Dalkeith Country Park Estate Trail
Midlothian
Dalkeith Country Park surrounds Dalkeith Palace on the edge of Dalkeith, where the North and South Esk rivers meet, and is looked after as a large estate open to the public. Dogs can go off lead across most of the park, though they must be kept away from the fallen deadwood in Old Oak Wood. The green-marked Estate Trail is the longest of the park's waymarked routes at 6km, taking around an hour and a half on foot, with some uneven ground that makes it more challenging than the shorter family trails. It passes close to Old Oak Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest with rare beetles and lichen living on its ancient, fallen timber, and follows wooded paths above the River Esk. Restoration Yard, a converted courtyard within the park, has shops, a cafe and toilets, and the Fort Douglas adventure playground and Go Ape treetop course sit elsewhere in the grounds.
This dog friendly walk gives a good, longer outing with moderate off-lead potential away from Restoration Yard and the car park, where dogs must be on a lead. There is no livestock in the park, and the River Esk gives water access at several points. Dogs must be kept away from the fallen trunks and limbs in Old Oak Wood to protect the rare invertebrates in the deadwood, and the wood partially closes over winter. Dogs are not permitted at the Fort Douglas Adventure Park. Restoration Yard has a cafe and toilets, and parking is by card payment at the King's Gate entrance.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.0 km (3.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- Park, River, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Cafe, shop and toilets at Restoration Yard.
- Parking
- King's Gate car park, Dalkeith Country Park, card payment on arrival.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Dalkeith Country Park Estate Trail, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Byre At Brothershiels
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £673 / 7 nights
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dalkeith Country Park Estate Trail dog friendly?
Dalkeith Country Park is a welcoming place for dogs, earning a solid 8 out of 10 on our dog-friendly rating. The park has no livestock, the River Esk offers water access at several points along the route, and the Estate Trail gives a good longer outing of around 6km through wooded riverside paths. Facilities at Restoration Yard — including a cafe and toilets — make it a practical visit too.
Can dogs be off lead at Dalkeith Country Park Estate Trail?
Dogs can go off lead across most of the park, which makes the Estate Trail a great option for a longer, freer walk. The main exceptions are around Restoration Yard and the car park, where leads are required, and dogs must be kept away from the fallen deadwood in Old Oak Wood to protect the rare invertebrates living there. Away from these areas, there's plenty of space to let them roam through the woodland and along the Esk.
What should I know before visiting Dalkeith Country Park Estate Trail with my dog?
A few things are worth keeping in mind before you head out. Dogs must be kept on a lead near Restoration Yard and the car park, and must be kept away from the fallen trunks and limbs in Old Oak Wood — a Site of Special Scientific Interest — which also partially closes over winter. Dogs are not permitted at the Fort Douglas Adventure Park within the grounds. Parking is at the King's Gate entrance and is card payment only, so make sure you have that covered before you arrive.
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