Nt everyone has been able to get away for a few days’ holiday this year for various reasons but there’s always a day trip to lift your spirits and provide a change of scenery. Here are some autumn suggestions that will let you see the best of Scotland at a time of year when the landscapes are colourful, the towns and cities leafy, and the temperature still mild.
Dunbar, East Lothian
This East Lothian gem is delightful with its natural red sandstone harbour and the remains of what was the fortified Dunbar Castle to check out. The town is home to John Muir Country Park, a family-friendly nature reserve named after John Muir, the explorer, naturalist and conservationist, who was born in Dunbar. You can also stroll down to the harbour, walk along Belhaven Bay beach with its landmark cast-iron bridge named “The Bridge to Nowhere” by locals. Dunbar doesn’t disappoint.
Dundee
At first glance, Dundee seems like an odd choice for day trip but when you think about its attractions, including the splendid V&A Dundee, it’s actually a good call. Next door is the excellent Discovery Point, home to RRS Discovery which tells the story of the iconic ship from her beginnings in the city and her Antarctic expedition with Captain Scott. Dundee’s vibrant bar and restaurant scene, its many independent shops and its comic book statues all add up to a city that doesn’t take itself too seriously but continues to push boundaries.
East Neuk, Fife
Surely one of Scotland’s prettiest spots, the East Neuk nestles on the coastline with Kingsbarns, Crail, Anstruther, Cellardyke, Pittenweem, St Monans, Elie and Earlsferry among its fishing towns and villages. From the Scottish Fisheries Museum and great fish and chips in Anstruther to a distillery at Kingsbarns, and two golf courses and a beautiful harbour at Crail, you could easily spend more than a day here. Throw into the mix the sandy beach at Elie and the East Neuk has pretty much everything you could ask for.
Luss, Loch Lomond
Like many conservation villages, Luss can often become overwhelmed by the sheer number of visitors it receives, so autumn is the perfect time to check out its quaint streets. Its pretty gardens and picture-postcard attributes make this village on the western shore of Loch Lomond understandably popular. The best way to enjoy the village is to simply stroll about and the one-hour Luss Heritage Walk is just perfect. There’s also a 19th-century church and no visit to Luss would be complete without taking in its picturesque pier.
Pitlochry, Perthshire
If you want stunning scenery, fresh air and good Scottish hospitality, then you can’t go far wrong with Pitlochry. It’s a cracking town that’s home to a renowned theatre, Blair Athol Distillery, a golf course and the stunning Blair Castle & Gardens. You can also take a brief detour to take in the Queen’s View overlooking Loch Tummel, said to have been named after Queen Victoria following her visit to the area in 1866. Other great walks include Faskally Wood which is home to a wide range of tree species, some more than 200 years old.
Stonehaven
Many people go to Aberdeenshire to visit the cliff-top ruin of the imposing Dunnottar Castle, just south of Stonehaven. By all means do just that but enjoy strolling around, stopping off at sandy seafront and harbour where you’ll find some of the region’s top eateries including the award-winning The Bay Fish and Chips. There’s also the lovely Carron beach and an open-air swimming pool – now closed for the season – as well as the RSPB Scotland Fowlsheugh nature reserve nearby if you want to get up close and personal with a seabird cliff colony.
Dunoon
A quick ferry ride from Gourock is a fun option if you’re planning a day out in Dunoon although the longer drive there is very scenic. Situated on the Cowal peninsula, this Firth of Clyde resort boasts a Victorian pier and a lively town centre. Nearby is Benmore Botanic Garden, where giant redwoods, Douglas firs, ferns and rhododendrons all conspire to soothe the soul. Opposite the pier is Castle House Museum. Puck’s Glen is a gorgeous place and quite magical although part of the lower trail is currently closed due to an unsafe bridge.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here