A Perfect Autumn Escape: Scottish Road Trip Part One

Some days feel like they’re just meant to be spent on the road. A few weeks ago, we spotted one of those rare Scottish weather forecasts that promised clear skies, crisp air, and golden sunlight. In autumn. That kind of gift doesn’t come along often, so we didn’t hesitate. Time off was booked, the car was loaded, snacks were acquired, and off we went.

This wasn’t about ticking things off a list. It was about chasing that fleeting kind of beauty that only autumn brings to Scotland. We weren’t on a strict schedule. We just wanted to revisit some of our favourite places, make new memories, and let the road take us wherever felt right.

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Scotland Autumn Road Trip Part 1 | Loch Lomond, Falls of Falloch & Tyndrum Hidden Gems

Loch Lomond and a Side of Nostalgia

Our first proper stop was Loch Lomond, a place that holds a special kind of magic for us. Steve came here regularly as a kid, and he reckons this is where he first fell in love with Scotland. One minute you’re crawling through traffic on the outskirts of Glasgow, and the next you’re staring out at glassy water with Ben Lomond towering in the distance. It never gets old.

Back then, Duck Bay Marina was nothing more than a tired little wooden hut selling instant coffee in plastic cups. These days, it’s a polished, modern café and restaurant with massive windows and a prime view of the loch. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs, grab a bite, and soak it all in.

We tucked into breakfast rolls and watched the early light glimmer on the water. It was one of those peaceful starts where everything just feels... right.

A Quick Detour to the Falls of Falloch

Not far up the road is one of our favourite wee stops, the Falls of Falloch. It’s a short stroll from the car park and never fails to impress. The waterfall was in full flow, crashing down into the plunge pool below while the trees around it practically glowed with autumn colour.

We’ve seen this spot in all seasons, but something about the way the leaves burn gold against the dark water in autumn just hits different. It’s a small place, but one of those stops that stays with you long after you leave.

Tyndrum for Coffee, Cake and a Lot of Memories

Rolling into Tyndrum always feels a bit like coming home. The Real Food Café has become a familiar pit stop over the years, and we’ve never managed to drive past without popping in. This time was no different. We were in need of caffeine and maybe something sweet.

The café is known for its fish and chips, but the coffee is solid too, and they’ve got a real community spirit. They often run litter-picking events and raise money for local causes, which makes it even easier to support them. Plus, let’s be honest, it’s a great place to regroup, warm up, and get back on track.

Just down the road is Tyndrum Holiday Park. We used to stay there back when it was called Pine Trees, and we’ve spent many cosy nights in their little glamping pods. We’d walk straight out onto the West Highland Way, rain or shine, and return soaked but happy.

Stretching Our Legs on the West Highland Way

This time, we took a gentle stroll along a section of the West Highland Way. It’s Scotland’s most iconic long-distance walking route, winding all the way from Milngavie to Fort William. We’ve always talked about doing the full thing. One day, we will. In fact, we had it all planned out with our friends Dave and Lenny, who you might recognise from our Iceland vlog, but the pandemic got in the way.

Even walking a small section of it brings back that feeling of adventure. The air was fresh, the ground was crunchy with leaves, and the landscape had that moody kind of beauty that makes you want to stay out all day. We passed by the glamping pods, reminisced about old stays, and chatted about finally committing to the full trail.

The Lochan of the Lost Sword

Eventually, the path led us to a lochan that’s as full of legend as it is water. According to the story, Robert the Bruce threw his sword into this loch after a brutal defeat, choosing to abandon it rather than let it fall into enemy hands.

Whether the tale is true or not doesn’t really matter. Standing there, with the quiet surface of the loch mirroring the sky, it’s easy to believe in legends. Places like this seem to carry the weight of stories. It’s calm, still, and ever so slightly eerie in the best possible way.

Final Fuel Stop at the Green Welly

Before heading out, we made one last stop at the famous Green Welly. It’s a classic Highland road trip landmark, part souvenir shop, part service station, and full of unexpected essentials. Right next door there’s a small Keystore where we grabbed sandwiches and drinks for the road. Nothing fancy, just exactly what we needed before the next leg of the journey.

That’s a Wrap on Part One

And that’s where this part of the adventure wraps up leaving Tyndrum behind as the road opens up ahead. We had sunshine, waterfalls, history, and just enough caffeine to keep us going. It was one of those days that felt timeless in the best way.

In the next post, we’ll be heading deeper into the Highlands, chasing more autumn magic and stopping at a few more hidden gems. Expect scenic views, hearty food, and plenty more Scottish charm.

Thanks for riding along. See you in part two.