Recs for Scotland in November

Apart from the potential cold another problem with going to Mull at that time is that Craignure sailings are on a single vessel timetable using the MV Loch Frisa. She is a small vessel so will be quite prone to any storms which blow up.
So you may have to divert via the Corran Ferry and the Lochaline route to Mull.
Likewise Iona, the strait is only narrow, but it gets rough.
Thus you may have to grab any available weather window on any of your three days.
Tobermory should still have places open, but Fionnphort will be very quiet.

At that time of year I might be inclined to stay on the mainland, not on an (any) of the islands.

Is there another part of the country with nature/hiking, but not as far as Skye

Have you thought about Arran?

I second wasley's recommendation for Arran. It's a lovely island with lots of hiking, and very good public transportation, so you wouldn't even need a car (unless you will have one anyway). It's an easy and relatively quick ferry ride from Ardrossan, which you can reach by car or by train, and there is a lot to do on the island. It's smaller than Mull and so it's easier to get around,. You can find two distilleries there, loads of hiking opportunities, a full castle, castle ruins, gorgeous beaches, and lots of history. Hence the nickname, "Scotland in Miniature." I loved my stay there and would definitely go back.

You can find out more about it on https://www.visitarran.com, and more about the hiking at https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/arran

Hi all,

Thank you for this information, it is really helpful! I would love to go to Arran but would we run into the same issue before with the ferries? Can waters get as rough?

If I were to stick to the mainland any suggestions on where to go if we only have a week? We enjoy hiking but really want to get a taste of Scotland and see and experience as much as we can.

Thank you!!

Arran can get cancellations, especially in the winter time.
And in winter there is no diversionary route via Lochranza.
Yes the water can get decidedly lumpy.
At the moment it is actually unclear what main vessel will be on the Arran duty in November, apart from the relief catamaran MV Alfred.
If there are any more big ship breakdowns the Alfred will be the only vessel physically available.
If the weather is on the edge you will leave from Troon, not Ardrossan, as Troon is more sheltered.
But Brodick is too exposed in some weather conditions to be able to safely berth.
You can reasonably expect days of no service to Arran at that time of year.
Hence why I suggested islands weren't the best idea in November. Just being boringly realistic.

As for the mainland the Cairngorms would be great, probably a 50:50 chance of encountering snow.

Further south something like the Southern Uplands Way in Dumfries and Galloway, and across into the Scottish Borders would be a good bet.