Autumn is a beautiful time of year to take a holiday in Scotland. The landscapes are ablaze with a riot of glorious autumnal colours from red, orange and bronze through to yellows and gold.
The Autumn colours start in mid-September, when the sycamores and maples begin to change colour and continue right through till late October (and sometimes even November) when the oaks take on their autumn glory.
The low sunlight at this time of year makes autumn the ideal time to get out and explore Scotland’s woods and forests. Especially with a camera in hand.
In autumn, the wildlife is thriving with activity, too. Hear the roaring of the red deer stags as they gather in sheltered glens for the annual rut, to compete for the females, is quite a sight and sound to experience.
Is it any wonder Lonely Planet voted Scotland as one of the best places to visit in Autumn?
Here are our suggestions for seeing the best autumn colour from our holiday parks:
Blairgowrie, Faskally & Corriefodly
Located in the heart of Perthshire, often known as Big Tree Country, Blairgowrie, Corriefodly, and Faskally Woods are perfectly placed for experiencing some of Scotland’s best autumn colour. With beautiful woodland walks, scenic rivers, and forests filled with towering Douglas firs, Perthshire becomes a spectacular patchwork of gold, red, and bronze during the autumn months. Here are just a few of our favourite places to explore nearby.
Killiecrankie and Garry Bridge
Perthshire is known as Big Tree Country, and The Pass of Killiecrankie, within easy walking distance from Faskally Woods Holiday Park, is by far the best place to see autumn colour. In fact, Killiecrankie is one of the best places in Scotland for seeing Autumn colour. You can park and walk down to Garry Bridge, a green footbridge over the River Garry, where there is a network of paths that will take you to the Killiecrankie Visitor Centre and Soldier’s Leap.
The Hermitage, Dunkeld
Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. This stretch of magical Perthshire forest is beautiful in Autumn. Giant Douglas firs tower over you as you take the path alongside the Braan to the roaring Black Linn waterfall. Ossian’s Hall is a magical folly overlooking the waterfall and is an ideal vantage point for spotting leaping Atlantic salmon. This is a great walk for young children with a cave to play in and squirrels to spot on the way to the waterfall.
The Queen’s View, Pitlochry
Overlooking Loch Tummel, Queen’s View is a viewpoint made famous when Queen Victoria picnicked there in 1866. As well as a stunning viewpoint overlooking the loch and beyond to the iconic Schiehallion mountain, the surrounding Tay Forest Park offers a range of woodland walks suitable for all abilities. There is a café and shop at the visitor centre.
Faskally Wood
This woodland, just a short walk from Faskally Woods Holiday Park, was originally a training ground for young foresters working for the Forestry Commission. Within Faskally Forest and close to the car park and picnic site, lies the wonderfully tranquil Loch Dunmore, with its boathouse and picturesque timber footbridge. The reflection of the autumn colours in the loch makes a great photo opportunity.
Deeside
Situated on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, Deeside Holiday Park is perfectly placed for exploring some of Scotland’s most breathtaking autumn scenery. From ancient pine forests and peaceful lochs to dramatic mountain landscapes and royal estates, the area transforms into a stunning mix of rich autumn colour. Here are just a few of our favourite places to explore nearby.
Falls of Feugh
A favourite autumn stop on Royal Deeside, the Falls of Feugh is especially scenic as the leaves begin to turn and the river runs fast beneath the bridge. It is an easy and rewarding place for a gentle walk, with woodland views, rushing water, and the chance to spot salmon leaping upstream in the autumn months.
Loch Muick
Explore the much-loved Loch Muick on the Balmoral Estate. A walk here provides good views of the surrounding hills with the yellow bracken and purple heather. Keep your eyes peeled for stags rutting during the mating season.
Crathes Castle
For an autumn adventure full of history, take a trip to Crathes Castle. As you walk through the fiery foliage, you’ll be enchanted by the majestic setting and the walled garden.
Deeside Way
The old Deeside railway line that runs between Duthie Park in Aberdeen right out to Ballater alongside the River Dee is ideal for a family walk or cycle at any time of year, but is particularly beautiful in Autumn. You can join the Deeside Way at Peterculter and then choose your direction.
Deeside Road Trip
A drive along the A93 through Banchory, Ballater, and on to Crathie and then Braemar during Autumn is quite beautiful with the yellow of the silver birch amongst the Caledonian pines. A stop off at Linn o’ Dee just beyond Braemar offer some stunning photo opportunities of the river rushing between the rocks.
Lomond Wood & Callander Woods
Located within and on the edge of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Callander Woods and Lomond Woods are perfectly placed for exploring some of Scotland’s most spectacular autumn scenery. With waterfalls, scenic trails, more than twenty lochs, and some of Europe’s darkest skies, this National Park offers an incredible variety of landscapes to explore. Here are just a few of our favourite places to discover nearby.
View From The Loch
Viewing the autumn colours reflected in the waters of the loch from a boat is hard to beat. The Steamship Sir Walter Scott and Lady of the Lake offer cruises on Loch Katrine during the autumn season, and Sweeney’s Cruises or Cruise Loch Lomond are ideal for exploring Loch Lomond from the water.
The Loch Ard Sculpture Trail
Enjoy a family-friendly experience on the Loch Ard Sculpture Trails, near Aberfoyle, and discover wildlife as well as fascinating sculptures. There are 16 miles of forest trails along the loch, perfect for walking or cycling and taking in the view. The tranquil loch shore is lined with trees such as Norway spruce, birch and rowan, the colours of which are reflected beautifully in the glassy loch.
Falls of Falloch
You can head north from Inverarnan to the atmospheric Falls of Falloch and beyond to see the area’s Scots pines. Autumn is a great time to visit the Falls, as this popular beauty spot can get very busy during the summer months.
Conic Hill
If you aspire to walk Ben Lomond but are short on time or have children in tow, Conic Hill above Balmaha is a great option. This short hill walk (45 min ascent) offers truly fantastic views over Loch Lomond and its many islands, especially on sunny Autumn days.
Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
This 50,000-acre forest park stretches from the east shore of Loch Lomond to the rugged terrain of Strathyre and encompasses mountain and moorland, forest and woodland, rivers and lochs. The park is also home to Britain’s largest off-road cycle network, ideal for families and mixed abilities wanting to get out and explore the forest in Autumn.
