What are the best Highland destinations to visit in Scotland during October?

The Scottish Highlands reveal their true character in October as autumn paints the landscape in rich reds and golds. Glen Coe Valley Glen Coe Isle of Skye and the Cairngorms National Park offer excellent opportunities for exploration with fewer tourists than peak season. The Quiraing mountain pass on Skye draws particular praise from travelers for its rugged beauty while the winding roads through Glen Coe provide memorable drives through mist-shrouded valleys. For accommodations the Caledonian Hotel in Portree and Alexandra Hotel in Oban serve as strategic bases for Highland adventures. As one TourRadar traveler noted "being there in early October with the changing colours and no midges was amazing."

What are the best attractions to visit in Scotland during October?

October provides ideal conditions to explore Scotland's most famous sites without summer crowds. Edinburgh Castle Stirling Castle and the Isle of Skye welcome visitors with shorter wait times and clearer views. The season brings exceptional colors to Glencoe and Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. When rain appears indoor venues like Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Scotland's numerous whisky distilleries offer engaging alternatives. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Visiting the Highland capital of Inverness and Loch Ness in October was magical - the fall colors reflecting in the loch created breathtaking photo opportunities and staying at the historic Kingsmills Hotel made the experience even more special."

What type of accommodation is recommended for Scotland in October?

The autumn season calls for warm comfortable lodgings across Scotland. The InterContinental Edinburgh The George and Glasgow's Radisson Blu Hotel offer refined city-center stays while the Highlands' Kingsmills Hotel provides a blend of Scottish tradition and modern amenities. A TourRadar reviewer noted: "The historic Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow was perfect for October - centrally located for exploring the city while providing a warm retreat from autumn weather."

How much should I budget for a Scotland trip in October?

October travel costs in Scotland range from $210-444 per day varying by comfort level and chosen activities. Simple excursions like the 3-Day Isle of Skye tour begin at $280 while extended luxury experiences such as the 14-day Scottish Highlands & Islands tour reach $5699. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "October offered great value - we stayed at the lovely Apex Waterloo Place in Edinburgh while enjoying off-season rates and smaller tour group sizes."

Are there any special events or festivals in Scotland during October?

October brings distinctive Scottish celebrations to life. The Royal National Mòd rotates between Highland locations celebrating Gaelic culture through music and arts. Pitlochry Theatre's Winter Words Festival adds literary flair while distilleries present special autumn programming. Consider stays at the Dalmore Guest House in Inverness or Stornoway's Caberfeidh Hotel for easy festival access. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The October festivals really brought Scottish culture alive especially with all the traditional music events."

Is October a good time for whisky distillery tours in Scotland?

The crisp October air creates perfect conditions for whisky appreciation particularly in Speyside and Islay. Distilleries operate at a relaxed pace with smaller groups allowing for more personal experiences. A TourRadar traveler who visited Islay shared: "Our October tour included visits to Bunnahabhain and Kilchoman distilleries - the autumn atmosphere made the experience even more special and we could take our time with tastings since there were fewer visitors."

Scotland Tours in October 2026

10 best Scotland trips in October 2026

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2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
4.5 (41 traveler reviews)
"Stuart did a great job!"
Nancy, traveled in May
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Doune, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Culloden,Falkland,Culross+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Highland Experience Tours
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US$308per person
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2 Oct, 2026
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9 Oct, 2026
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Ancient Wonders
Skye High
4.7 (677 traveler reviews)
"It was good. It would be more fun having more than 2 people on the tour."
laura, traveled in February
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Fort Augustus, Ben Nevis, Dunkeld, Callander,Glencoe,Fort William,Portree,Isle of Skye,Loch Ness,Forth Bridge+6 more
Age Range
Ages 18-45
Operated in
English
Operator
Haggis Adventures
25% Off
From $495
US$371per person
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3 Oct, 2026
8 spaces left
5 Oct, 2026
8 spaces left
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Orkney & The Far North
5.0 (9 traveler reviews)
"Excellent driver. Saw all and more than brochure said."
Susan, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park,Glencoe,Fort William,Loch Ness,Inverness,Orkney Islands,Kirkwall,Stenness,Skara Brae,Dunrobin,Culloden,Cairngorms National Park,Pitlochry+12 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern Scotland
Operated in
English
Operator
Highland Experience Tours
25% Off
From
US$1,298per person
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1 Oct, 2026
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8 Oct, 2026
7 spaces left
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Scotland
3.4 (11 traveler reviews)
"Interesting material."
Sterling, traveled in October
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Stirling, Pitlochry, Culloden, Inverness,Fort Augustus,Loch Ness,Spean Bridge,Fort William,Inveraray,Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park,Glasgow+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
25% Off
From
US$1,545per person
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2 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
9 Oct, 2026
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$From Glasgow: Highland Experience\'s Scottish Choice Tour$
$From Glasgow: Highland Experience\'s Scottish Choice - 22 destinations$
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From Glasgow: Highland Experience's Scottish Choice
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Luss,Argyll,Inveraray,Kilmartin,Oban,Glencoe,Fort William,Glenfinnan,Mallaig,Isle of Skye,Kilt Rock,Storr Mountains,Portree,Dornie,Loch Ness,Inverness,Cairngorms National Park,Pitlochry+17 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Highland Experience Tours
10% Off
From $1,198
US$1,078per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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5 Oct, 2026
8 spaces left
12 Oct, 2026
8 spaces left
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Best of Scotland
4.5 (5 traveler reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Stirling, Glasgow,Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park,Inveraray,Glencoe,Fort William,Oban,Glenfinnan,Isle of Skye,Aviemore,Loch Ness,Elgin,Aberdeen,Stonehaven,St Andrews+13 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Wingbuddy
10% Off
From
US$2,749per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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6 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
13 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
THE SCOTLAND EXPERIENCE
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Glencoe, Inverness, Isle of Skye, Glasgow
Age Range
Ages 6+
Mountain
Scottish Highlands
Operated in
English
Operator
EUROLATINO Tour Operators
10% Off
From
US$2,463per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Oct, 2026
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City & Culture
5-Day Iona, Mull & the Isle of Skye Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
4.7 (26 traveler reviews)
"The itinerary was very good. The accommodations overall were very good."
Steven, traveled in August
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Stirling,Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park,Inveraray,Argyll,Oban,Isle of Mull,Isle of Iona,Glencoe,Fort William,Ben Nevis,Plockton,Isle of Skye,Elgol,Loch Ness,Dalwhinnie+14 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Isle Of Skye
Operated in
English
Operator
Rabbie's Tours
10% Off
From
US$1,247per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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7 Oct, 2026
6 spaces left
12 Oct, 2026
6 spaces left
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Ancient Wonders
5-Day Outer Hebrides & the Scottish Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
4.8 (9 traveler reviews)
"Good itinerary and great accomodations were very good."
David, traveled in May
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Dunkeld, Aviemore, Ullapool, Stornoway,Isle of Lewis,Isle of Harris,Luskentyre,Carloway,Inverness,Loch Ness,Cairngorms National Park,Braemar,Perth+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Rabbie's Tours
10% Off
From
US$1,324per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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5 Oct, 2026
6 spaces left
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City & Culture
4-Day Outlander Trail Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions
4.8 (35 traveler reviews)
"Each of the four days was full of fun and a few surprises. I highly recommend!"
Steven, traveled in May
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Doune, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park,Glencoe,Fort William,Glenfinnan,Inverness,Drumnadrochit,Culloden,Cairngorms National Park,Aviemore,Perth,Falkland,Culross,Linlithgow+12 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Rabbie's Tours
10% Off
From
US$957per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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2 Oct, 2026
6 spaces left
16 Oct, 2026
6 spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
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City & Culture
5 Day Ultimate Highland Adventure
4.9 (1,025 traveler reviews) award winner
"Beautiful landscapes with the option for light to more strenuous hikes. Great way to submerge, sometimes literally, into what the Highlands have to offer!"
Salem, traveled in October
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Inverness, Loch Ness, Dunkeld, Forth Bridge, Isle of Skye,Torridon,Kyleakin,Portree,Oban,Fort William,Glencoe,Edinburgh,Callander,Bannockburn+9 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
MacBackpackers
10% Off
From
US$508per person
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5 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
12 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness
4.6 (122 traveler reviews) award winner
"Wonderful tour, thoroughly enjoyed."
Cathy, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Stirling, Glencoe, Oban, Fort William,Glenfinnan,Mallaig,Isle of Skye,Portree,Loch Ness,Inverness,Beauly,Culloden,Dunkeld+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Scottish HighlandsIsle Of Skye+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Highland Explorer Tours
20% Off
From $1,199
US$959per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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5 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
12 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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$Orkney & Scotland\'s Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh - 5 Days Tour$
$Orkney & Scotland\'s Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh - 5 Days - 25 destinations$
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City & Culture
Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh - 5 Days
4.3 (3 traveler reviews)
"The days were long and jam-packed with sights. I definitely got full value for my money."
Patricia, traveled in August
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Stirling,Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park,Glencoe,Fort William,Foyers,Dores,Inverness,Dunrobin,John O'Groats,St Margaret's Hope,Kirkwall,Orkney Islands,Stenness,Skara Brae,Stromness,Ullapool,Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve,Culloden,Cairngorms National Park,Dunkeld,Forth Bridge+20 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Click Tours
36% Off
From $2,530
US$1,619per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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4 Oct, 2026
2 spaces left
6 Oct, 2026
8 spaces left
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City & Culture
Highland Fling
4.7 (656 traveler reviews)
"We saw some wonderful sights. Highly recommend!"
Tamryn, traveled in April
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Stirling, Glencoe, Oban, Glenfinnan,Isle of Skye,Dornie,Inverness,Loch Ness,Beauly,Culloden,Dunkeld+7 more
Age Range
Ages 18-45
Operated in
English
Operator
Haggis Adventures
25% Off
From $915
US$686per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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5 Oct, 2026
5 spaces left
12 Oct, 2026
7 spaces left
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City & Culture
3 Day Loch Ness & Skye Magic
4.8 (338 traveler reviews)
"This was an awesome tour! I definitely want to go back to some of the areas we drove through."
Julia, traveled in May
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Dornie, Portree, Kilt Rock, Kyleakin, Laggan, Kingussie,Aviemore,Pitlochry,Edinburgh,Callander,Glencoe,Fort William,Glenfinnan,Invermoriston+8 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
MacBackpackers
15% Off
From $341
US$290per person
Price based on Shared Room
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28 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
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