5 of Scotland’s best spring walks that end at top eateries - including island lighthouse route
Enjoy the longer spring days and (hopefully) better weather on one of these stunning walks in Scotland, all which end at some of the best restaurants in the areas.
As the days start to get longer, there’s no better time to get outdoors and enjoy some of Scotland’s best spring walks for foodies, from the North Coast 500 and the Isle of Skye, to Argyll and the Cairngorms National Park.
These five short walks are within a stone’s throw of some of Scotland’s best foodie destinations and provide another reason to dig out those hiking boots and reward yourself with a delicious meal or staycation in some of the country’s most stunning coastal and countryside locations.
The Pierhouse Hotel & Seafood Restaurant, Port Appin, Argyll – ‘Forage & Feast’ walk
The Pierhouse Hotel & Seafood Restaurant is tucked away on the shores of Loch Linnhe, and has uninterrupted views of the islands of Lismore and Mull.
This coastal hotel has teamed up with a local foraging guide Lucy Cooke, known locally as ‘The Wild Cooke’ to offer foodies and outdoor lovers a unique guided foraging walk along the shoreline.
The ‘Forage & Feast’ experience on the shores of Loch Linnhe costs £120 per person and, this month, there’s a spring tide walk on 18 April.
The low spring tide provides the ideal conditions for an introduction to foraging for seaweeds, coastal plants, seafood and other spring highlights around Loch Linnhe.
Other dates include summer celebration on 11 July where Lucy will lead guests to find edible flowers and late greens and the autumn harvest on 5 September where guests may find nuts, seeds and berries.
You can end your walk with a buffet lunch at The Pierhouse and soak in those wonderful views.
The Pierhouse menus feature the freshest langoustines, mussels and lobsters harvested from Loch Linnhe and Loch Etive, as well as fine handpicked oysters from the oyster beds of Loch Creran, just 10 minutes from the hotel.
The Three Chimneys & The Three Chimneys at Talikser, Isle Skye - Neist Point & Lighthouse walk
Located on the shores of Loch Dunvegan with the dramatic backdrop of the Duirinish peninsula of Skye, lies the world-renowned Three Chimneys and The House Over-By with its six guest rooms.
Nearby walks include Neist Point and Lighthouse on the most westerly tip of Skye, which has breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Outer Hebrides beyond.
Since opening as a restaurant in 1985, The Three Chimneys has been a trailblazer on the Isle of Skye, inspiring visitors to travel from all over the world to satisfy their appetite for the island’s fresh, local produce. The multi award-winning five-star AA star restaurant has three AA rosettes for culinary excellence and is included in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland, as well as The Good Food Guide.
The Three Chimneys and Skye’s oldest distillery, Talisker, are now also leading the rise of the gastro-distillery on the island with ‘The Three Chimneys at Talisker’.
This immersive dining experience on the shores of Loch Harport is celebrating Skye as a world-class food and travel destination and reinforcing the island’s reputation for culinary creativity. The Three Chimneys at Talisker is also included in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland. Both locations are ideal spots to enjoy lunch or dinner after a long walk on this famous island.
The Old Bridge Inn, near Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park - River Spey walk or 5k hike in Craigellachie Nature Reserve
The Old Bridge Inn sits on the banks of the famous River Spey in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, the UK’s biggest national park.
Set off from the Inn’s front door, head north, meander through the woods, and you can see a beautiful carpet of bluebells in spring, with thistles and foxgloves in summer. Pause at the little river beaches to spot wildlife on the river and enjoy the stunning views of the Lairigh Ghru.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a longer, more strenuous stroll, tackle the uphill walking route on the Craigellachie Nature Reserve, with views over the Cairngorms. The route is just five minutes from the Old Bridge Inn and the 5k round trip takes around three hours.
Book a bed for the night in one of The Old Bridge Inn's seven comfortable self-catering rooms or bunkhouse accommodation.
At the end of your walk, The Old Bridge Inn offers a seasonal menu shaped by local produce, excellent food and a fine selection of cask ales, premium lagers and malt whiskies, regular live music and great atmosphere, making it the perfect place to stay at the end of the day.
Lochardil House, Inverness, North Coast 500 – Inverness Castle river walk
Highland Coast Hotels’ Lochardil House in Inverness on the North Coast 500 has launched a new ‘Highland Coast Sunday Roast’ menu for spring and it’s an ideal location to enjoy a walk along the river.
Lochardil House sits just 30 minutes stroll along the River Ness and the Highlands capital of Inverness to Inverness Castle, which recently reopened to the public following a £47million redevelopment. Finish on the rooftop platform looking out towards Ben Wyvis and the Highlands.
Links House at Royal Dornoch, Sutherland – Dornoch Beach
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If you’re heading to the north of Scotland this spring, take a wander along Dornoch sands, with its miles of golden sand, and fresh sea air that blows the cobwebs away.
The beach stretches south from the rocks at Dornoch Point, where there is shelter on a windy day, to the mouth of the Dornoch Firth. This beautiful blue flag Dornoch beach has Seaside Award status, if you fancy taking a dip. Keep an eye out for seals and even occasionally dolphins playing in the Firth.
After your walk, be sure to visit Links House’s fine dining restaurant, MARA, which has been awarded two AA rosettes for culinary excellence and is named after the Gaelic word for ‘the Sea.’
It is open to both hotel guests and non-residents, and head chef, Theo Creton’s menu showcases the finest seasonal ingredients. Spring menu highlights include Portmahomack lobster, foraged wild garlic from Golspie and freshly picked herbs from the hotel’s kitchen garden.
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