I’ll never forget the drive up to Aviemore last autumn – the leaves were turning that perfect coppery gold, carpeting the roadsides like nature’s own welcome mat. We’d set off from Edinburgh full of beans, dreaming of crisp Highland air and cosy nights in, but about halfway, disaster struck: a cheeky roe deer darted out right in front of us on the A9. Heart in my mouth, I slammed on the brakes, and we skidded to a halt with inches to spare. No harm done, thank goodness, but it was a proper wake-up call. “Welcome to the wild Highlands,” I laughed nervously to my other half as we carried on, the sun dipping low and painting the hills in that magical amber glow that only September delivers.

By the time we pulled up to our holiday lodge just outside Grantown-on-Spey, nestled at the northern edge of the Cairngorm National Park, I was buzzing with anticipation. Would it live up to the photos? One glimpse and we were smitten – this stylish, modern lodge with its big windows framing the fiery foliage was spot on for the season. Stepping inside felt like slipping into a warm hug; the open-plan space was perfect for us two, with everything you’d need for a proper autumn getaway.

That first afternoon, we couldn’t resist a wander around the nearby woods. The air was that bracing chill that nips at your cheeks but doesn’t bite, and the forest floor crunched underfoot with fallen leaves. We brewed a pot of tea and sat on the deck, watching squirrels scamper about, hoarding nuts like tiny fuzzy bankers. It was pure poetry – no crowds, just us and the rustling symphony of autumn.

The season really shaped our days. Mornings started misty, with dew sparkling on spiderwebs like fairy jewels, urging us out for hikes along the Spey Valley paths. One day we headed to Craggan Outdoors, just 14 miles away in Aviemore – perfect timing in autumn when the adrenaline activities feel extra thrilling against the cooler backdrop. I gave archery a go, channelling my inner Robin Hood, though my arrows veered more towards the picnic benches. Hilarious, really – I’m no sharpshooter, but laughing through the misses with the instructors made it all the better. We skipped the wetter stuff like gorge walking; with the rivers swelling from early rains, it felt wiser to save that for summer.

Evenings were for unwinding by the fire (or pretending with the wood-burner), tucking into hearty stews made from local Speyside produce. One jaunt took us to Loch Garten, close by, where the osier beds glowed russet and we spotted red squirrels – a seasonal treat before they hunker down for winter. It got me reflecting, sat there with a dram from a nearby distillery like Tomintoul (just 16 miles off), how these shorter days coax you into slowing down. No rushing about; instead, proper quality time, wrapped in that golden light that fades too soon.

A week flew by, but it was the autumn magic – the colours, the crispness, the quiet wildness – that made our lodge stay unforgettable. If you’re chasing that cosy Highland vibe, time it for the fall. You won’t regret it.