Autumn in Scotland offers spectacular scenery, from forests carpeted in orange and gold leaves to atmospheric coastal paths. After an invigorating hike, a hearty meal at a nearby pub or restaurant makes the season even more enjoyable. The Daily Record has compiled a list of five of the best 'foodie walks' across Scotland, each ending at or located near venues serving mouth-watering food.
Carbost Burn Waterfall walk, Isle of Skye
The Carbost Burn Waterfall is a hidden gem near the village of Carbost on the Isle of Skye. It is easy to reach thanks to its setting close to the road and is popular among visitors to the nearby Talisker Distillery. After taking in the views of the cascade, which are particularly beautiful after heavy rainfall, walkers can head to The Three Chimneys at Talisker.
The restaurant's menu takes inspiration from the distillery's setting on the Minginish peninsula. It specialises in freshly caught seafood, locally cured meats, and cheeses, and offers a variety of à la carte options. The Three Chimneys has earned a spot on the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland.
Jubilee Bridge and Castle Stalker, Argyll
The Jubilee Bridge and Castle Stalker walk is an easy trail that passes the historic wooden Jubilee Bridge, built in 1898 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. It offers views of the four-storey tower house Castle Stalker on a tidal islet in Loch Laich. On the way, walkers can stop at The Linnhe Storehouse and Café, located between Ballachulish and Connel.
The venue offers indoor and outdoor seating with views across Loch Linnhe and Castle Stalker. Its menu centres on sandwiches, breakfast rolls, and an all-day cooked Scottish breakfast, alongside home-baked goods such as savoury quiches, sausage rolls, cakes, and pastries.
Plockton Inn, Wester Ross
Plockton, nicknamed 'The Jewel of the Highlands', is one of Scotland's most beautiful villages. A walk along the main road leads to a wooden footpath with views of the Applecross mountains. Afterwards, the Plockton Inn serves some of the area's most renowned seafood, including langoustines – known locally as Plockton Prawns – caught by local fishermen who land them at the village's pier.
The inn also offers oysters, mussels, and other fish dishes. For non-seafood fans, an aged ribeye steak is served with grilled vine tomatoes, roasted shallot, flat mushroom, and chips.
Links House at Royal Dornoch, Scottish Highlands
Links House at Royal Dornoch is a luxury hotel a few minutes' walk from Dornoch Beach, a sandy bay backed by dunes with Seaside Award status as a clean bathing beach. After enjoying the coastal views, visitors can dine at the hotel, located about an hour from Inverness. It is the most northern five-star luxury hotel in the UK and has earned a Michelin Key and a place on the Top 50 Boutiques Hotel list.
Royal Dornoch is home to the MARA restaurant, which emphasises ethical and locally sourced produce, with dishes such as poached North Sea cod and roast Ross-Shire pork loin. The venue also has a curated selection of wines, spirits, and whisky.
River Spey, Cairngorms National Park
The River Spey is one of Scotland's fastest-flowing and longest rivers. Along its banks sits the Old Bridge Inn, from where walkers can take the uphill route on the Craigellachie Nature Reserve. The trail begins about five minutes from the inn's entrance and takes around three hours, making it a full-day hike. As a round trip, it ends back at the inn for a meal.
The Old Bridge Inn offers lunch and evening menus, with dishes such as smoked trout and radicchio salad, prawn and brown crab linguini, and roast pumpkin and smoked tofu. It also stocks cask ales, premium lagers, and malt whiskies.
