We had our first (very short) power cut last night, so we are definitely in the midst of the colder months here in the Scottish Highlands.
In many ways, I find this time of year more difficult. It's starting to get colder and darker and a lot of the things I love doing (such as enjoying coffees at some of my favourite seasonal businesses and swimming in our local river) have to be put to bed for the remainder of the year.
But in many ways, there are a lot of reasons to love autumn in the Scottish Highlands. As I try to reflect of what I love about each of the seasons, I thought it would be fun to share here three of my personal favourite reasons to enjoy the Scottish Highlands in autumn.
The Flavours of the Scottish Highlands are at their Peak
For me, this time of year is truly the best time to experience the best food offerings the Scottish Highlands has. This time of year, the berries and root veggies that have been growing throughout the summer months become ready to be eaten. These flavours work so well with some of the flavours of the land, such as wild venison. It's at this time of year that you can really taste the flavours of the Highlands on your plate.
I've had the pleasure of enjoying a few incredible restuarants in the autumn months over the last few years. One of the best for me was visiting Edinbane Lodge in October 2021. Getting to enjoy their home inspired flavours in the six course tasting menu was such a treat and a real way to enjoy the flavours of the season.
The Wildlife Gets a Bit More Wild at this Time of Year
I don't often talk about the wildlife experiences you'll find in the Scottish Highlands here, but I truly believe autumn is one of the best time to visit the Scottish Highlands to experience the incredible wildlife for one reason. The Rutting.
Between late September and early November, it's mating season between the deer, which often leads to the spectacle of stags locking antlers in the bid to win over a female. It's an impressive sight to see, but for me, the thing I love most is the sound of this time of year.
We live in a little cottage surrounded by mountains, the perfect place for deer to live. I remember the first year I lived here, having moved to the Scottish Highlands from Glasgow, I was shocked to hear this weird roaring noise. It was only later that I realised that noise was the sound of stags looking for their mates.
If you have the chance to be somewhere where deer normally live at this time of year, make sure you go outside as the sun sets to hear some of the sounds of this time of year. You'll be amazed by the incredible sound the deer make.
The Colours of the Highlands are truly the best in Autumn
I'm sure you were already expecting I'd say this, but nothing beats the colours of the Scottish Highlands at this time of year. The bracken turning brown. The leaves turn golden and scarlet. You can't beat the beauty of this time of year in the Scottish Highlands.
What are your favourite things about autumn? Let me know your thoughts on this amazingly colourful season!
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