Sailing to Lossiemouth with a dog

Welcome to the Northern Riviera

Lossiemouth might not sound glamorous, but step ashore and you’ll see why Pete calls it “absolutely stunning.” Think big skies, endless beaches, and some of the clearest water in Scotland.

It’s also home to an RAF base, where German and American fighter jets scream overhead at all hours. Exciting? Definitely. Peaceful? Not so much. Sleep is optional here.

Getting in can be tricky too. On arrival, Pete gently touched the bottom in the marina and had to float free on the rising tide. Luckily it was soft mud, not rock. The next day another yacht tried to leave on the ebb and ended up stuck for over five hours. Even the lifeboat couldn’t pull her clear. Lesson learned: check your tide times before attempting Lossiemouth!

The town itself has all the basics: butcher, baker, Co-op - plus a few cracking pubs. With time in hand, Pete stayed for a week, tackling boat jobs (a fresh coat of varnish), catching up on admin, and running barefoot along those endless empty beaches before diving in for a swim. Bliss.

Next stop: Inverness, where Jen rejoins the crew for the Caledonian Canal.

🐾 Dog-Friendliness of Lossiemouth Marina

• Marina Policy: Dogs are welcomed with open arms - staff even had treats available for Svea.

• Facilities: The marina is centrally located, offering immediate access to beaches, promenades, and scenic walks. £150 for 7 nights was also very reasonable.

• Local Attitude: Lossiemouth is known for being dog-friendly, with many locals enjoy walks with their dogs along the coast and in town.

🌿 Top Dog Walks in and Around Lossiemouth

1. West Beach

• Distance: Adjacent to the marina

• Details: A long stretch of sandy beach backed by dunes, offering ample space for walking and exploration.

• Dog Notes:

  • Dogs are allowed year-round.

  • Ideal for off-lead play and paddling.

2. East Beach

• Distance: Approximately 0.5 miles from the marina

• Details: A picturesque beach known for its white sands and opportunities for dolphin spotting. Absolutely beautiful. As above - dog friendly all year round too.

3. Silversands Beach

• Distance: Approximately 1 mile from the marina

• Details: A sandy beach located near Lossiemouth, offering open spaces for dogs to run and Pete to swim.

• Dog Notes:

  • Dogs are allowed year-round.

  • Ideal for off-lead play and paddling.

🐕‍🦺 Dog-Friendly Cafés & Pubs in Lossiemouth

• Steamboat: A welcoming pub where dogs are allowed in the bar area. Pete won some meat in the raffle and Svea enjoyed live music. They don't take club cards, as Pete accidentally found out while trying to pay with his Tesco card.

• Harbour Lights: Offers outdoor seating where dogs are welcome; water bowls are provided. Fabulous breakfast in preparation for boat work.

Harbour lights breakfast

• Twenty Nineteen Coffee: A relaxed café with a dog-friendly policy; ideal for a post-walk meal.

✅ Summary

Feature	Assessment
Marina Policy	Dogs welcome on leads
Walks Nearby	Excellent coastal and beach walks within reach
Beach Access	West, East, and Silversands Beaches are dog-friendly year-round
Pubs & Cafés	Several dog-friendly options in town
Off-lead Spaces	Yes – beaches and certain coastal paths

🧭 Tips for Visiting Sailors with Dogs

• West Beach is perfect for quick off-lead fun, just steps from the marina.

• For a longer adventure, consider East Beach, keeping your dog on a lead due to cliffs and wildlife.

• Silversands Beach offers a more relaxed environment with open spaces suitable for dogs.

• Verdict:  Svea gave Lossiemouth eight paws 🐾🐾🐾🐾.