Creag Choinnich from Braemar
Aberdeenshire
Creag Choinnich is the small, pine-clad hill that rises just east of Braemar in upper Deeside, inside the Cairngorms National Park. Once through the gate into the woods a dog can enjoy some freedom on the pine-needle paths, since there are no fields or livestock here, though the A93 crossing at the start needs a lead. From the car park at the start of the Linn of Dee road in the village centre, a ramp leads up to the A93 and a lane beside the church climbs for around 300 metres to a large gate into the woods. A finger post splits the Lion's Face route from the path to the summit, which climbs steeply through the pines past a bench, then thins out to give a view back over Braemar before a rocky final approach to the cairn. From the top the view opens down the Dee valley, with the river winding towards Balmoral and Lochnagar above it, Invercauld Castle to the left, and the granite tors of Ben Avon and Beinn a' Bhuird to the north. The walk is 2.7km there and back with 200 metres of climbing.
This dog friendly walk is a good leg stretch for an energetic dog. Once through the gate the woodland path gives a sensible dog some freedom, but the A93 has to be crossed at the start, so keep the lead on until you reach the woods. There is no water on the hill, so carry some on warm days.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 2.7 km (1.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Forest
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Braemar village at the start, with shops, cafes and hotels; none on the hill.
- Parking
- Car park immediately on the left on the Linn of Dee road in the centre of Braemar.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Creag Choinnich from Braemar, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Old Police Cottage - Lintrathen
Sleeps 6 · 3 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £675 / 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 AberdeenshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Creag Choinnich from Braemar dog friendly?
Creag Choinnich is a solid choice for a dog walk, earning a 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. There are no fields or livestock on the route, so once you're into the woods the environment is relaxed and well-suited to dogs. The main thing to be aware of is the A93 road crossing at the very start, which means keeping your dog on the lead until you reach the woodland gate.
Can dogs be off lead at Creag Choinnich from Braemar?
Yes, once you're through the large gate into the woods, a sensible dog can enjoy some freedom on the pine-needle paths all the way to the summit. There are no livestock or fields on the hill, so the off-lead section covers the bulk of the walk. The lead does need to go back on for the A93 crossing at the start and finish, so keep that in mind when you return to the village.
What should I know before visiting Creag Choinnich from Braemar with my dog?
The walk is 2.7km there and back with 200 metres of climbing, so it's a short but steep outing — great for an energetic dog but worth factoring in if yours isn't keen on hills. There's no water on the hill itself, so bring enough for your dog, especially on warmer days. All the practical facilities — shops, cafes and hotels — are right there in Braemar at the start, and parking is in the car park on the Linn of Dee road in the village centre.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Walk5.6 mi awayDerry Lodge from Linn of Dee
Aberdeenshire
A long glen walk through ancient pinewoods to a remote Victorian shooting lodge with outstanding off-lead freedom; the remote character demands self-sufficiency.
Walk7.4 mi awayBalmoral Estate Circular Walk
Aberdeenshire
A historic circuit through the Royal Deeside forests of the Balmoral Estate, visiting the Victorian memorial cairns above Balmoral Castle.
Walk10.5 mi awayLochnagar from the Spittal of Glenmuick
Aberdeenshire
A serious hill day circuit of Lochnagar, the classic Eastern Cairngorms Munro, from the Spittal of Glenmuick; strictly a dogs-on-lead route for fit walkers.
Walk13.6 mi awayCairngorm Plateau from the Cairngorm Ski Area
Highlands
A bold, dog friendly high plateau route above Aviemore, best suited to experienced owners comfortable with exposed mountain terrain.
Walk13.8 mi awayCraigendarroch Oakwoods and Summit, Ballater
Aberdeenshire
Dogs can run free almost all the way up livestock-free Craigendarroch, to a summit view of Lochnagar for their humans.
Walk15.7 mi awayGlen Clova Circular Walk
Angus
A classic dog friendly mountain circuit from the Glen Clova Hotel up to the dark, cliff ringed Loch Brandy, with a fine cold pint waiting back at the bar.