10 best dog-friendly beaches

For solitary stomps

 
Balmedie, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire

Sand, sea and skylarks - there are some five miles of sandy beach and dunes at Balmedie and seldom a soul in sight. But if you are more sociably inclined, dogs are welcome on some guided walks led by Balmedie Country Park rangers (for details, call 01358 726417). Work up an appetite looking for shells and hire a barbecue to have on the beach (April-September, 01358 742396).

For visitor information, call 01224 288828 or see www.agtb.org