The Black Bull Hotel
The Black Bull Hotel sits at the head of Moffat’s wide High Street, on Churchgate, and it has been welcoming travellers since the 16th century. This is one of those rare Scottish pubs where the historic atmosphere is entirely genuine — not assembled from reclaimed timber and vintage signage, but accumulated over centuries of use as a coaching inn on the road north through Annandale. For anyone arriving in Moffat with a dog after a day on the hills, it is the natural first port of call.
The Bar
The bar at the Black Bull is exactly what a Scottish country pub should be: low-beamed ceilings, stone walls that have absorbed generations of conversation, and a wood-burning fire that earns its keep on the cold days that come regularly in the Moffat Hills. The atmosphere is warm and unhurried — regulars and visitors mix easily, and dogs are part of the welcome rather than a complication.
Real ales are a strength here, with a well-kept selection that reflects the pub’s serious approach to the bar. The whisky list does justice to the Scottish tradition. Water bowls appear for dogs without prompting, and the bar staff have the easy confidence around four-legged guests that comes from years of welcoming walkers and their dogs off the hills.
Food
The kitchen at the Black Bull takes its food seriously, with a menu that makes good use of Annandale and Galloway produce: local beef and lamb, game from the surrounding hills, and honest pub classics done well. It is the kind of food that genuinely repays a long walk — substantial, flavoursome, and satisfying without being fussy. Booking is advisable at weekends and during the walking season.
Moffat and Its Walks
Moffat’s position at the head of Annandale makes it one of the best bases in Dumfries and Galloway for dog-walking in upland country. The pub is perfectly positioned as a before-or-after destination for several excellent routes.
Grey Mare’s Tail — the most dramatic day out from Moffat — is around 10 miles northeast on the A708 towards Selkirk. One of Scotland’s highest waterfalls at 60 metres, it drops into a hanging valley above Loch Skeen, and the National Trust path climbs steeply but is well-maintained. Dogs on leads throughout.
The Moffat Hills rise directly from the edge of town. The route up towards Gallow Hill from the south end of the High Street is used regularly by locals with dogs, offering sweeping views back down Annandale without requiring a drive.
The Annandale Way — a 55-mile long-distance route — begins in Moffat. The first few miles along the River Annan are gentle and well-suited to most dogs, making a good out-and-back option if you want a taste of the route without committing to the full distance.
Getting There
Moffat is just off the A74(M) at junction 15, around 55 miles north of Dumfries. It sits at a natural crossroads and makes a good stop on a journey between southern Scotland and the north. The Black Bull is on Churchgate, a short walk from the main car park at the north end of the High Street.
Practical Details
- Address: Churchgate, Moffat, DG10 9EG
- Phone: 01683 220206
- Website: blackbullmoffat.co.uk
- Dogs: Welcome in the bar and dog-friendly rooms
- Food: Lunch and dinner daily (check seasonal hours)
- Water bowls: Yes
- Open fires: Yes
- Accommodation: Available — enquire when booking about dog-friendly rooms