Highland · Scotland · City

Inverness
with your dog.

Inverness can be a waterside break in its own right, with the River Ness and wooded islands providing an easy focus before wider Highland touring. AC Hotel is on Glebe Street, while Holiday Inn Express is at Stoneyfield outside the centre. Choose between those locations first, then plan a river outing or a separate canal-side walk. This guide does not require a Loch Ness excursion or a full Great Glen stage.

Policies researched 27 September 2026 · Check directly before booking

A suspension footbridge leading to the wooded Ness Islands at dawn
Photo: Alan Reid  · CC BY-SA 2.0

A BASE FOR YOUR BREAK

Dog-friendly places to stay in Inverness

Dog access can depend on the room or accommodation you choose. Confirm the exact dog arrangements before you pay.

AC Hotel accepts one pet for £15 per room per night, with a 35kg limit alongside inconsistent 90lb wording. Holiday Inn Express permits two pets with no weight limit for £30 per pet per stay, arranged in advance. Dining access and supervision still need checking at either property, especially if your dog cannot be left alone.

Glebe Street · Inverness

AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness

A Glebe Street hotel in Inverness, giving a different base from the Stoneyfield option. Confirm your allocated room and any parking requirement directly.

The dog details

One pet; £15 non-refundable per room per night. Operator gives 35kg and inconsistent 90lb wording: confirm size acceptance. Meal access and supervision unknown.

Book directly with the property
Arrange the dog room and confirm the total charge directly before paying.

Official website & dog policy Official link · no affiliate tracking

Stoneyfield · Inverness

Holiday Inn Express Inverness by IHG

A Stoneyfield hotel away from the city centre. Allow for the journey to the river and canal walks rather than expecting both outside the door.

The dog details

Up to two pets, no weight limit, £30 per pet per stay. Advance booking essential unless using the dedicated pet package. Confirm breakfast access and supervision.

Book directly with the property
Arrange the dog room and confirm the total charge directly before paying.

Official website & dog policy Official link · no affiliate tracking

GOOD DAYS OUT, TOGETHER

Things to do around Inverness

River Ness and Ness Islands

Choose a comfortable riverside section with an island-path visit if conditions suit. Bridges and trees give variety without committing to a long walk.

Keep dogs controlled around wildlife and other users. Avoid the river’s edge in unsafe conditions and follow closures.

Official visitor information ↗

Caledonian Canal towpath

Make a separate outing on an Inverness-end towpath section. Use the operator’s current information to choose an access point and an easy turnaround.

Dogs are welcome under control; keep leads clear of other users, clean up and stay away from working lock edges.

Official visitor information ↗

AN UNHURRIED COUPLE OF DAYS

A short break that leaves room to pause

Day one · river time

Settle into your hotel and take a manageable River Ness outing. Stoneyfield guests should allow for travel into the city.

Day two · islands or canal

Choose more of the Ness Islands area or a separate canal towpath visit, keeping the distance comfortable and return simple.

A suggested plan, not a booked itinerary. Adapt it to your dog, the weather and current access.

THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Good to know before you go

Choose the actual hotel location

Glebe Street and Stoneyfield are different bases; plan travel to your walk before booking.

Confirm AC’s size wording

Its kilogram and pound figures do not match. Obtain explicit acceptance for your dog rather than converting one into a promise.

Your Inverness questions

How does the Holiday Inn Express Inverness pet charge work?

The current listing charges £30 per pet per stay, allows up to two pets and lists no weight limit. Pre-booking is normally essential unless you book the dedicated pet package; contact the hotel to check availability and confirm the total for your dates.

What are the dog limit and fee at AC Hotel Inverness?

Marriott’s current listing allows one pet and charges a non-refundable £15 per room per night. It gives two different weight figures-35 kg in the pet-policy details and 90 lb in the summary-so confirm your dog’s acceptance directly rather than treating either number as definitive. AC Hotel is on Glebe Street by the River Ness, a short walk from the station; confirm the room when booking.

Can I visit Culloden Battlefield with my dog?

Dogs are welcome outside at Culloden and must stay under close control. From 1 April to 31 August, keep them on a lead and on the main paths to protect ground-nesting skylarks; parts of the battlefield also have grazing animals. Dogs may be off lead in the Event Field year-round. National Trust for Scotland pages differ on ordinary pets indoors: its dog-friendly listing allows well-behaved dogs in the shop and café but not the museum, while the accessibility guide only specifies assistance dogs inside. Verify the current indoor rule before visiting.

Is there a short riverside walk in central Inverness?

The River Ness and Ness Islands provide a local riverside outing without taking on a long-distance Highland route. Visit Inverness Loch Ness describes the tree-lined route through the islands; treat it as a public-path walk and keep your dog under control around other users. Check local signs for any temporary restrictions.

What should I know about taking a dog on the Caledonian Canal towpath?

Scottish Canals welcomes dog walkers on its towpaths year-round. Keep your dog under control, make sure a lead does not obstruct other users, and clear up after it. The canal walk includes different sections and surfaces, so choose a short local stretch rather than assuming you need to follow the full trail.

About this guide

Researched from accommodation operators, property listings and visitor information linked above on 27 September 2026. Prices and policies can change; a stated dog fee is not a room quote or a promise of availability. We have not personally inspected these places. Our day plans are editorial suggestions.

Read our research approach →