When it comes to a dog-friendly adventure, Ayrshire is the pooch’s proverbials. Looking for a pawsome, dog-friendly day out with your four-legged friend? You’re barking up the right tree! Ayrshire has it all – spectacular scenery fit for conquering on two legs and four; fab dog-friendly pubs and cafes; and the Salt Lodge at Troon Yacht Haven is the perfect pooch-friendly base to explore it all!

Check out a few of the dog-friendly adventures, activities and spots to eat and drink that await you in Ayrshire below!

Sink your paws into Ayrshire’s beaches

A stunning, sweeping stretch of silver sand just a short saunter from our front door, Troon Beach is abuzz from dawn to dusk. You’ll see everyone from post-dinner strollers and ice-cream clutching kids to wild weather-welcoming windsurfers and (arguably optimistic) sun worshippers. It’s an ideal spot to explore with your furry friend, throw a frisbee or dip your toes and paws into the cool sea. No trip to the town is complete without treading its sands and enjoying the views over the sea to Arran. Not that we’re biased!

Explore more stunning sands with our list of Ayrshire’s best beaches here!

Capture the castle

A trip to Culzean might be the closest you’ll ever come to exploring a fairy tale castle and its grounds. The sprawling, soaring cliff-top mansion is filled to the turrets with treasure but it’s the estate that’ll take your breath away. It’s more than 260 hectares planted with conifers and beech, sculpted around miles of sandy coastline dotted with caves, and finished off with a Swan Pond, an ice Lodge, flamboyant formal gardens and fruit-filled glasshouses. It’s a wee wonderland perfect for a long walk with your four-legged friend.

Step into the Scotland of your dreams at Glen Rosa

Set in the shadow of mighty Goatfell and featuring some fantastic swimming holes alongside scenery plucked from a picture postcard, Glen Rosa on Arran is one of Scotland’s most wonderful walks. Head over to ‘Scotland in miniature’ to discover a big adventure for you and your dog.

You and your furry friend have the right to walk almost anywhere in Scotland, so long as you stick to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Make sure you have a read before you and your pup head out.

(c) VisitScotland

Take your time at the Wee Hurrie

Perched on the edge of Troon Harbour and famed for all the right reasons, seafood doesn’t get much fresher than the deep fried delights served up by the Wee Hurrie. Stop by for their multi-award-winning fish and chips and enjoy your supper overlooking the harbour with your four-legged friend by your side. Dog-friendly adventures in Ayrshire don’t get more tasty!

Has the Wee Hurrie whetted your appetite for some more scrumptious scran? Check out some of the fantastic food and drink near the Salt Lodge here!

Seek out the summit of Goatfell

The highest point on our wee neighbour the Isle of Arran, Goatfell stands a mighty 2,866 feet (that’s 874 metres for our European friends)! It offers spectacular views of the west coast – if you and your dug manage to get to the summit! You might just spot buzzards and golden eagles soaring (not so) high above you. It’s one of Ayrshire’s greatest dog-friendly adventures!

Other adventures

Looking for more adventures to undertake on your next trip to Ayrshire? Check out our guides to the incredible walking and cycling routes, fantastic food and drink, and legendary golf courses on the doorstep of the Salt Lodge at Troon Yacht Haven!

We’re Open & Good to Go!

Drumroll please – the Salt Lodge Hotel at Troon Yacht Haven is now OPEN! We can’t wait to welcome you all to enjoy an incredible, relaxing stay with us but – in the meantime – we thought we’d take you on a wee digital tour of the hotel. Feast your eyes on the picture gallery below!

Good to Go for a getaway?

If our wee tour has gotten you ready to set sail for a fantastic break, you can book here. 

And don’t worry – we’re Good To Go scheme-approved, meaning you can be assured that we’re taking all the necessary steps to make sure we meet all of the current government guidance – and that you enjoy a safe and relaxing stay!