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 jaw-droppingly beautiful blue flag beach has Seaside Award status and is only a short mile stroll from the centre of the village of Dornoch. Stay overnight at Links house at Royal Dornoch, the UK’s most northerly luxury five-star hotel destination. It is both located a few minutes’ walk from the beach and less than 100 yards from the first tee at Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Dornoch’s Blue Flag beach has gentle shallows which are perfect for paddling or swimming if you are feeling hardy. If you are lucky, you may spot seals and even occasionally dolphins playing in the Firth. After your walk, be sure to visit the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, which has been awarded 2 AA rosettes for culinary excellence. Head chef Theo Creton, leads the kitchen team of five at MARA restaurant, which is named after the Gaelic word for ‘the Sea.’ MARA is also open to both hotel guests and non-residents, and its menu showcases the finest seasonal ingredients and Highland traditions. Menu highlights will include wild Ardgay venison, Portmahomack lobster, and freshly picked herbs from the hotel’s very own kitchen garden.placeholder image
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 jaw-droppingly beautiful blue flag beach has Seaside Award status and is only a short mile stroll from the centre of the village of Dornoch. Stay overnight at Links house at Royal Dornoch, the UK’s most northerly luxury five-star hotel destination. It is both located a few minutes’ walk from the beach and less than 100 yards from the first tee at Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Dornoch’s Blue Flag beach has gentle shallows which are perfect for paddling or swimming if you are feeling hardy. If you are lucky, you may spot seals and even occasionally dolphins playing in the Firth. After your walk, be sure to visit the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, which has been awarded 2 AA rosettes for culinary excellence. Head chef Theo Creton, leads the kitchen team of five at MARA restaurant, which is named after the Gaelic word for ‘the Sea.’ MARA is also open to both hotel guests and non-residents, and its menu showcases the finest seasonal ingredients and Highland traditions. Menu highlights will include wild Ardgay venison, Portmahomack lobster, and freshly picked herbs from the hotel’s very own kitchen garden. | contributed

9 of the best autumn Scottish walks that end with cosy bars and restaurants

By Rosalind Erskine

The Scotsman Food and Drink Editor

Published 7th Oct 2025, 14:48 GMT
Updated 7th Oct 2025, 14:48 GMT

It’s one of the best times to enjoy seasonal scenery in Scotland and these walks, which end with great food and drink, are an ideal way to do so.

Those clear, crisp days of autumn and winter provide us with the perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy a breath of fresh air and a bracing walk - made even better when there’s a cosy pitstop at the end.

While scaling a Munro isn’t for everyone, we are fortunate to have plenty of shorter and more gentle winter walks in Scotland.

These 9 short walks are within a stone’s throw of some of Scotland’s best foodie destinations and provide another reason to search for those hiking boots and reward yourself with a delicious meal, drink or staycation.

After all your walking efforts, there really is no better way to end a stroll than with a heartwarming meal and a comfortable room for the night.

Often referred to as the back garden of Tobermory, this captivating park truly comes to life in the latter half of the year and is a must visit for photographers and Instagrammers keen to showcase the wild beauty of Scotland during the autumn. The serene, moss-covered trails lead you through dense forest and along the still waters of Aros Bay, before revealing outstanding panoramic views of Tobermory and the craggy face of Ardnamurchan over the Sound of Mull. Situated near the main ferry port on the island, the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa is the perfect base for anyone looking to explore the island this autumn. The four-star abode features luxury bedrooms and suites, boasting stunning sea views over Craignure Bay which glistens in the autumnal sunset. Inspired by the island’s location and array of fresh seafood, the hotel’s AA-Rosette awarded Oran na Mara Bistro is the perfect place to sample a taste of Scotland’s waters while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

9. Aros Park – Isle of Mull

Often referred to as the back garden of Tobermory, this captivating park truly comes to life in the latter half of the year and is a must visit for photographers and Instagrammers keen to showcase the wild beauty of Scotland during the autumn. The serene, moss-covered trails lead you through dense forest and along the still waters of Aros Bay, before revealing outstanding panoramic views of Tobermory and the craggy face of Ardnamurchan over the Sound of Mull. Situated near the main ferry port on the island, the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa is the perfect base for anyone looking to explore the island this autumn. The four-star abode features luxury bedrooms and suites, boasting stunning sea views over Craignure Bay which glistens in the autumnal sunset. Inspired by the island’s location and array of fresh seafood, the hotel’s AA-Rosette awarded Oran na Mara Bistro is the perfect place to sample a taste of Scotland’s waters while taking in the beautiful surroundings. | Isle of Mull Hotel

Photo Sales
Previous
3 / 3
Next Page
Related topics:BarsRestaurantsWalksFoodNewsletter
Dare to be Honest
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice