Sailing with a dog to Whitehills

Whitehills is a very small picturesque village boasting a convenience store; fishmonger, a cruising club and a couple of pubs. Our intrepid travellers made quite an entrance. Whilst tied up outside the fishmonger, Svea got a fright, broke her lead and tipped over the bench she was tied to, sending it down the hill. She then hid into the bushes waiting for her master to return. Other than this mishap, Whitehills has been extremely welcoming with landlords offering Pete free drinks for his efforts. After further questioning, I found out that he is leaning into his Swedish heritage, and not letting on that he lives in England - crafty but effective.

🐾 Dog-Friendliness of Whitehills Marina

• Marina Policy: A extremely affordable marina with good facilities, laundry and fast wifi. Staff are happy for well behaved dogs off lead so Svea enjoyed a bit of freedom on the pontoons. Births need to be booked in advance.

• Facilities: The marina is centrally located, offering immediate access to beaches, promenades, and scenic walks. Entry is 3+/- H/W.

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

🌿 Top Dog Walks in and Around Whitehills

Banff Harbour and Whitehills Circuit

• Distance: Approximately 4.5 miles round trip

• Details: A scenic coastal walk connecting Banff and Whitehills, offering stunning views over Boyndie Bay and the Moray Firth. The route includes paved paths and grassy tracks, making it suitable for most walkers. Pete managed to get a haircut in Banff, and ended up sharing a pizza with the hairdresser. Svea was also treated to fresh water by a random lady, who rushed out her house with a bowl.

• Dog Notes:

  • Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a lead in built-up areas and public roads.

  • Ideal for a leisurely walk with your dog, enjoying the coastal scenery.

Inverboyndie Beach

• Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles from Whitehills

• Details: A sandy beach located near Banff, offering open spaces for dogs to run and play.

• Dog Notes:

  • Dogs are welcome year-round.

  • Ideal for off-lead play and paddling.

Local Coastal Paths

• Distance: Various short walks accessible from the marina

• Details: Several coastal paths around Whitehills offer opportunities for shorter walks with your dog, providing beautiful sea views and fresh air.

• Dog Notes:

  • Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a lead near cliffs and livestock.

  • Be cautious of steep drops and nesting seabirds.

🐕‍🦺 Dog-Friendly Pubs in Whitehills

• Seafield Arms: A welcoming pub where dogs are allowed in the bar area. Staff gave Svea a whole bag of unopened treats and gifted Pete a pint.

• Railway Inn: Exceptional selection of whisky including the infamous MacDuff (not normally available in the UK). Pete was treated by the owner to a dram before settling down to a game of cards. Svea managed to drag our intrepid sailor home.

• Rock Fish: A relaxed café with a dog-friendly policy; ideal for a post-walk meal.

✅ Summary

Feature	Assessment
Marina Policy	Dogs welcomed with open arms
Walks Nearby	Excellent coastal and beach walks within reach
Beach Access	Inverboyndie Beach is 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

• Inverboyndie Beach is perfect for quick off-lead fun—just a short drive from the marina.

• For a longer adventure, consider the Banff Harbour and Whitehills Circuit, keeping your dog on a lead due to cliffs and wildlife.

• Local coastal paths offer a more relaxed environment with open spaces suitable for dogs. Locals are extremely friendly - even offering water without a request.

Verdict:  Svea gave Whitehills eight paws 🐾🐾🐾🐾.