5 Scottish Autumn Walks
5 October 2023
Autumn is a time of year when Scotland is at its most beautiful. The constantly changing colours make the scenery come alive with all shades of oranges, reds and browns. We love the autumn colours and we have picked out 5 easily accessible short walks along our route that allow our guests to enjoy the autumnal landscape.
Created for John Murray, the Third Duke of Atholl, as a pleasure ground in the 18th Century, The Hermitage sits on the banks of the River Braan in Craigvinean Forest. The site is home to Giant Douglas firs – some of the tallest in the UK – which tower up to 200ft (61m) in height.
Take the path to the Black Linn Waterfall, where the River Braan crashes into pools below. Ossian’s Hall of Mirrors is also located nearby, built in 1757 and restored in 2007, designed as a focal point in the designed landscape.
The area is populated with Red Squirrels who can be seen in the treetops. Salmon can be seen jumping up the river in autumn as they return to their spawning grounds.
The largest of Glasgow’s parks, Pollok Country Park sprawls over 146 acres. Home to the Burrell Collection and Pollok Country House (Closed for refurbishment from 20th November 2023 for 2 years) the park won Best Park in the UK in 2007 and Europe’s Best Park in 2008.
The park is home to a herd of around 50 Highland Cattle, who have lived on the site for over 180 years. The park is cyclist friendly and offers three mountain biking courses, opened in 2004 for varying levels of ability.
Water of Leith Walkway, Edinburgh
If you’re looking for a stroll that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city in Edinburgh, the Water of Leith Walkway is perfect. The river flows for 24 miles from the Pentland Hills down to its outflow into the Firth of Forth at Leith in the east of the city.
The Water of Leith Walkway snakes for 13 miles from Balerno passing Murrayfield Stadium, Saughton Gardens, The Scottish Gallery of Modern Art and Dean Village. On the walk you can spot a series of Anthony Gormley sculptures and wildlife including otters, kingfishers, roe deer and squirrels.
Tarbet to Inverbeg, Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is world famous for its natural beauty and this short walk along the bonnie banks gives you a great opportunity to see the loch in all its autumnal glory. Starting at Tarbet (served by the Arrochar and Tarbet station) this short walk starts at Tarbet pier and follows the pavement along the A82.
The walk then shifts onto a disused road, past pebbled beaches past Firkin Point and on towards the Inverbeg Caravan site. This short, easy walk is a great way to see Loch Lomond. You can return to Arrochar and Tarbet station or jump on a bus at Inverbeg.
Situated just a ten minute walk south of Inverness city centre, Ness Islands are a natural group of islands nestled in the River Ness. The islands are accessible via Victorian footbridges. Despite the proximity to the city centre, Ness Islands feel like you are out in the wilderness.
The islands have multiple carved benches to sit and relax, a viewpoint to the south and a sculpture of Nessie. The islands are a great place to see birds, otters, bats and occasionally deer. The perfect tranquil sanctuary to relax near the heart of Inverness.