Autumn Bucket List for the South of Scotland

Autumn in the South of Scotland is a season like no other—a time when you can wander through landscapes that have inspired some of the country’s greatest writers, walking our trails as the leaves turn to gold. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness spectacular wildlife, indulge in the native loch oysters at the Stranraer Oyster Festival, immerse yourself in the literary delights of the Wigtown Book Festival, or gaze in awe at our incredible Dark Skies. Here’s your bucket list of must-do activities you can only do in this enchanting corner of Scotland.

Tread the paths of our long distance walks

What better way to immerse yourself in the vibrant autumn colors than by lacing up your hiking boots and embarking on one of the South of Scotland’s long-distance walking trails? This year the epic coast-to-coast Southern Upland Way celebrates its 40th birthday – it breaks down into 12 days depending on your hiking prowess and many do a section at a time, returning as time allows to complete the journey.

Or perhaps you’d prefer the breathtaking vistas along the Berwickshire Coastal Path where you can watch the seabirds perched along the cliffs and watch for marine mammals frolicking in the waves below. You should allow four days of steady walking to complete the whole path.

Make a modern day pilgrimage along the Whithorn Way, tracing the path once trodden by the kings and queens of the Stuart dynasty. Or follow St. Cuthbert’s Way from Melrose Abbey to Lindisfarne, or explore the historic Borders Abbeys Way, connecting the magnificent ruins of the four great Borders abbeys. As you walk, watch as the season shifts with seed heads drifting on the breeze and yellowing grasses swaying in the crisp, shortening days.

Explore Ellisland

Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns moved his wife and young family to this rural home on the outskirts of Dumfries in 1788. This pastoral landscape inspired Burns as he built his home and farmed the land. See the path he trod along the River Nith and the inspiration he took from the scenery around him – he wrote Tam O Shanter and Auld Lang Syne while living here. Today Robert Burns’ Ellisland Museum & Farm houses an extensive collection of artefacts, memorabilia and manuscripts. Some of our collective literary heritage was created here making it a must do on a visitor’s list.

Hike up the Merrick

For some the thrill of an ascent while enjoying the outdoor air is everything and if that is you then the region’s highest peak at 843m is the Merrick. From the summit expect stunning views of Ailsa Craig, the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland. Nestled in the Galloway Forest Park, the Merrick is a fairly straight forward ascent but still requires decent stamina and a properly provisioned rucksack.

Before you start, take a quick detour from the car park to see the Bruce’s Stone at the head of Loch Trool. This cairn commerorates Robert the Bruce’s victory over an English cavalry five times the size of his own army in an act of guerilla warfare on the shores of Loch Trool. Then join the path, signed the Merrick Trail.

There are plenty of alternative climbs across the south of Scotland to try if the Merrick sounds too daunting.

Wigtown Book Festival

The Wigtown Book Festival is a remarkable 10-day celebration of the written word is in its 26th year with authors, celebrities, journalists, broadcasters and audiences flocking to Scotland’s National Book Town at the end of September to discuss, debate and delight in all things literary.

From headliners such as this year’s Scottish actor Alan Cumming and novelist Irvine Welsh to first time authors, the festival excels in providing original, stimulating discussions as well as quirky, authentic fringe events to surprise and delight visitors of all ages. Its children’s programme, BigWig, offers fabulous access for children to interact with their favourite authors and to truly fall in love with stories of all types.

Abbotsford adventure

Discover the extraordinary home of legendary Scottish novelist, Sir Walter Scott, which has been welcoming visitors since 1833. Described by him variously as “rambling, whimsical and picturesque”, Abbotsford is at the heart of a landscape of folklore and legend. It began the craze for Scots Baronial architecture and inspired Scott as he became the biggest selling author of his day. From here Scott’s writing transformed how the world saw Scotland and Scotland saw itself. Even if you have been before, the gothic architecture, stunning gardens and interiors packed with artefacts, curios and books galore merit multiple visits.

Stranraer Oyster Festival

This delightful community-led festival celebrates the native oysters growing in nearby Loch Ryan. The Stranraer Oyster Festival has become a huge success with the support of celebrity chef Tony Singh and others. There are chef demos and talks, the annual Shuck Off competition – how fast can a platter of oysters be prepared for eating – a food tent full of local delights, live music and a weekend of celebrations. Situated on the scenic southwest coast of Scotland, the festival offers a multitude of reasons to visit and explore the region.

Spot the South of Scotland’s big five

Safaris in Africa often talk about spotting the big five game animals but here in the South of Scotland we have some unique wildlife too. Head to WWT Caerlaverock, one of the UK’s best wildlife watching sites to see the entire population of Svalbard barnacle geese which migrate to the Solway to make their winter home here. The site offers amazing views of thousands of geese from a variety of hides, towers and observatories.  

Golden eagles are thriving over the hilly terrain surround Moffat following a reintroduction programme, over the past four years. The town celebrates their success each September with a Golden Eagle festival weekend.

The red squirrel certainly gets cuteness points in the animal spotting stakes. Tread quietly on your woodland walks and you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse. Or join a tour with Go Wild Scotland and explore the habitats where the squirrels thrive.

As you make your way through our rolling hills and countryside, keep your eyes peeled for a Belted Galloway cow, so named for the black ‘belt’ around its middle.

Finally the grey seal inhabits the waters around the South of Scotland. See them basking on the rocks from a clifftop walk, or if you are out in kayak you may chance upon them lazily paddling near shore. For an informed chance of their known favourite places however head out of the harbour with St Abbs Charters or Eyemouth Rib Trips.

Stargaze in our incredible dark skies

As the days begin to shorten, and the skies darken early, it is the perfect time to look upwards at our wonderfully dark skies. The UK’s first Dark Sky Park, Galloway International Dark Sky Park and Europe’s first Dark Sky town, Moffat make ideal starting points. As does the superb Dark Space Planetarium in Kirkcudbright.  

You don’t have to restrict yourself to these areas though as there are plenty of rural self-catering properties boasting superb dark sky views across the whole of the South of Scotland. And don’t think it needs to be chilly as many offer the chance of star spotting from the relaxing bubbles of your hot tub! Try Stouslie Snugs, Singdean, Sea View Snugs to name a few. Other accommodations offer sheltered viewing platforms with cosy blankets, hot water bottles and star guides such as The Green House near Selkirk.   

On a clear night you may experience up to 7,000 stars – a far cry from the 100 you can see from most UK towns and cities. Check out our star gazing guides and itineraries

The autumn skies offer some exciting events including excellent viewing of planets Saturn and Neptune during September, the Orionid meteor showers in the second half of October and the Taurids shooting stars during November.