Autumn in Scotland is a season everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime! Call me biased, however the warmly coloured trees shedding carpets of leaves, the chilly air that makes perfect weather for walking (and warming up in), and the often clear blue skies will no doubt win your heart. If you’re off on an adventure through Scotland and are travelling through the centre, here are some must see spots to swing by!

Beginning with St Andrew’s, which admittedly isn’t so much central Scotland as on the coast, this town is mostly university, but filled with sweet little shops, incredible history and ruins, and great sweeping beaches. Balgove Larder can serve up a delicious date scone, or perhaps the steak barn may lure you in with is sizzling specials. A beautiful farm shop stocked with locally sourced produce, artisan goods, flowers and more, the larder will have you well fed in no time! If you’re looking for a picnic in the cathedral ruins or down by the water, grab fish and chips from Cromar’s – the best chippy in Scotland this year! From St Andrew’s, it’s a quick drive to Dundee, and with its newly renovated waterfront and brand new V&A museum (the first outside London), this town is also worth a wander.

both images via Guardswell Farm

If a spot to rest your weary head is on the list, look no further than beautiful Guardswell Farm. With a range of different accommodation options, this farm based set-up has spectacular views, and will gift you with a detox using country air! Wood burning stoves will keep you cosy, flowers from the garden will welcome you in and Guardswell eggs and sausages might just be on the menu! Providing a gorgeous set-up for weddings is also available, which is simply the cherry on top! Dalmunzie Estate (pronounced ‘Dal-mung-y’ if you’re a local) also provides stunning accommodation close to the Cairngorm National Park, the heart of the Scottish Highlands. With dramatic views and being quite close to many a whiskey or gin distillery (yes please!), both spots will immerse you in the breathtaking Scottish countryside.

The Hermitage

Strap on your walking boots and dig out your waterproof jacket, there are some incredible walks to discover in this area of Scotland. Drive to Kenmore for a spectacular view over Loch Tay, then wind back to Aberfeldy where a walk up the Birks ‘O Aberfeldy is a must, particularly in Autumn. The coloured birch trees will knock your socks off with their beauty, and the falls will take your breath away! Pop into The Watermill Bookstore, a lovely, small independent bookshop, and wander over to Homer for some homewares to bring back with you. Drive back to Dunkeld, where a stop into Flora Sheddon’s Aran Bakery is a must! With mouth wateringly good tarts, loaves and lunch delights (plus a gingerbread cake to die for), after tasting just about one of everything, I can enthusiastically recommend a visit. Also baking delicious wedding cakes decorated with wildflowers, the bakery is just around the corner from the gorgeous gift shop The Blue Magpie and Dunkeld Smoked Salmon, delicious fish fit for the Queen! If you’re still up for one last adventure, head to The Hermitage for a look at the falls. Ten minutes in and the scenery will leave you speechless!

both images via Aran Bakery

There is so much more to discover, (I haven’t even mentioned the berries come Summer time!), but these tips will give you a great starting point if you’re looking to explore this beautiful corner of the world. Visit the pretty town of Perth full of lovely independent stores, watch out for the pheasants running across the road, try some haggis if you must and you’ll find around every corner there’s SO much more to discover!

All uncredited images by Nicola Goring

 

Ms Zebra Says: What a fantastic insight and guide to Scotland. It seems there’s a million things to do and discover! Thanks Ms Honeycomb for such a comprehensive list of to-do’s if you’re heading over that way!

About Ms Honeycomb: Hi, I’m Nicola, the florist and crafter behind rubyandjoy. I’m a gardening, fabric loving, mint tea drinking, brownie baking, book obsessed maker! I love a good adventure having just moved back from five years in Scotland (with my lovely Scottish husband).