What area of Scotland would be nice for an autumn break?

[VivaLeBeaver]

would the midges have gone by then so we could consider the west coast.

We like walking (not huge mountains), mountain biking. Really like nature, so somewhere we could do some nature watching would be good. Would also be nice to have some touristy type things to do in the area for bad weather days.

Oh and if anyone can recommend a specific cottage that would be fab.

I've always fancied the idea of stopping on one of the islands but just think there might not be enough to keep us occupied for a week.

Ooh I just love Scotland!

Dumfries & Galloway, Borders area is great for mountain biking if you are serious about it. They have some of the best trails in the country.

If you fancy an island, I would second Mull (we had our honeymoon there) or Arran. Harris and Lewis were incredible but a bit harder to get to. Skye is also great.

My favourite place is probably the Cairngorms. The walking is incredible and lots of things to do in bad weather. Aviemore isn't to everyone's taste but there are lots of nearby villages where you could stay. The weather is generally better towards the East.

Midges wise, you'll probably still get some on the west coast until late Setember. There are fewer midges the further south you go.

I'm in southern Scotland and the midges are few and far between atm.

Lots of birds, deer, forests, old estates with public walks, there's the beef tub and the electric brae in driving distance and lots of lochs and ruined castles.

Yesterday I saw 2 golden eagles huge stealth boast they flew out of a hedge infront of us. They do live all round scotland though.

That place in the TRossochs looks fab. And I like the fact it's closeish to Edinburgh, etc for days out, the zoo.

Aaaghh, I'm so indescive.

How long does it take to drive from Berwick to avimore? I've got a feeling that the south of France would be closer to me than avimore......

Google morlich bungalows - they are good, small cottages, own garden, central to aviemore. They're fairly basic but are always clean and functional and also include membership for dalfaber leisure facilities.

4 1/2 hours from berwick to aviemore.

morlich

this place is lovely and quite luxurious but doesnt include dalfaber membership

Midge season usually over in September. Argyll can be lovely around October time. Check out the Kyles of Bute and nearby areas. Lochs and forests galore, white sand beaches and weather from the Atlantic gulf stream or something like that. Fond memories!

sorry the second link shouldve been to this

this place is absolutely fantastic: www.comriecroft.com/
it's in perthshire... very very nice in the autumn... as close to new england as you get in this country for leaf colour.

Suggest Loch Lomond area as its great for outdoors and is hugely scenic but has brill access to Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh for other 'stuff' including museums, shopping, galleries. Plenty of cycling and walking. A great day out is to catch the post boat service from Balmaha and visit several of the islands on the Loch. There's canoe and boat hire too. Cottage at www.lochlomondholidaycottage.com/cottages/the-old-dairy.html is walking/cycling distance of Loch and sleeps up to 4. Midges may be around Sept but it depends where you are, the more 'wooded' areas are worse.

Argyll is gorgeous! My favourite view in the whole world is the Rest and Be Thankful

www.lochgoilheadholidays.com

Mull of Galloway. We stayed here Aug bank hol last year and did not have a midge problem at all. RSPB with added deer . If get a poor weather day visit the town that claims to be 'second hand book capital', lots of book cum coffee /lunch shops.

www.nts.org.uk/Holidays/Accommodation/Mull-of-Galloway-Lightkeepers-Cottage-Mull-of-Galloway-Lighthouse/