10 Oct Scotland in October
With early hints of autumn, October is considered one of the best months of the year to travel to Scotland. This is a great time to explore Edinburgh’s top sights and take a scenic road trip with fewer crowds than in September, though you can always find a festive vibe at the Pitlochry Highland Games with members of the British royal family.
Welcome to the Scottish autumn season, with crisp, cool weather and shortened daylight hours (especially by the end of the month after the clocks shift back one hour). This is also the time of year to experience peak fall foliage, but you should expect some moody cloud formations and rain. Western Scotland will likely see more moisture and wind, called westerlies, coming from the North Atlantic. At the same time, eastern Scotland boasts less precipitation, more sunshine, and occasional fog from the North Sea.
Given the fickle weather, you should come prepared with layers that can transition from late summer warmth to overcast, rainy skies. You’ll also want to bring a waterproof jacket, an umbrella, and sturdy walking/hiking shoes that can handle moisture. If you’re traveling in the countryside, beware of midges, small gnat-like insects that can bite during the summer months, though they lessen significantly by late September. There are methods to avoid midges since they thrive in humid, windless air and usually swarm in the early mornings and evenings.
Despite its compact size, it can be difficult to decide where to go in Scotland since there are many distinct coastlines, islands, and inland attractions. A good way to visualize the country is to break it into the Lowlands and the Highlands. Many visitors arrive in the Lowlands, where most of the Scots live, especially Glasgow, the up-and-coming biggest city in Scotland, and Edinburgh, the smaller, more touristy capital. Either place has enough attractions to keep you busy for a few days, and it’s easy to visit both since they are located less than an hour apart by train.
It’s also easy to see some of the countryside’s best highlights within a 2- to 3-hour drive from either city. From Edinburgh, you can day trip to the Highlands to visit Cairngorms National Park, Loch Ness, and Urquhart Castle. Or head east to St. Andrews to take a beach walk, play a round of golf (it’s where the sport originated), or visit the oldest university in Scotland. If you have more time, plan a longer trip north along the eastern coast for seafood, whisky distilleries, and famous castles like Balmoral.
Closer to Glasgow is Scotland’s intricate west coast with hiking trails in and around Glencoe Valley and several Hebridean isles that can be reached by boat from the charming town of Oban. If you have more time, make your way up to the Isle of Skye, where you can explore the stunning natural wonders while based in Portree. Or, take a peaceful road trip on the North Coast 500, a 512-mile route that explores Scotland’s lesser-visited northern coastline with access to the Orkney and Shetland Islands.
History buffs can stay busy touring hundreds of famous monuments and ruins around the cities and countryside, including castles, monasteries, and ancient battlefields, like the National Wallace Monument, commemorating Sir William Wallace, the 13th-century Scottish hero featured in the film “Braveheart.”
Golfing is a big activity in St Andrews, and there are many top-rated courses in the area since it is where the sport originated. Non-players can visit the oldest university in Scotland, followed by a long walk on a 2-mile (3-km) stretch of beach featured in the opening scenes of the film “Chariots of Fire.”
Scotland is also home to more than 100 whisky distilleries – many that offer tours and tastings – as well as gin distilleries, craft breweries, chocolate makers, and cheesemongers. If you have a rainy day in Edinburgh, take a gourmet food tour guided by a local resident who will teach you about the history of Scottish cuisine with tastings of the savory pudding called haggis and the game bird called grouse.
October events:
Royal National Mòd, changing locations. Over 100 years old, this historic festival celebrates the Gaelic language and draws locals and travelers interested in learning more about Gaelic history, literature, music, and art.
Samhuinn Fire Festival, Edinburgh. This ticketed Halloween event takes place in Edinburgh’s Calton Hill with plenty of entertainment in the form of vibrant costumes, drummers, fire dancers, and acrobatics.