Leaf-peepers – that’s the name given to those who love getting out into the countryside to admire the rich autumnal colours of the changing leaves – have welcomed the autumnal months with open arms and walking boots on as they savour the crisp crunch of autumn leaves under foot.
September, October and November is prime leaf-peeping season and Scotland’s lush forests offer plenty of opportunity to get out and about.
National and local parks, gardens, castle grounds, lochs and hills make great spots for seeing the season’s best autumnal displays and there are lots of events taking place across Scotland to celebrate leaf-peeping, including guided walks, nature festivals and celebrations of all things autumn.
Here are some of the best places for leaf-peeping:
PERTHSHIRE
Perthshire, known as Big Tree Country, more than lives up to its reputation in autumn by providing beautiful seasonal vistas.
The golden tree-lined avenue of Lady Mary’s Walk near Crieff is perfect for an afternoon stroll. At the historic Soldier’s Leap Bridge at the Pass of Killiecrankie, visitors are rewarded with dramatic views over the wooded gorge.
Perthshire is also home to some world-class trees and hedges, including the tallest hedge in the world – The Meikleour Beech Hedge, near Blairgowrie, the oldest living thing in Europe – Fortingall Yew, thought to be over 3,000 years old, near Aberfeldy, an ancient oak at Birnam, thought to be the last survivor of the wood made famous in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and one of the tallest trees in Britain – a stately Douglas Fir at the Hermitage, near Dunkeld.
AVICH FALLS, DAVALICH FOREST, ARGYLL AND BUTE
This dainty pocket of waterfalls in woodland by Loch Avich is well worth a visit, especially when the leaves start to turn a vivid gold and the scene takes on a magical quality. The circular walk to see them is worth the effort, especially following rainfall when the water becomes a powerful torrent.
LOCH IUBHAIR, LOCH LOMOND AND THE TROSSACHS
Just north of Crianlarich on the A85, the calm waters of Loch Iubhair on the River Dochart reflect the yellows and oranges of the turning trees. Visit at sunset on a clear day to see the hues intensify and the water reflect the dramatic surrounding scenery.
ROCKS OF SOLITUDE, ANGUS
For a walk in the crisp autumn air, head for the Victorian village of Edzell, in Angus. Follow the circular woodland walk along the River North Esk to the grand Gannochy Bridge and through the surrounding countryside to see the vibrant red and gold foliage that flanks the riverside pathways.
GLEN AFFRIC, THE HIGHLANDS
Around 15 miles from Loch Ness, Glen Affric is home to the largest pocket of ancient Caledonian pinewood forest in Scotland.
The glen displays rich shades in autumn, thanks to the yellows and reds of the striking silver birch, the soft round leaves of the alder, and the red leaves and berries of the rowan.
Whether climbing one of the Munros or strolling by Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin, visitors should also keep an eye out for local wildlife, including red squirrels and roe deer.