Ease into Autumn with Life in Chapelton

With the trees turning auburn and the nights becoming cooler, autumn is well and truly here.  Autumn is a beautiful season and the perfect time to explore the outdoors, warm up beside the fire and sip on hot chocolate.

Chapelton, a fast-growing community south of Aberdeen, is the ideal base to start your very own autumn adventure. Here, the local community outlines its top five things to see and do in and around the town and make the most of the season.

Explore the Chapelton Trail

The excellent range of flora and fauna on offer around Chapelton draws wildlife enthusiasts to the area. As the first of several planned footpaths to be realised in Chapelton, this popular walk starts and ends at Hume Square. It takes in many local landmarks, including the picturesque Dubbis Stile, Elsick Burn and Causey Mounth, along its 2.4 mile length.

Walkers should allow approximately one hour to complete the walk, and be sure to wear wellies at this time of year, as well as a warm jacket in case the weather changes. Take in the area’s diverse array of tree species and the grandeur of the imposing beech hedge on the East Drive.

Pamper yourself at The Lounge in Chapelton

There is no better way to relax into the new season than with a soothing spa treatment. The Lounge, Chapelton’s very own hair and beauty salon, offers a full suite of health and wellbeing options including therapeutic and maintenance treatments for both men and women.

The company’s expertly-trained staff will help you feel at home, away from the blustery weather outside. For more information, visit www.theloungeatchapelton.com

Unwind in the comfort of Teacake

Teacake, with views across Hume Square, is the perfect cosy setting to enjoy autumn at Chapelton. The team prides itself on providing fresh treats, prepared daily, using ingredients from local suppliers. The outlet’s menu varies by season, but cosy cups of tea and coffee and an array of delicious cakes, soups and sandwiches are very much the order of the day.

This family-run café is very much the hub of the community. No bookings are necessary, but to learn more about the café see their Facebook page.

Admire the coastline of Stonehaven Beach

The pretty coastal town of neighbouring Stonehaven is popular all year round due to its rugged coastline and array of local shops and eateries. The beach itself is just over one kilometre in length, and enjoys a popular boardwalk for walkers, joggers and pet owners to enjoy. Here you can see the River Carron’s majestic confluence with the North Sea, and take in the jagged cliffs which make up this historic part of Kincardineshire.

The walk along the beach is best enjoyed by heading north. Once you’ve completed the walk, you’ll come across The Bay – a multi award-winning fish and chip shop or Aunty Bettys next door if a coffee and a sweet treat is more your thing.

Taste the freshest fruit at Castleton Fruit Farm

Just a twenty minute car journey for residents travelling from Chapelton, Castleton Fruit Farm grows strawberries, cherries, raspberries and blueberries for household brands, such as Marks & Spencer and Tesco as well as supplying a plethora of local businesses Scotland-wide. It’s home to a popular farm shop and café in the small community of Fordoun, which is open seven days a week.

Castleton’s locally-famous Strawberry Tart Jelly is a great topping for your home bakes as it consists entirely of locally-grown strawberries, with no added artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. There’s even a Click and Collect service from which you can order a great range of gift hampers, frozen fruit and platters. To find out more, visit www.castletonfruit.co.uk.

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