Beinn Dubh and the Glen Striddle Horseshoe from Luss
Argyll and Bute
Beinn Dubh is the hill that rises directly behind the village of Luss on the western shore of Loch Lomond, and its ridge looks straight down over the loch's wooded islands. Dogs need a lead over the A82 footbridge and the stiles, where larger dogs may need lifting. This 11.5km horseshoe crosses the A82 by a footbridge, climbs through fields and woodland, then follows a grassy ridge beside a fence with Ben Lomond appearing across the water. From the top of the ridge the Arrochar Alps come into view, including the Cobbler, before the route crosses peaty high ground to the circuit's highest point at 657 metres. It descends over Mid Hill above Glen Striddle and returns along the quiet road down Glen Luss. There is 725 metres of climbing on grassy hill paths, with boggy ground on the plateau and wetter sections low down. Many walkers simply climb to the ridge top and return the same way.
This dog friendly hill walk suits fit dogs who enjoy a steady climb. The open ridge gives some off-lead potential for dogs with good recall, but the route crosses fields and fenced hill ground with several stiles and gates, so expect to meet sheep on these slopes and keep your dog on a lead near them and during the spring nesting season. The first stile is right at the start. Water is scarce on the ridge, so carry plenty. The last 3km is on a minor road. The Luss car park is charged and very busy in summer.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 11.5 km (7.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 5 hr
- Walk Type
- Peak, Lake
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Toilets, cafes and shops in Luss village by the car park.
- Parking
- Large pay and display car park in Luss village.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Beinn Dubh and the Glen Striddle Horseshoe from Luss, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Birchbank Loch View Lodge
Sleeps 2 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £476 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in Argyll and ButeFrequently Asked Questions
Is Beinn Dubh and the Glen Striddle Horseshoe from Luss dog friendly?
Yes, it scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The grassy ridge is kind underfoot and gives dogs a real hill day with huge views over Loch Lomond. The score reflects the stiles, which larger dogs may need help over, the likelihood of sheep on the hill, the lack of water up high and the busy Luss car park and road section at the end.
Can dogs be off lead at Beinn Dubh and the Glen Striddle Horseshoe from Luss?
There is moderate off-lead potential on the open ridge for dogs with reliable recall, once you are clear of the fields above Luss. Keep your dog on a lead through the fields at the start, wherever you see sheep on the hill, and during the spring and early summer nesting season. The final 3km is on the minor road down Glen Luss, which needs a lead too.
What should I know before visiting Beinn Dubh and the Glen Striddle Horseshoe from Luss with my dog?
This is a proper hill walk with 725 metres of climbing, so allow four to five hours and take plenty of water for your dog, as the ridge is dry. There is a stile right at the start and more further on. The plateau is peaty and boggy. If time or legs are short, climb to the ridge top and come back the same way.
Visitor Reviews
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