West Coast Days Out
Autumn on Ben Lomond
There’s something rather special about Argyll in autumn. The summer crowds begin to thin, the trees turn gold and russet, and crisper days make it a lovely time for walking, exploring and getting out on the water.
It’s also the season for cosy pubs, scenic drives and long lunches. So, whether you fancy climbing a hill, discovering an island or simply settling down beside the fire with a dram, here are 10 ideas for an autumn day out.
'A Moose took a dauner through the deep, mirk wid''- Ardkinglas Estate
1. Follow the Gruffalo into the Deep Dark Wood
Head to Ardkinglas Woodland Garden, on the shores of Loch Fyne, and follow the Gruffalo Trail through its beautiful woodland. It’s particularly lovely as the leaves begin to change and a great choice for a family day out.
There’s an extra reason to visit this autumn too. Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s 'Gruffalo Granny', the first new Gruffalo story in more than 20 years, has just been published! Read the new adventure before you go, then head into the deep dark wood to find the Gruffalo for yourself.
Inchcailloch Island - Photo credit - Paul Saunders
2. Escape to an Island on Loch Lomond
Take our Island Explorer Cruise from Luss across Loch Lomond to Inchcailloch Island and spend a few hours exploring one of the loch’s loveliest islands.
Follow the woodland paths, discover Port Bawn beach and walk up to the viewpoint for wonderful views across the loch and surrounding mountains. Pack a picnic and you have a wonderfully simple autumn day out.
The George Hotel, Inverarary
3. Spend an Autumn Afternoon in Inveraray
The whitewashed town of Inveraray, sitting on the shores of Loch Fyne, is made for an autumn wander. Browse the independent shops, take a stroll along the lochfront and enjoy the slower pace once the summer season begins to quieten down.
Then head to the historic George Hotel, with its stone walls, roaring fires, fantastic pub with bags of character. It’s just the place for lunch or a drink when there’s a nip in the air.
Luss Horseshoe Walk
4. Take on the Luss Horseshoe Walk
If you’re looking for a proper day in the hills, the Luss Horseshoe is a fantastic autumn challenge. Starting from the pretty village of Luss, the circular route climbs into the hills, including Beinn Dubh, behind the village with superb views opening up immediately across Loch Lomond, its islands and towards Ben Lomond.
Allow around 3-5 hours (depending on your fitness) for the full route, which is approximately 11–12 miles (18–19km) with plenty of ascent, so it’s best suited to more experienced and well-equipped walkers. Pick a clear autumn day, start early and you’ll be rewarded with some fabulous Highland scenery.
Boat trips on Loch Lomond
5. Cruise to Balmaha & Climb Conic Hill
Leave the car in Luss and take our Balmaha Explorer Cruise across Loch Lomond. From Balmaha, join the West Highland Way and climb Conic Hill, where you’ll be rewarded with one of the best-known views over the loch and its islands.
Once you’re back down, head to the Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha for lunch or a drink before catching the boat back to Luss. A lovely combination of cruising, walking and good food.
The Map Room, Loch Lomond Arms Hotel
6. Enjoy a Dram at the Newly Reimagined Loch Lomond Arms
You certainly don’t need to climb a hill to justify a visit to the Loch Lomond Arms in Luss. Newly reimagined for 2026, the historic hotel has been beautifully refurbished, with interiors inspired by the landscape, stories and heritage of the Luss Estate.
Head to The Map Room, the Hotel’s atmospheric whisky bar, find a comfortable spot by the fire and choose a Scottish dram. If you’re hungry, The Stag & Two Hounds offers seasonal Scottish food too. It’s a rather lovely place to spend a crisp autumn afternoon.
Evening sets on the Colintraive Hotel
7. Take the Scenic Road to Colintraive
Make the journey part of the day with a scenic drive through Argyll to the wee village of Colintraive. Think winding roads, forests, sea lochs and plenty of places where you’ll want to pull over and admire the view.
Your destination is the Colintraive Hotel, an award winning, family run hotel and restaurant overlooking the Kyles of Bute. Settle in for a delicious lunch before taking the scenic route home – a great autumn day out without needing to pull on your walking boots. But if you wanted to, there are lovely walks straight from the front door!
Helesnburgh day out
8. Lunch & shop in Helensburgh
Spend a leisurely morning in Helensburgh, Clydeside's prettiest town, browsing the independent shops (we love the Scandinavian Shop) and taking a stroll along the waterfront before heading to local favourite, The Ginger Breadman for lunch.
Add a good coffee and something sweet afterwards (they also own a bakery) and you have a very easy autumn day out – particularly when you don’t fancy venturing too far into the hills.
The Tower Arts Centre
9. Have a Rainy-Day Cinema Trip
Whilst in Helensburgh head to the recently opened cinema, The Tower Arts Centre, a community run small screen cinema and Arts Centre and catch the latest film or live music performance.
Combine it with lunch, coffee, a wander around the shops or a visit to Hill House, a National Trust favourite. It’s a handy one to keep up your sleeve for a decidedly Scottish weather day!
Incredible Car Journeys
10. Take an Autumn Road Trip Through Argyll
Sometimes the best days are the ones without too much of a plan. Fill a flask, grab your coat and head north from Loch Lomond towards Arrochar and the Rest and Be Thankful, before continuing west into Argyll.
Forests changing colour, misty mountains and quiet sea lochs make autumn a wonderful time to explore these roads. Stop for photographs, take a short walk or simply see where the road takes you.
Autumn in Argyll and Loch Lomond is all about embracing the season – pulling on another layer, getting outside and knowing there’s probably a good pub, café or roaring fire waiting somewhere at the end of the day. Wrap up warm and enjoy it while the colours last.
