Quiet, crisp and clear autumn days are perfect for exploring some of Scotland’s most spectacular coast and countryside scenery – especially with the promise of a wholesome, heart-warming meal and a cosy room after a day exploring.
If this appeals to you, then you’ll enjoy this selection of autumn walks in locations including Skye, Argyll, Fife, Perthshire and the Highlands.
Coral Beach and The Three Chimneys
Formed from crushed white coral-like seaweed, the picture-perfect tropical blue seas make the Coral Beach a truly magical location on the Isle of Skye.
Head along to the north of the island to the small crofting community of Claigan, a short drive from Dunvegan Castle, before meandering along the farm track down to the beach.
A few miles from here is The Three Chimneys at Colbost which has been a multi-award-winning destination-dining venue for more than 30 years.
Housed within a classic crofters cottage, it is renowned for bringing local food such as Orbost Farm beef, rare-breed Iron Age pork and wild venison to the table.
• www.threechimneys.co.uk
Isle of Lismore and The Pierhouse Hotel & Seafood Restaurant
Just a short ferry trip from the mainland lies the Isle of Lismore, a 10-mile-long Inner Hebridean island known for its beauty, tranquillity and rugged coast line – it’s great for walkers and cyclists alike.
Next to the Port Appin ferry terminal on the shores of Loch Linnhe, is the Pierhouse Hotel & Seafood Restaurant, regarded as one of Scotland’s finest seafood eateries.
• www.pierhousehotel.co.uk
Inveraray Castle and Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa
Known for its excellent seafood and stunning views, Inveraray is where you’ll find a historic castle and Gothic ancestral estate.
Home to the Duke of Argyll, the castle is open to the public for tours, while there are 16 acres of grounds to explore.
Visit Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa’s Cladach Mòr Bistro for a spot of lunch or afternoon tea; enjoy the open fires or treat yourself to a luxury spa treatment.
• www.crerarhotels.com/loch-fyne-hotel-spa
Hermitage Wood and Gleneagles Hotel
The rolling countryside surrounding the iconic hotel offers a fantastic choice of riverside walks and woodland trails.
From here, head for Hermitage Woods, where towering trees, and roaring waterfalls await. The wood is at its most spectacular in mid-autumn when all the trees are ablaze with colour.
Tuck into the finest Franco-Scottish cuisine and soak up the glamorous buzz of a bygone era in Gleneagles’ newly-refurbished Strathearn restaurant, while the Birnam Brasserie serves Scotland’s most indulgent Sunday brunch on the first of every month.
• www.gleneagles.com
West Sands Beach, St Andrews, and The Seafood Ristorante
Famous for the opening scene of Chariots of Fire, you will find two miles of uninterrupted, white, sandy beach at West Sands in St Andrews.
Perfect for a leisurely stroll by the sea, it’s next to the world-renowned Royal and Ancient Golf Course.
Seafood Ristorante overlooks the beach and offers amazing panoramic views and wonderful seafood.
• www.theseafoodrestaurant.com/index.php#home
Falls of Shin and Visitor Centre
Widely regarded as one of the best places in Scotland to view salmon leaping upstream, the falls are a sight to behold.
The surrounding wooded area is littered with paths that offer routes to suit everyone.
While there, visit The Restaurant and Gift Shop and the Falls of Shin Visitor Centre, operated by restaurateurs Mac & Wild and showcasing the best of Scottish produce and meat from nearby Ardgay Game.
• macandwild.com/pages/scottish-highlands
Culbin Forest Hill 99 Trail and Golf View
Culbin Sands forest is just a few miles from Nairn and stretches for more than eight miles along the coastline.
There’s lots to discover there including Hill 99, a wooden tower from where there are fine views to be enjoyed..
Hickory Bistro at the Golf View Hotel in Nairn offers a range of seasonal Scottish produce and panoramic views over the Moray Firth.
• www.crerarhotels.com/golf-view-hotel-spa
