- This topic has 39 replies, 22 voices, and was last updated 4 years ago by redmex.
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Honeymoon trip to Scotland in October- ideas for route please!
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cokieFull Member
We’ve decided to go and see Scotland for a week during October for our honeymoon.
We’ve got 9 days (Sat>Sun, but might leave Friday afternoon).
We’re based down south so about 7hrs to Ediburgh for us.We want to see the scenary, beaches and countryside. Not too bothered about cities, unless very unique. We’re more into walking & views.
Can anyone recommend must see places to go and see? Less touristy stuff is better for us.
Any great accommodation recommendations? Cottagaes with woodburning stoves would be nice.
We’re prepared for October to be poor weather, so that’s fine.Any ideas would really be appreciated!
cheers_driveFull MemberFly into Inverness and hire a car to road trip around Skye and the highlands?
croeFree MemberOctober for me it would be the Cairngorms. Cairngorms in Autumn is my favourite time and place. Either aviemore or braemar side. Plenty walking of all sorts and scenery from either base. Hiking up the hills or through the glens, hard to beat. Look for self catering cottages, there are a good few options. Not so many beaches unless you get in the car and hit the West coast but that would be best reserved for a follow up visit early one summer.
perchypantherFree MemberWe’re prepared for October to be poor weather, so that’s fine.
Good, because it’ll be pissing down.
Congratulations on the wedding anyway.
I’d go somewhere a bit more temperate in October and come to Scotland in May instead when it’s usually much nicer weather.
scotroutesFull MemberClosest beaches to Aviemore would be Culbin, Findhorn, Roseisle, Burghead, Lossiemouth. All very lovely – if lacking in the absolute grandeur of the West Coast. Loads of other stuff to do in the area of course and the trees can look amazing. Possibly a bit too “touristy” for the OP.
Good, because it’ll be pissing down.
The last few Octobers have had some stunning weather. It’s November you need to watch out for. Too wet for fun and too warm for snow.
cokieFull MemberThanks all!
Lots to research there.
I’m hoping it’ll be quieter in October anyway given the weather.
We’re sticking to October for a number of reasons, but it’s also our favourite season.scotroutesFull MemberScottish Schools have mid-term holidays in October. Unlikely to affect the availability of cosy cottages, but can mean that some spots are busier.
TBH, if you could narrow down your requirements/location a little it would be easier to give you some advice. The Moray Coast is probably the mildest in terms of weather. Cairngorms can be coldest. West coast/islands wettest. All with exceptions of course. Other things to think about (and I’m sure you have) would be access to pub/food in the event you don’t want to be cooking every night. There are some stunning out-of-the-way places but they are often miles from any catering/shopping. October is still likely to be OK in the seasonal locations, though many close for a winter break (and many business owners will close down in October for their “summer”holidays). Less of an issue in the more popular locations like Aviemore, Fort William.
NobeerinthefridgeFree MemberThe last few Octobers have had some stunning weather.
100%, it’s a month you can be really lucky, I hope you are this year, and have a great time.
My oft repeated caveat on these type threads, don’t try and see too much, you’ll end up seeing a lot of dashboard.
cokieFull MemberMy oft repeated caveat on these type threads, don’t try and see too much, you’ll end up seeing a lot of dashboard.
That’s what I’m trying to avoid. Scotland is massive and when I start putting some locations in, it can easily end up being a 3+hrs drive a day, so I’d like to avoid that.
TBH, if you could narrow down your requirements/location a little it would be easier to give you some advice.
Annoyingly, we don’t really have any. Just a rounded tour of different sights would be nice; dramatic mountain landscape, waterfalls, lochs & maybe a beach. Not too much travel daily but happy to slog between big features.
I think maybe 1-3 nights per location. Happy to Cook but maybe a pub now and again would be good.
We’re just open to ideas really!
Thanks again for responses.
duncancallumFull MemberBlack isle as a base is nice not too far to the likes of avimore or north
globaltiFree MemberCongratulations; Mrs Gti and I took our honeymoon in Scotland, we climbed the Ben, Creag Meagaidh and a couple of others, stooged around a bit, swam in some burns, enjoyed some, er, R&R in a tent pitched on a foreshore somewhere and of course the weather was perfect. That must have been July 1997.
Have a look at the Trossachs NP, you may think it’s a bit chocolate-boxy but it’s a stunning area and most of the decent hills are within easy reach of the road.
NZColFull MemberFly or train to Inversnekie , get a car, Black Isle would be a good call, Aviemore area same same. Go West so Loch Carron , I would suggest Applecross but heard average things about pub recently. Gairloch etc, Lochinver all absolutely lovely. Few good hills like Stac Pollaidh etc up there that are achievable and not busy. Or Spey Valley and do some distilleries and lower level walking. B and Bs etc and pubs etc won’t be bust (schools are out 15th onwards in most places for 2 weeks though)
scotroutesFull MemberOK. Aviemore (area) for 3 nights. Ullapool for 3 nights. Gives you a range of scenery. Access to mountains, forests, lochs, distilleries then coast, beaches, more mountains. Both have good stuff on the doorstep and easy access for short car trips offering a bit of variety. Ullapool trips would be a day up to Kylesku via Inverpolly and then a trip down to Poolewe and Gairloch. Aviemore gives a day on Speyside and a day on the Moray Coast. That’s assuming you need to go anywhere. Lots of hills (large and small) round both.
cokieFull MemberFantastic stuff! Thanks guys, really liking the sounds of all of the ideas above.
Will do some research.kcalFull Member2 week honeymoon in Scotland for us. some years ago. Crinan, Arisaig (which was stunning scenery and weather) and Ballater. take your chances obviously but if it works out, jackpot.
redmexFree MemberPitlochry for a base then watch the weather forecast and follow the sun, the angus glens, Aviemore, Fife, the Ochils, the Trossachs, the etape route. It also has a rail station
scotroutesFull MemberFor a suggestion of accommodation near (but not in) Aviemore..
xoraFull MemberDon’t forget Wishaw.
I certainly cant, its outside my front window!
Pz_SteveFull MemberOur honeymoon was a week in Argyll and a week in Ballater (in May). Argyll blew me away scenically, and was great for walking and just being outdoors, in a low key way. We’d lived in Aberdeenshire for 4 years and fell in love with Scotland all over again (neither of us is Scottish). Ballater was great for the big hills and the pine forests (although bizarrely I remember being eaten alive far more there than on the west coast).
Wherever you go you’ll have a great time… after all it’s not really the scenery or the weather you’ll reminisce about 30 years later.
Congrats OP – Scotland’s such a good honeymoon destination to anyone with an ounce of romance in their soul.
justatheoryFree MemberCairngorms is great, I used to camp in Glenmore Forest every year, but the scenery on the West Coast of Scotland is world class. Wester Ross, Sutherland and Skye are just beautiful. We would often visit Scotland in Autumn and Winter and got some great weather, it’s very pretty with the autumn colours.
paladinFull MemberI like the North West, ullapool, lochinver, scourie, durness, clachtoll.
Cracking scenery and great beaches.cokieFull MemberMore excellent suggestions! Thanks all
We’ve started having a look. It’s been a couple years since we’ve been up to Scotland so really looking forward to it.Any other accomodation suggestions?
globaltiFree MemberThere are plenty of damp B&Bs and poxy old coach trippers’ hotels in Scotland but it’s hard to find one where the owners are continuing to invest and the bathrooms are fresh and the mattresses not sagging. We have been going up to Callander a lot recently and after trying lots of places we’ve settled on Riverside House, which although it’s on the A84 is well run, clean and has a pleasant landlady. Book well in advance through because at this time of year she’s full.
Another good place is Mhor 84 on the A84 near Balquhidder; it’s an old King’s House hotel and the upstairs rooms have only had £75 invested in them in the last 5 years (so the owner confessed to me) so you’ll be OK if you like mildewy showers and avocado suites with plastic 70s taps. But they also have The Outback, which is 3 or 4 twin chalets, quite spacious and more modern though you might be disturbed if your neighbours come home late. The food is really excellent and the public rooms quirky (shabby chic) and it would be a great place to stay for a couple of nights while you explored the beautiful Trossachs National Park, only an hour north of Glasgow.
FunkyDuncFree MemberOk I’m going to buck the trend.
I don’t dislike the Cairngorms, but they are bleak rolling mountains, and Aviemore is a shit hole (as is Fort William on the West Coast)
The West Coast of Scotland is far more dramatic scenery and nicer place to be. Start Glasgow and head up the West Coast to Sky and slightly further north.
perchypantherFree MemberStart Glasgow and head up the West Coast to Sky
You’ll need a plane for that.
cokieFull MemberMore great stuff to look at, thanks!
Is it worth considering a camper? It’ll work out the same price as dodgy hotels and cottages.
I just rememebr some of the roads being very narrow with difficult access. Is a T5 type van alright?
I guess it might be a bit miserable/cold in October to be in a van.globaltiFree MemberFriends of ours hired a VW camper to drive around Scotland and they quickly discovered that on single-track roads it was a pain because they are so busy nowadays and tourists don’t understand how to use passing places. The problem ended by about day 3 when the VW broke down and they had to endure a 16 hour AA relay home to Lancashire. They vowed never to try that again.
cokieFull MemberThat sounds awful. Maybe we’ll stick to the littke Honda Jazz and bricks ‘n mortor accomidation.
scotroutesFull MemberOk I’m going to buck the trend.
I don’t dislike the Cairngorms, but they are bleak rolling mountains, and Aviemore is a shit hole (as is Fort William on the West Coast)
Bleak rolling hills? Have you actually been in the Cairngorms much or just looked at them from a car?
Most of the folk I know in Aviemore moved here for the scenery and range of activities available all year round. Your shit hole comment wouldn’t chime with any of them. Again, if you’ve done anything other than drive up the main street, you’d likely have a different opinion (the main street is, TBH, a mess).
tjagainFull Memberscotroutes they are not the most dramatic of the Scottish mountains IMO – compared to say Torridon
Aviemore is still not a great town to visit my my goodness its improved over the years.
Range of outdoor activities in the area is unsurpassed tho – cycling, canoeing, sailing, hillwalking and climbing
dovebikerFull MemberThe best bit of the mainland IMO is the coast road from Applecross to Scourie in the far northwest – very weather dependent though. Heading out to the islands is another option but never really understand why everyone goes to Skye – with the exception of the Cuillin, the rest is just ‘meh’, over-priced and full of tourists. We honeymooned on Mull 30 years ago and regularly return – some great beaches, an awesome climb and view from the top of Ben More and more that big enough to get around. Boat trip to Staffa / Fingal’s Cave followed by fresh seafood lunch at Ulva Boat House.
croeFree MemberWhilst the Cairngorms hills might lose out to the West Highlands looking up at them, they more than make up for that with the views looking down from the top of them and the glens and passes are second to none.
That sense of space and vastness just can’t be experienced elswhere in the country unless you fancy a walk through Rannoch Moor.
franksinatraFull MemberI’m currently away on the annual Dad and kid adventure holiday, staying in Pennan on the Moray Coast. I’ve never been to this area before and am seriously in love with the place. Pennan is awesome, it has a pub and lovely harbour. Most of the cottages are rentals, ours was AirBnB. Also look at Gardenstown and Crovie. I’m told this area has its own micro climate, the sunburn on the back of my neck would seem to confirm that. Deserted beaches, caves to explore, massive cliffs and brilliant walks Three days here would be ideal before heading off somewhere else.
joshvegasFree MemberAviemore is hardly romantic though is it scotroutes. Its where you go BEFORE you get married.
Aint no one making their mates jealous with a selfie outside The Vault.
locum76Free MemberTrain your bikes up to Inverness and cycle The Badger Divide back down to Glasgow. Recover with a stay in Malmaison.
cokieFull MemberThanks all! Places to see and places to avoid too. All good to know.
We didn’t want an all out cycling holiday, more of a rounded outdoors one with a bit of everything.
I’m just pinning all the locations above on a map to check distances and research them a bit.convertFull MemberPersonally in October I’d hire a cottage in a an area surrounded by stuff you want to do. One with a stove and a great view (whilst sitting next to the stove). Then if you get days of rubbish weather you can kick back and read whilst still feeling part of the landscape. I’ve had some lovely times in Scotland in October but even then there are usually one or two less impressive days as part of the week. You want them to feel great too. Also, don’t forget the days in the highlands are getting pretty short by October so you need to have some nice for the hours of darkness.
Scotland is not going anywhere – you don’t need to see all or indeed loads of it this one time. Let this be the start of a beautiful relationship with the place so make it memorable not extensive.
redmexFree MemberI think Arran would be a good choice if you fancy a wee walk up a hill, ride a bike, pamper your Mrs at the main hotel with nice swimming pool, maybe see a bit of wildlife. Don’t let the fact its Ayrshire put you off
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