The best dog-friendly UK islands
There’s something quietly addictive about island walking with a dog. Maybe it’s the ever-present horizon, or the way each stretch of coastline promises something new just around the next headland. With Goose, beside me, every walk becomes a fun exploration: noses to the ground along machair paths on Coll, ears pricked on Raasay’s woodland trails, paws splashing through Scilly’s shallows or racing across the wide sands of the Isle of Wight. These islands each offer something different – remote, often car-free hideaways, or mile after mile of open beach – but all share that same sense of freedom. Here are some of Britain’s best dog-friendly islands on Ordnance Survey’s Island 82 list, where the journey is led as much by nose as it is by the map.
This post is written by OS Champion Lisa Drewe who is currently undertaking a challenge to visit all 82 of the Islands of Britain over 5 square kilometres. Lisa aims to uncover the island’s unique landscapes, wildlife, and communities, while sharing how visitors can explore responsibly and support island ecosystems.
1. Eilean Shona, Highland
Tucked just off the west coast of Loch Moidart, Eilean Shona is a secluded mix of atmospheric woodland, quiet tracks and hidden coves. With no cars and only a handful of residents and visitors, it’s an ideal escape for dogs that thrive on space and freedom.
Access to this private island is by small boat from near Castle Tioram, laid on for the residents of characterful self-catering accommodation. Paths wind through native woodland and open clearings, linking old crofts, beaches and viewpoints.
For dogs, it’s close to perfect. The shoreline is endlessly varied: rocky inlets to scramble around, sheltered bays for paddling, and stretches of sand where they can run free. Dogs are very welcome here.
2. Raasay, Highland
Set between Skye and the mainland, Raasay is a brilliant dog-friendly island where varied terrain and quiet tracks make exploring easy and rewarding. Often overlooked, it offers a mix of woodland, moor, coastline and history within a realtively compact landscape.
After a short and stunning ferry journey, walk to Inverarish and you’re quickly into good walking. Woodland trails behind the village, including the ‘Burma Road’, wind through forest before opening onto moorland, making a great leg-stretcher. Nearby, old mining tracks around ‘Mine No. 2’ add a sense of exploration, linking relics of the island’s short-lived iron industry.
For longer outings, it’s easy to link these into bigger circuits, heading out to the coast or across open ground. The island is ringed by shoreline, so there’s plenty of places to drop down to rocky bays or small beaches. Views stretch across the Sound of Raasay to Skye, with sea eagles often overhead.
Raasay works well for dogs because it’s quiet, low traffic and varied. Finish back in Inverarish and there’s a warm welcome waiting at the island shop or Raasay Distillery. This small island packs in a lot.
3. Isle of Coll, Argyll and Bute
Low-lying, open and edged with some of the finest beaches in Scotland, Coll is a dream for dog-friendly exploring. With wide horizons and quiet tracks, it’s an island where dogs can roam, paddle and run – often with barely another soul in sight.
The landscape is gentle, making it ideal for relaxed walking. Single-track roads, estate tracks and informal paths link small settlements, lochs and the coast. The beaches are the highlight: long arcs of pale sand backed by dunes, with shallow, clear water perfect for dogs that love the sea.
Feall Bay stands out for space and views, while beaches near Arinagour are easily reached from the ferry. Around the coastline, rocky inlets and machair add variety and plenty of new scents. Wildlife is part of the experience – corncrakes in summer, seabirds, and the chance of dolphins offshore – so dogs should be kept under control where needed.
4. Colonsay, Argyll and Bute
Fringed with white-sand bays and crisscrossed by quiet tracks, Colonsay is one of Scotland’s most rewarding dog-friendly islands. Small enough to explore but varied enough to keep things interesting, it offers a mix of beaches, moorland and low hills.
From Scalasaig, it’s easy to head out along quiet roads or pick up tracks towards the coast. Kiloran Bay is a highlight – a wide sweep of sand backed by dunes where dogs can run freely. Even in good weather, it rarely feels busy.
Beyond the beaches, gentle climbs lead to views across the Hebrides, while tracks link old settlements and hidden coves. For a longer outing, the tidal crossing to Oronsay is great for exploration – though timing is key. Wildlife is constant, from seabirds to seals offshore.
5. Isle of Wight
With over 500 miles of footpaths and a varied coastline, the Isle of Wight is one of the best dog-friendly islands in England – especially for beach-loving dogs.
While some resort beaches have summer restrictions, much of the coastline remains open year-round. Even in peak season, it’s easy to find space. The south-west coast from Brook Chine to Rocken End is a standout: wild, open and backed by cliffs. Nearby coves like Binnel Bay and Monks Bay offer alternatives.
On the north coast, places like Thorness Bay and Woodside Bay provide gentler walking, while designated dog-friendly sections around Ryde and Seaview keep options open. To the east, beaches around Bembridge, St Helens and Whitecliff Bay offer long stretches of sand and varied terrain.
You can link beaches into longer coastal walks or mix in downs and woodland. Just check signage for seasonal restrictions – but with so much coastline, there’s always somewhere to go.
6. St Mary’s and the Isles of Scilly
With white-sand beaches and clear, shallow water, St Mary’s is a tropical-feeling dog-friendly island. Also the largest of the Isles of Scilly, it’s a great base for exploring.
There are some summer restrictions – Porthcressa, Porthmellon and Old Town Bay from May to September – but beyond these, the island remains open and easy for dog walking. Quieter stretches such as Bar Point, Pellistry and Porth Hellick offer space to roam, with gentle terrain and constant sea views.
It’s easy to link beaches into a full island circuit, moving between sand, rock and open headland without committing to a big route. Dog-friendly inter-island boats open up further options, with places like St Martin’s and Bryher offering more beaches and even quieter walks.
Adventure with purpose
These islands are rich in wildlife, and part of the joy of exploring them is noticing the details – seabirds swirling overhead, tracks in the sand, sea life in the shallows. Recording what you spot through citizen science apps like SeagrassSpotter; iNaturalist, the Big Seaweed Search and Beachwatch is a simple way to contribute, turning small observations into something meaningful.
When walking with your dog, a little awareness goes a long way. Following the Countryside Code helps protect these special places: keep dogs under close control, especially around wildlife and livestock, and be mindful of others. Ground-nesting birds can be easily disturbed in spring and early summer, while seals need plenty of space to rest undisturbed along the shore.
With a bit of care, and a curious eye, you and your dog can explore freely while helping to look after the wild places that make these islands so special.
Get Your Copy of the British Isles over 5km Relief Map
Ordnance Survey created the British Islands map which inspired Lisa’s challenge, a stunning relief map featuring all 82 islands over 5km. It’s the perfect companion for anyone inspired to start their own island adventure.
