AUTUMN CONKERS ALL

There’s that thing in the air. That thing. That thing that goes with the first falling leaf, the slight chill in the air and the bright shiny new shoes worn by schoolchildren on the pavements starting the new school year. That thing fills the brain with an equal measure of dread and delight. The end of summer. And the start of a new school year.

A bittersweet time which feels ever more so this year. Summer came along and saved us just at the point when we were more than tetchy with homeschooling and stress. Paddleboarding, biking, swimming in lakes in your bubble was joyful. Things were ok. And now it’s over.

And yet, I have always loved the rituals associated with Autumn. New shoes, sharpened pencils and as the evenings draw in earlier, the countdown to bonfire night, cosy nights in and the promise of Christmas.

With that in mind, and whilst we bid farewell to summer, why not consider an immersive escape to Scotland? Just in time for the autumnal foliage or to celebrate the holidays ahead. There are some luxurious properties perfect to hide away and reconnect with those who matter most, while visiting castles steeped in history perched on pristine lochs and jagged mountainscapes.

Experiences

For a taste of adventure and getting off the beaten path, Scotland has incredible opportunities out at sea: whether exploring the coastline by sea kayak or yacht, mastering the art of fishing with an expert ghillie or making the most of the pristine and undisturbed coastline.

On land you can enjoy foraging for fresh ingredients with a head chef, trekking or cycling through beautiful countryside.

Family Fun at Gleneagles

True to its name as the “Glorious Playground,” Gleneagles is a quintessential British statement inspired by roaring 20’s heritage, to keep families and couples entertained from the moment they set foot in this luxurious country estate. A lush ecosystem surrounds three championship golf courses and equestrian stables, with options to fly Harris hawks, train gun-dogs, partake in shooting and off-road driving. During half-term the Little Glen & Den programme has a plethora of experiences teaching your tiny humans a love for the outdoors.

Hebridean Sea Safari and Genapp Castle

Glenapp Castle has a wonderful secret for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure: the Glenapp boat whisks you away on a Hebridean Sea Safari, offering a glimpse of coastal castles, stunning uninhabited islands, magnificent sea and birdlife, a fresh seafood lunch, and luxury glamping at a remote beach to really get away from it all. With your own private chef, dining under the stars whilst warmed by a dram against the sound of waves will surely titillate the senses! Compliment this with nights at their hidden estate in Ayrshire, whose ornate interiors and magical forests and gardens will urge you to return and call it your home.

Inverlochy Castle

Set in a 19th century abode, Inverlochy Castle is tucked in a discreet valley of the Scottish Highlands, where the falls of Glen Nevis, sparkling blue loch and mountains of Glencoe will speak to your soul. Indulge in their renowned restaurant which is an exceptional experience in itself, with Albert and Michel Roux Jr. displaying their culinary mastery as they feature modern British cuisine with French influences. The Gate Lodge offers the ultimate privacy for your family retreat, choosing from activities such as wildlife & photography tours, whitewater rafting, clay pigeon shooting, off-road driving or skiing at Nevis' range during the winter.