Few things can be as good for the soul as an autumn break in Scotland.
The crunch of fallen leaves underfoot whilst on a woodland walk; a fresh breeze blowing in from the sea on an island excursion; pulling a warm coat around oneself for a walk around an historic building; or simply going out for an afternoon stroll after the rain has cleared to blow the cobwebs away.
With rural, coastal and urban locations all showing off the colours of the season and historic sites to explore, as well as thrilling tales to warm up those darker evenings, there is an autumn adventure waiting around every corner.
Scotland is quite the treat in autumn: rich golds, burnt brown, oranges and reds cover the land as the leaves change. It’s also a great time to spot wildlife as hedgerows are filling up with berries, and tree nuts and seeds are ripening. Check out some choices for a short, or longer, walk to really take it all in.
Wood of Cree, Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere
The UNESCO Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere is an ideal place to start an exploration of Scotland’s autumn palette, whether visiting the area as part of Scotland’s UNESCO Trail or just looking to escape for a stroll. The RSPB Wood of Cree is home to wildlife and offers the perfect autumnal woodland walk. Similarly, head for the Biosphere’s Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve for the chance to be immersed in nature.
Perthshire is a popular choice for those looking to experience Scotland’s autumn, with spots like Loch Faskally and The Hermitage. However, Deuchny Woods is a real hidden gem and favourite for dogs looking for plenty to sniff out under piles of damp leaves. At 5.5km, the circular route is manageable for a range of abilities and takes less than two hours to complete. An uphill start, it’s worth it for the incredible views over Kinfauns and the River Tay. With gorgeous botanicals, check out the bright yellow gorse, the unusual jewel-red tones of the fox-and-cubs (it’s more commonly orange) and millions of juicy brambles to forage safely (for foraging rules and guidelines in Scotland, see here).
Roslin Glen Country Park, Midlothian
Roslin Glen Country Park is a great location to explore for its diverse range of habitats and associated wildlife. With pathways to woodlands, riverside and weir, wildflower meadows and historical features, it is particularly eye-catching in autumn as trees explode with colour; beech, oak and sycamores provide an incredible canopy. There are path links to the Penicuik to Dalkeith Walkway, Roslin Village, Castle and Chapel and Springfield Mill. The lower Glen and Car park area is partially accessible to wheelchair users via a river looped path.
Ness Bank in Inverness is a feast for the eyes in the later months of the year with swathes of golden leaves. To add to this, the Ness islands are a collection of natural islands that sit in the middle of the River Ness, connected to the riverbanks and throughout by beautiful Victorian footbridges. Just a short stroll away from Inverness city centre, it is a place of natural beauty to take a breath, get some exercise or just watch the world go by.
Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve, Lanarkshire
Located just an hour from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, the reserve is famous for its spectacular waterfalls and scenic woodland walks. It is also home to New Lanark UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 100 bird species have been recorded including dipper, raven and kingfisher. It is particularly magical in autumn, for all to enjoy (although visitors should read the access guide here) with beautiful colours on arrival. Do as much (or as little) of the full circular walk; there are waterfalls to observe, areas where dogs can enjoy the water safely, a visitor centre and plenty of history to uncover.
Situated at the meeting point of rivers Spey and Fiddich, the village of Craigellachie offers a veritable riot of colour come autumn time. The village sits at the foot of Ben Aigan which offers a five-mile hike and a rewarding view of the Moray coastline when reaching the summit. It is a moderately difficult walk and will take around 2-3 hours from the car park at the bottom of the hill. Speyside Way, one of Scotland’s long-distance routes, skirts the town and is ideal for walkers and cyclists. (for more information on the long-distance route, see here).
Take Five for a frightful visit
As arguably one of the most haunted countries in the world, Scotland is home to plenty of myths, legends and spooky stories. And the ghosts don’t only come out on Halloween (31 October).
Edinburgh
Scotland’s Capital was known as ‘Auld Reekie’ for good reason: the name comes from the scents and smog of 17th-century life due to the overcrowding of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Many a ne’er do well has lived (and died) within the city’s walls, so it’s no surprise there have been many tales of ghosts and ghouls making themselves known to the town’s inhabitants and visitors. Check out the Niddrie Street Vaults (Mercat Tours runs daily tours), which were once the hunting grounds of infamous serial killers Burke & Hare; or pay a visit to the Real Mary King’s Close, which was once a working street before it was sealed off (said to be home to resident ghost ‘Annie’). Edinburgh Castle is known for its ghostly inhabitants too: there is the tale of a lone bagpiper who went missing long ago in a passageway under the castle, never to be seen again, but whose bagpipes can still (apparently) be heard on a dark evening on the streets of the Old Town…
Glasgow
Known as a modern metropolis, the city is also home to a Necropolis, or Victorian garden cemetery full of wonderful architecture, sculpture and fascinating stories. About 50,000 people are buried there, but not all have a tombstone (which was quite common a couple of hundred years ago). The cemetery is said to be haunted by a lady in white. There is also the story of the Gorbals Vampire. So it goes, back in 1954, a local police constable discovered 200 young children wandering the cemetery grounds. They were all armed with stakes, knives and some even brought dogs. According to the children, two boys had been brutally murdered by the “vampire with the iron teeth”.
There are organised tours of the Necropolis. Alternatively, find out more about the city’s darker past with tours from Gothic Glasgow.
The Highlands
Many a scary tale has been told about the Scottish Highlands. From the Loch Ness Monster and the ghosts of Culloden, to the spirit of a Spanish soldier said to wander the halls of Eilean Donan Castle and the tale of the ghostly lady rumoured to frequent Dunrobin Castle. Much lesser known could be the story of the ‘handless woman’ of Cawdor Castle. Legend has it, the lady fell to her death from one of the towers and continues to haunt the castle.
Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire is home to Scotland’s Castle Trail and it is from some of these castles that many stories of ghosts have emerged. For example, Crathes Castle is said to be the haunting place of a ‘green lady’; many visitors to Drum Castle have reported hearing a ghostly child-like laughter; and Fyvie Castle is often ranked amongst the most haunted castles in Britain. Three ghosts are said to haunt Fyvie: The Green Lady, The Grey Lady and a ghostly trumpeter.
‘Haunted’ Dumfries and Galloway
Dumfries and Galloway has many a ghoulish tale for visitors: from ghostly spectre sightings at the Theatre Royal, Dumfries, to the mysterious ruins of Anwoth Parish Church which were fittingly used as a filming location for classic horror The Wicker Man (1973). Check out Closeburn Castle, rumoured to have its own resident ghosts (the castle is advertised to hire for private paranormal investigations, see here). In addition, local spook experts Mostly Ghostly are the go-to for all things paranormal related to the region and the team regularly arranges tours around Dumfries & Galloway’s spookier areas.
Shetland Wool Week, 29 September to 5 October 2024
Since its conception fifteen years ago, Shetland Wool Week has grown into an internationally acclaimed event. Throughout the week there is an extensive range of exhibitions, classes and events, which will cover many different subjects.
St Andrews Golf Week, 13 to 19 October 2024
St Andrews Golf Week is a twice annual event for amateur golfers and is held in St Andrews “The Home of Golf”. St Andrews Golf Week was established in 1974 and continues to attract golfers from all over the world.
The Enchanted Forest, Perthshire, 3 October to 3 November 2024
A stunning sound and light show that transforms Faskally Wood using dazzling visuals and innovative design set against an original music score. Over the last two decades more than 650,000 visitors have flocked to Scotland’s favourite sound and light show making The Enchanted Forest a must see for families across the country.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival, Edinburgh, 18 to 31 October 2024
A celebration of live storytelling and imagination uniting Scottish and international storytellers and musicians. Featuring performances, workshops, talks and children’s events, with guest storytellers from across the globe.
The Loch and Land Festival, Highlands, 25 October to 3 November 2024
This autumn, Inverness and Loch Ness will host the very first Loch and Land Festival showcasing the awesome activities that can be enjoyed year-round in the area. A great occasion to celebrate the abundant natural beauty and multitude of outdoor activities that the destination has to offer.
Mòd An Òbain, Argyll and Bute, 11 to 19 October 2024
Oban is set to welcome Scotland’s annual celebration of Gaelic culture in 2024, hosting the Royal National Mòd’s week-long programme of music, drama, Highland dance, literature and sport. The Mòd is a mixture of competitions, concerts, ceilidhs and other events.
Edinburgh Cocktail Week, 11 to 20 October
Edinburgh Cocktail Week is back for 10 days in 2024, including the flagship Cocktail Village at Festival Square, open 12pm – 11pm daily (8pm close on Sundays). Buy a wristband and enjoy £5 Signature Cocktails at 100 of the city’s best bars!
For more information on a holiday in Scotland go to: www.visitscotland.com