Autumn hues and highland views
Autumn in Inverness and Loch Ness is nothing short of magical! Golden landscapes, crisp mornings, and dramatic skies, day and night. If you’re planning your first trip or returning for another adventure, this is the season when the Highlands really does shine, it really is a wonderful time to visit!
Cosy cafés, woodland walks carpeted in amber leaves, and clear nights perfect for stargazing are just a few sneak peaks of what you can enjoy, and here are 10 ideas to help you make the most of an autumn escape.
1. Woodland walks worth the crunch
Autumn walks most definitely hit differently! The crunch of leaves underfoot, the smell of pine, and a palette of oranges and golds. The Highlands are full of woodland trails, from riverside rambles to more challenging hikes.
Discover some of the best walking routes in and around Inverness and Loch Ness.
Ness islands, the hidden nature gem in the Highland Capital. A few minutes walk out of the city centre you can be strolling in huge pine trees, alongside the fast flowing river Ness, soaking up the Autumn vibes.
Falls of Foyers, on the south side of Loch Ness provides a walk that is a little more strenuous, but well worth the steps to the stunning waterfall, and all whilst enjoying the incredible scenery that surrounds the walk.
For views, why not walk to Craigmonie viewpoint in Drumnadrochit. A short but quick climb on a path takes you about the village on the shores of Loch Ness and gives you a beautiful un interrupted view of the loch around Urquhart bay. It's very impressive!
From short woodland walks, waterfalls, to a long lochside loop and more, Glen Affric Nature Reserve is an area of outstanding beauty in Autumn, in fact all year round. But in Autumn it really does shine... mostly golden!
Head to our Walks, wildlife and Hidden Gems page for many more walk routes, wildlife and nature inspiration.
2. Cosy foodie stops
When the air is crisp, a hearty meal or a hot chocolate becomes the highlight of the day. Inverness and Loch Ness have plenty of welcoming cafés, pubs and hotels serving seasonal dishes.
Explore our Food and Drink map to find the perfect foodie spot that fits your itinerary.
If its a cosy cake and coffee experience you need, you can choose from a great range of ideas in our Afternoon Tea Guide.
3. Get your cultural fix
Autumn is festival season here. From traditional music events to the Loch and Land Festival and more, there’s something for every taste. Explore art galleries, visitor centres and museums if the weather turns, or catch a live show in Inverness.
Our event packed What's On page will point you in the direction of so many things to do, you will have to stay longer to fit them all in!
Why not explore the bookable experiences that are available year-round to enjoy, what ever the weather.
Discover what’s on stage at Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, from dazzling West End tours to Scottish opera, ballet, and beyond.
4. Active Adventures
For those who like to keep moving, autumn is a brilliant time to explore the outdoors. Cycle routes are quieter, and the cool air makes longer hikes more enjoyable. Try a guided tour, hire bikes, or simply pick a trail that loops you back to a café or pub. Bonus: autumn is also prime time for spotting wildlife.
To help plan your outdoor activities around Loch Ness, take a look at our Outdoor Activities page, full of brilliant ideas and there is something for everyone!
5. Chasing the light fantastic
Autumn skies are something else, experiencing a golden sunset over Loch Ness is something else. The chance of catching the northern lights is greater from October onwards, and quite honestly, there is nothing more magical! The shorter days mean you don’t have to stay up late for stargazing, and the crisp air makes the stars feel even brighter.
There are some fantastic points around the loch where the city lights are no more and the stars provide the sparkle on a clear night.
Dores Beach - A fantastic viewpoint for a sunset, and later into the night you can sometimes get the best moon reflections on the loch and a full sky of stars!
Clachnaharry Sea lock is not only a beautiful place for an evening stroll but the sealock point is perfectly positioned for the sun setting.
Culloden Battlefield - You can walk the battlefield in the dark, but make sure to stick to the paths, a great spot if the aurora alert is high.
Glen Affric offers some of the darkest skies in the Highlands, untouched by man-made light. On a clear night, the stars are simply breathtaking. If you’re visiting after dark, please tread lightly and show the utmost respect for this special place.
6. Top Autumn photography hotspots
If you enjoy photography and chasing the perfect autumn shot, the Highlands will deliver on every level in Autumn. This is the season where every corner looks camera-ready: fiery trees, misty lochs, and golden sunsets that seem to last forever and change with the light every 10 minutes.
Glen Affric (again) is often top of the list for autumn photographers, and it’s easy to see why – the mix of ancient pines, mirrored lochs, and birch trees turning gold makes it one of the best places in Scotland to photograph autumn colours.
Closer to Inverness, the Ness Islands give you river views framed by autumn leaves, while Urquhart Castle offers iconic shots with a backdrop of Loch Ness and crisp autumn skies. Not forgetting a lesser known hidden gem tucked away towards Beauly. Reelig Glen is a beautiful woodland walk, you will find seasonal mushrooms, the tallest trees and an abundance of charm and character.
Don’t skip the waterfalls either – the Falls of Foyers, Plodda Falls, Lady Falls, and Divach Falls all tumble dramatically in autumn light, scenes worth capturing, for those with a tripod and patience.
Top tip: Try smaller lochsides or forest trails around South Loch Ness for unique shots without the crowds.
7. Autumn wildlife spotting
Autumn in the Highlands isn’t just about the colours, it’s one of the best times of year for wildlife watching. The red deer rut is an unforgettable experience, when you get to hear the stags echoing roars across the glens as they compete for attention.
Around Loch Ness, keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels darting among the trees, especially in the quieter South Loch Ness woodlands. Birdwatchers are in for a treat too – autumn brings migratory species passing through, and lochside viewpoints make excellent spots for sightings.
For families, local wildlife parks and nature reserves near Inverness are great introductions to Highland species, while guided tours give you the best chance of spotting the region’s more elusive residents.
Top tip: Pack binoculars, pick a clear day, and look up – the Highlands might just reward you.
8. Scenic Autumn drives
There’s something about an autumn road trip through the Highlands that just gives you all the feels! The colours are at their brightest, the roads area bit quieter, and every bend reveals another “pull over and take a photo” moment.
There are many scenic drives with sweeping loch views, forest backdrops, and cosy local villages perfect for a pit stop. Discovering the local communities when it's not peak season is far more relaxing, there are lots to choose from, we have put them in a handy guide to help with your planning!
If you’d rather let someone else do the driving so you can relax and enjoy the incredible scenery, why not book a driver to take you to the best places or join a guided tour to meet people doing the same!
👉 Top tip: Well known routes like the NC500 are popular for a reason and are really beautiful, but don’t underestimate the smaller scenic routes around Inverness and Loch Ness. They’re just as jaw-dropping and perfect for a shorter autumn escape.
9. Wellbeing Escapes
Autumn was made for slowing down – and the Highlands are the perfect place to do it. Think quiet cabins surrounded by fiery trees, lochside lodges with crackling fires and sumptuous self catering cottages with hot tubs, where you can warm up after a bracing walk. If you’re searching for relaxing autumn getaways in Scotland, Inverness and Loch Ness tick every box.
Wellness here doesn’t have to mean yoga mats and meditation. Sometimes it’s as simple as a slow wander along the loch, a cosy café stop with a good book, or a digital detox weekend where the only notifications come from birds in the trees.
👉 Top tip: If you’re planning a wellness-focused trip, you’ll discover everything from rustic hideaways to luxury stays. Check out our accommodation offers page to grab yourself a great getaway that won't break the bank!
10. Autumn family-friendly fun
Autumn isn’t just for romantic getaways and long hikes – it’s also a brilliant season for families. Crisp days, colourful trees, and plenty of activities mean there’s never a dull moment, especially in the school holidays. If you’re searching for family things to do in Inverness or around Loch Ness, you’ll find loads to keep little explorers happy.
Around Inverness, you can add in treasure trails, castle visits, or local playparks for bonus energy burns, we have a helpful family-friendly guide to give you all the ideas and more.
Want something different? Autumn is pumpkin season 🎃, and local farms like Farm Ness and Invercannich Farm sometimes host family-friendly events that make a great day out. The Loch Ness Centre is another winner, open all year round, it's fun, interactive, and full of stories that capture kids’ imaginations.
And if the weather turns? There's 2 cinemas, bowling, a trampoline park or even a dip into a local swimming pool can save the day!