Brodick Bay, Isle of Arran
The long sandy beach sweeps towards the peak of Goat Fell and the sandstone splendour of Brodick Castle. Known as ‘Scotland In Miniature’, you can marvel at the changing colours in Arran’s well managed woodlands. Enjoy beaches, castles, excellent seafood and one of the most famous 12-hole golf courses in Britain.
Edinburgh at Night
See the Edinburgh skyline bathed in unforgettable night colours. Whether looking towards Arthur’s Seat, the Athenian acropolis on Calton Hill or towards Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, there are few better urban skylines anywhere in the world in Autumn.
Dunkeld and Birnam, Perthshire
Home to many of Scotland’s heritage trees like the Birnam Oak, the nation’s Big Tree Country is glorious in Autumn. The Perthshire Amber Festival, organised by internationally-famous local musician, Dougie Maclean, celebrates in song and word the beauty of the Autumn larches and pines towering above the River Tay.
Rackwick Bay, Hoy, Orkney
Watch the waves crash over the long beach of boulders and sand. One of Scotland’s hidden gems, the changing moorland colours of Hoy in Autumn and the ancient stone croft houses make it a place of serenity and inspiration.
Loch Fyne, Argyll
Famous for succulent oysters and delicious seafood, Scotland’s longest sea loch is overlooked by magnificent mountain scenery like the Arrochar Alps, making it an Autumnal delight. The sea food is a must, as is a visit to the picturesque villages of Inveraray and Tarbert.
Lammermuir Hills, Scottish Borders
Get intimate with the changing hues of the moors and rolling hills with a walk along one of the many routes across this natural boundary between the Lothians and the Borders. The setting for Sir Water’s Scott’s ‘The Bride of Lammermoor’, the hills are still home to the rare black grouse.
Braemar and Crathie, Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire
Described by Queen Victoria as her ‘dear Paradise in the highlands’, the Scottish home of the British Royal family is spectacular in Autumn. Visit Balmoral, the home of royalty, set against the greens and browns of the Caledonian pine forest and acres of heather-covered hills. A camera is essential.
Loch Earn, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
Sharing the same tidal system as Lake Garda and Lake Geneva, Loch Earn is a water sports oasis. Beautiful from the shores in the Autumn evening or coasting along the surface in a canoe or on water-skis, Loch Earn is a perfect holiday or short break destination. You can even learn to fly a sea-plane.
Isle of Skye
The Misty Isle contains some of the most dramatic glacial formations in Scotland. A climber and walker’s dream, it is worth taking time to see the majestic Cuillin range or the Storr silhouetted in the Autumn sunset. Quality hotels, excellent local produce and an award-winning island brewery makes Skye a must-see destination.
Annandale Way, Dumfries and Galloway
Off the usual tourist track, this new 55-mile long-distance walk is the perfect introduction to a scenic and peaceful corner of Southern Scotland. The route follows the river Annan from source to sea and takes in ancient oak forests – enchanting in Autumn – ruined castles and a nature reserve. Stay overnight in one of the ancient market towns along the way.