Isle of Kerrera and Gylen Castle Circuit
Argyll and Bute
Kerrera is a small, largely car-free island sheltering Oban Bay, reached by a five minute ferry crossing from Gallanach, 2 miles south of the town. Dogs need a lead throughout, as Kerrera is a working sheep and cattle farm, with a cliff edge at the castle. This 11km circuit takes in the southern half of the island. From the jetty a track follows the coast round the bays of the Big Horseshoe and Little Horseshoe to Lower Gylen, where a grassy path leads down to Gylen Castle, a MacDougall stronghold that fell to a siege in 1647. The roofless tower stands on a cliff edge, and you can climb inside to see the carved oriel window and fireplace, with views to Seil, the Garvellachs and Mull. The route then follows the west coast, with views to Lismore and Morvern, before crossing back past Balliemore Farm to the jetty. There is about 275 metres of climbing, mostly on farm tracks.
This dog friendly walk comes with one firm rule: the Isle of Kerrera Development Trust describes the island as essentially a huge sheep and cattle farm, and asks that dogs are kept on a lead and gates left as found. Expect stock on most of the route. The shore at the Horseshoe bays and below the castle gives your dog a chance to paddle on a lead, but there is little shade. The castle sits above cliffs, so keep your dog close there. Parking at the Gallanach ferry slip is limited, and Oban is a 20 to 30 minute walk away.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 11.0 km (6.8 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Kerrera Tea Garden at Lower Gylen (seasonal; dog policy not confirmed); composting toilets near Lower Gylen; farm shop at Balliemore Farm.
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking at the Kerrera ferry slip on Gallanach Road, 2 miles south of Oban; CalMac passenger ferry across.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Isle of Kerrera and Gylen Castle Circuit, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Shepherds Cottage - Loch Linnhe
Sleeps 6 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £478 / 7 nights
Mountain View - Kinlochleven
Sleeps 6 · 3 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £1,294 / 7 nights
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 Isle of Kerrera and Gylen Castle Circuit dog friendly?
Kerrera is a lovely destination for dogs and earns a 7/10 on our dog-friendly rating — the car-free island, coastal scenery and chance to paddle at the Horseshoe bays make it a genuinely enjoyable outing for four-legged visitors. The main thing to know is that leads are required for the entire route, as the island operates as a working sheep and cattle farm, so it suits dogs who are comfortable walking on a lead throughout.
Can dogs be off lead at Isle of Kerrera and Gylen Castle Circuit?
No — the Isle of Kerrera Development Trust asks that dogs are kept on a lead for the whole circuit, without exception. The island is essentially one large working farm with sheep and cattle present on most of the route, and there are cliff edges near Gylen Castle where keeping your dog close is especially important.
What should I know before visiting Isle of Kerrera and Gylen Castle Circuit with my dog?
You'll need to factor in the five-minute CalMac passenger ferry from Gallanach, about 2 miles south of Oban, and be aware that parking at the ferry slip is limited — Oban itself is a 20 to 30 minute walk away. The 11km circuit is largely on farm tracks with around 275 metres of climbing, so it's a decent half-day outing; bring water for your dog as there's little shade, and make sure to leave all gates as you find them.
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