Five autumn ‘foodie walks’ in Scotland near cosy pubs and restaurants

Enjoy a picturesque hike then treat yourself to a mouthwatering meal.

Autumn has its downsides, from the wet weather to the darker days. However, it is hard to argue that the scenery isn’t absolutely beautiful. Whether you are in a magical forest carpeted in orange and gold leaves, or enjoying an atmospheric walk along the coast, the season is undeniably picturesque.

Another of the best parts of the autumn is getting cosy inside away from the chilly conditions and enjoying a hearty meal. The food tastes all the sweeter if you are just back from an invigorating hike, with ‘foodie walks’ being a great way to spend a crisp autumn afternoon.

The Daily Record has put together a list of some of the best walks around Scotland that end up at or are located near restaurants or pubs that serve up mouth-watering food. From a magnificent waterfall near a restaurant at a distillery on the Isle of Skye to a coastal walk in the ‘Jewel of the Highlands’, they all offer great views and appetising food.

Continue reading for five autumn ‘foodie walks’ in Scotland near cosy pubs and restaurants.

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1. Carbost Burn Waterfall walk, Isle of Skye

The Carbost Burn Waterfall is a hidden gem beauty spot that can be found near the village of Carbost on the Isle of Skye. It is surprisingly easy to reach thanks to its setting close to the road, and is a popular destination amongst those visiting the nearby Talisker Distillery.

After you are done taking in the magnificent views of the cascade, which are particularly beautiful after heavy rainfall, you can head to The Three Chimneys at Talisker for a well-earned bite to eat. The menu at the eatery takes inspiration from the distillery’s spectacular setting on the Minginish peninsula.

The Three Chimneys at Talisker specialises in freshly caught seafood, locally cured meats, and cheeses, and offers a wide variety of mouthwatering à la carte options. The restaurant has even earned a spot on the prestigious Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland.

2. Jubilee Bridge and Castle Stalker, Argyll

The Jubilee Bridge and Castle Stalker walk is an easy trail that passes the historic wooden Jubilee Bridge, which was built in 1898 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. It also takes in sensational views of the four-storey tower house Castle Stalker atop a tidal islet on Loch Laich.

On the way, you can stop in at The Linnhe Storehouse and Café that can be found between the villages of Ballachulish and Connel. The popular venue offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with lovely views out across Loch Linnhe and Castle Stalker no matter the weather.

The menu at The Linnhe Storehouse and Café is centred around sandwiches and breakfast rolls, as well as an all-day cooked Scottish breakfast. There are also lots of home-baked goodies available too, from savoury quiches and sausage rolls to various cakes and pastries.

3. Plockton Inn, Wester Ross

Plockton is one of Scotland’s most beautiful villages, and it is easy to see why it has earned the nickname ‘The Jewel of the Highlands’. For a particularly beautiful walk, follow the village’s main road until you reach a wooden footpath and then continue until you get incredible views of the Applecross mountains.

After this, head to the Plockton Inn and tuck into some of the area’s most renowned seafood. The restaurant has earned fans far and wide for its langoustines, or Plockton Prawns as they are known locally, which are caught by local fishermen who land them at the village’s pier.

The Plockton Inn also offers plenty of other local delicacies, including oysters, mussels, and various other fish dishes. Even if you aren’t a seafood fan, you can still enjoy an aged ribeye steak that is served with grilled vine tomatoes, roasted shallot, flat mushroom, and chips.

4. Links House at Royal Dornoch, Scottish Highlands

Links House at Royal Dornoch is a luxury hotel that benefits from a one-of-a-kind setting that is just a few minutes’ walk from Dornoch Beach. The beach is a fabulous sandy bay that is backed by dunes, and it has received Seaside Award status as a clean bathing beach.

Once you’re done taking in the incredible coastal vistas, you can enjoy some food and drink at nearby Links House. Situated around just an hour from Inverness, the venue is the most northern five-star luxury hotel in the UK. It has earned a prestigious Michelin Key and appeared on the Top 50 Boutiques Hotel list.

Royal Dornoch is home to the luxurious MARA restaurant that emphasises ethical and locally sourced produce, with poached North Sea cod and roast Ross-Shire pork loin among the dishes on offer. The venue also has a curated selection of wines, alongside a handpicked spirits and whisky list.

5. River Spey, Cairngorms National Park

The River Spey is one of Scotland’s most notable natural landmarks, being one of the country’s fastest-flowing and longest rivers. Sitting along the banks of the Spey is the Old Bridge Inn, from where you can take on the uphill walking route on the Craigellachie Nature Reserve.

The trail begins around just five minutes from the entrance of the Old Bridge Inn. It takes around three hours, so is definitely geared towards those looking for a proper full-day hike. The route is luckily a round trip, meaning you will end up back at the inn where you can sit down for a well-earned meal.

The Old Bridge Inn offers both lunch and evening menus, with dishes such as smoked trout and radicchio salad, prawn and brown crab linguini, and roast pumpkin and smoked tofu available. The inn also stocks a good selection of cask ales, premium lagers, and malt whiskies.