RSPB Scotland Fowlsheugh

If you love dramatic coastal walks, Fowlsheugh is somewhere every dog owner should experience at least once. The clifftop trail is packed with incredible sea views, and during spring and early summer the cliffs come alive with thousands of nesting seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and even the occasional puffin. It’s one of those walks where you’ll find yourself stopping every few minutes to take it all in. The path is fairly straightforward, but because of the unprotected cliff edges it’s important to keep your dog on a lead throughout your visit. Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them—you never know what wildlife you might spot out at sea.

The best time to visit is May to early August, when more than 100,000 seabirds gather on the cliffs to breed. The reserve is particularly famous for its puffins, although you’ll usually need a bit of patience—and ideally a pair of binoculars—to spot them. The paths can become muddy after wet weather, so sturdy footwear is recommended, and because the cliffs are unfenced, keep both children and dogs close by throughout your walk.