden.
Part 4 of the 5.5km Dog-friendly Walk in Edinburgh
The last stop on this dog-friendly walk in Edinburgh is Granton Castle Walled Garden. It is completely free to enter, and dogs on leads are welcome. If you enjoyed your walk around here, cash donations are much appreciated and go towards the maintenance of the gardens. The Gardens are open every Saturday and Sunday afternoon throughout the year. They have a composting toilet but no running water, so bring hand sanitiser and water. Seasonal workshops include wreath-making, flower arranging, and tree planting. Volunteers maintain the garden and are always looking for more. You can reach out to volunteer here.
Dog-walking in Edinburgh. Credit: Sociable Hounds
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