Winter cosiness at Gareloch Cottage...

It's cold outside but the view is worth it!

As the summer days shorten and Autumn approaches, why not treat yourself to a pre-Christmas getaway at Gareloch Cottage?

It's one of our favourite seasons in Scotland - there's something very special about staying during the quieter, more reflective season. The air is crisp, the crowds have died down and if you're a keen photographer it's the perfect time to capture stunning scenery.

Imagine waking up to misty mornings at Gareloch Cottage, preparing the first coffee of the day and watching the sun rise from the terrace. Afterwards, enjoying a brisk walk on the shores of Gareloch whilst the tide is out, taking in the beautiful backdrop of the mountains.

The mountains across Gareloch - taken from the terrace

If you're keen to explore, we've put together a list of suggestions to help you get started.

The Trossachs

Enjoy a scenic cruise on Loch Katrine this autumn—boats run throughout the season, offering fantastic views of the surrounding landscape. The area is full of vibrant autumn colour, especially around nearby spots like Loch Achray.

Ardgartan & Argyll Forest

Explore Argyll Forest Park for some of the best autumn scenery in the region. Highlights include Glenbranter, Puck’s Glen, and Ardgartan—perfect for walks among colourful woodlands and dramatic glens.

Above: the stunning Autumn scenery at Argyll Forest Park

Cowal Peninsula

Away from the beaten track you can explore the stunning Cowal Peninsula. It's the perfect time to visit Benmore Botanic Garden, where seasonal colours bring the historic grounds to life, all set against a backdrop of dramatic Highland scenery.

Book a Whisky or Beer Tour

Scotch whisky has a rich and fascinating history, dating back to the 11th century. Its Gaelic name, uisge beatha, means "water of life"—a fitting title for a drink now enjoyed around the world.

Around Loch Lomond, there's a number of local distilleries and breweries producing a wide range of styles and flavours. Many offer tours and tastings, giving you the chance to sample their craft and learn how these iconic drinks are made.

Whisky Distilleries near Loch Lomond include Glengoyne Distillery which sits on the outskirts of the nearby village of Killearn. Loch Lomond Whisky dates back to 1814 at the original distillery site in Tarbet. Now situated near Alexandria, Loch Lomond Distillery produces both malt and grain Scotch whisky. It uses a unique set-up of three sets of stills.

If you're more of a beer and ale lover then Loch Lomond Brewery is worth a visit. This family-run microbrewery situated in Alexandria uses malts and a diverse range of hops from across the world. Then combines them with exceptional water, fresh from Glen Finglas in the foothills of the western shores of Loch Lomond, to create award-winning beers.

Our Autumn / Winter Calendar is open for bookings so head over and check latest availability:

https://www.garelochcottage.co.uk/book-a-room