There is much to like about Forres for the traveller with a dog in tow. This historic town has an air of relaxation that serves as a fine counterpoint to the more crowded tourist haunts. Between the open countryside, woodland and coastal views, it makes for an agreeable base. The proposition for dog owners is simple: you will find plenty of room to put in some miles, a host of outdoor spots where a canine companion is no trouble at all, and accommodation that is considerate of pets.
It does not matter if one is making of Forres a springboard to the rest of Moray or simply looking for a short break; a trip can be put together to suit your dog without any loss of quality or variety. In many ways the landscape is the draw. Be it the forest trails, a riverside path or the sweeping sands of the coast, the Forres area is best appreciated by those willing to take things at a slower pace.
Accommodation in IV36
It is prudent to plan ahead, come summer or school holidays. While there are hotels, inns and guesthouses in the area that are happy to put you up with your pet, their policies can differ. Some may ask a nominal fee for a couple of dogs, others will be more particular on numbers or size.
For most dog owners, self-catering is the way to go. A cottage or holiday home gives you the freedom to deal with wet paws and feeding times, or to come back from a long walk without being a nuisance to other guests. Those properties on the edge of Forres or in a neighbouring village have the added advantage of a path straight from the door, which is worth its weight in gold for an early morning constitutional or when the dog wants to quieten down after a day out.
Then again, if hotel convenience is what is required, the small hotels and inns in the IV36 area will make room for you. It pays to enquire first as to whether the dog can be in the bedroom or the bar and what the rules are. You will know an establishment is well used to travelling with pets if they have bowls and treats on hand and have set aside areas for walking.
Camping and caravanning is also a sensible choice for the more outdoors-minded owner. The dog-friendly sites around here let you get right into the landscape and are among the most economical options in the region, provided your dog is at ease in such surroundings.
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Things to do with your dog
The best of what the Forres area has to offer tends to be open-air, which suits a dog well enough. The region is less about formal tourist facilities and more about its natural and heritage assets.
Grant Park and the town centre
A stroll through Forres is a pleasure. In Grant Park you can let the dog have some space on a lead while you take in the mature trees and flowers in good company. The town centre is easy to cover on foot and has its share of independent cafés and shops. Many will be welcoming to you and your pet, particularly if you sit outside or come in at a lull. One should check before going indoors, but for a well-mannered animal, Forres is an accommodating place.
Findhorn and the coast
The nearby village of Findhorn, is perhaps the finest destination in the area for a dog. The dunes, estuary and bay are ideal for a lengthy walk where the dog can have the sea air and wide horizons to itself, though one should be mindful of nesting wildlife and the like. The village has a laid-back feel and a leisurely amble along the waterfront is often all that is needed.
Roseisle Forest and the beach
Over on the Moray coast, Roseisle Forest is an option that dog owners would do well to consider. With its mix of woodland trails and the beach on your doorstep, this is a destination with real versatility. An energetic dog will find it hard to resist a walk that takes in some pine trees before opening up onto the sand; it is the sort of outing that provides the mental and physical exertion such an animal requires. The area is no less accommodating for mixed-age groups, as the trails can be tailored to whatever fitness level is needed.
Culbin Forest
Then there is Culbin Forest, an expansive and scenic spot that is another fine option. It has a certain remoteness about it, with dunes and trails in abundance. For those who prefer their surroundings to be quiet and uncommercialised, a walk here is restorative in a way that feels unhurried. One would be sensible to wear sturdy shoes given the uneven, sandy ground, but dogs tend to make the most of the freedom and the changing odours of the shore and forest.
River and woodland paths
Daily walks are well catered for in the wider IV36 area by way of local tracks and paths. A trip along a ridgetop or through the woodlands does not demand much travel yet makes for a satisfying excursion. Should your dog be one that is content to put in the time exploring new scents, you may find these quieter routes more to his liking than the more formal attractions.
Dog-first activities to prioritise
When putting together an itinerary with your dog in mind, the approach should be to centre it on things that align with a canine’s natural instincts. An early morning or late evening is often the time to go out; the day is cooler, the paths are not so busy and the dog can get into the rhythm of it.
The Moray coast is where you will find some of the best dog-first experiences in Forres. Many are drawn to the water and open space by instinct, and if your dog is a swimmer, a visit to the beach is likely to be the highlight of the trip. Do keep an eye on tides and any seasonal restrictions that may be in place.
Walking in the forest is of equal value. Local woods like Roseisle and Culbin give a dog something more immersive than a circuit of the pavement, with plenty of shade and texture underfoot. For older dogs or ones with less stamina, a short loop in the woodland is enough for stimulation without the overexertion.
If you want to take it easy and your dog is of a sociable nature, plan some days around a good outdoor café or a viewpoint where he can have a rest while you take in the view. A portable bowl, towel and a few treats will see you through these outings with ease.
Practical Tips for Travelling with Dogs
Preparation is key to making a holiday in the area work well with a dog in tow. The Scottish weather is not to be trusted, so have a waterproof and spare lead at the ready. When you are in the forests or at the beach, look for any dog control signs, particularly in livestock areas or when birds are nesting.
Make sure you have vaccination records and medication to hand and that the microchip details are current. Even on a short trip, a familiar item from home can help a dog put down roots in a new place.
In the end, the finest trips are those that do not force the issue but allow for a balance of routine and adventure. Dogs do well when they know what is coming: a regular walk, some water, and the reassurance of their owner. The landscape in Forres and IV36 is conducive to a calm kind of exploration rather than hurried sightseeing, which is exactly why it is so fitting for travelling with a dog.
The IV36 area presents a good deal of beauty and practicality for the dog owner. You will find places to stay that welcome four-legged guests and a landscape with enough variety to hold the interest of both human and hound. Whether it is a coastal amble at Findhorn or venturing into the forests of Culbin and Roseisle, the area is for those who appreciate the outdoors.