Enjoy the Highlands as the crowds fade and the colours begin to glow
September is one of the best-kept secrets of the Cairngorms. The summer hustle quiets down, the midges are gone, and the golden colours of autumn begin to edge in. If you’re after peaceful walks, incredible wildlife, and crisp Highland air, this is your moment.
Here’s why we love September in the Cairngorms – and why Fraoch Lodge is the perfect place to stay.
1. Walk in Peace and Colour
The hills are quieter, the trails feel wilder, and the birch forests begin to glow with gold and bronze. The light is softer, the air is clear, and there’s still plenty of warmth in the sun for long days outdoors. It’s also prime time for our guided walking weeks, with comfortable daytime temperatures and incredible photo opportunities.
2. Autumn Wildlife Arrives
This is the start of the red deer rutting season – a truly dramatic natural spectacle. You might hear the stags roaring across the glens or even spot a clash of antlers from a safe distance. Ospreys begin to migrate south, and the skies fill with birds heading for warmer shores. With fewer people on the trails, wildlife feels closer.
3. It’s a Photographer’s Dream
From misty mornings and golden light to mirror-still lochs and purple moorland, September is rich in colour and atmosphere. Even a short walk around the village offers stunning photography opportunities – and for the keen shutterbug, we’re happy to recommend the best hidden spots.
4. A Calmer Kind of Escape
If you’ve been meaning to take a break but wanted to skip the summer crowds, September is ideal. It’s quieter in the national park, and accommodation, cafés, and attractions feel more spacious and relaxed.
At Fraoch Lodge, that means even more time to chat over dinner, linger with a cuppa by the fire, or enjoy a walk right from our doorstep.
5. Our Food Turns Comforting (and Delicious)
As the nights draw in, our menus turn slightly heartier. Expect warming soups, seasonal veg, orchard fruits, and homemade comfort food after a day outside. If you’re joining one of our walking weeks, everything is taken care of – all you need to do is lace up your boots.
6. The last Highland Games of the season – the Braemar Gathering
This is possibly the most famous games of all time as the Queen used to attend regularly. We often have guests stay with us for the games as even though we are a little more distant (90 minutes drive), there aren’t a lot of accommodation options around Braemar itself.
Other Event and activity options:
The deer rut starts in September. Visit the glens and listen to the deer roar.
Highland Wilderness Glamping adventures return
📅 Check availability or send us a message to reserve your space at Fraoch Lodge.
Come for the colours – stay for the calm.