Autumn Looks Good From Here
There are few better times to explore Callander and The Trossachs than autumn.
As the season changes, the forests surrounding the town turn shades of gold, copper and red, waterfalls gather pace after the autumn rain and the lochs reflect the changing colours of the hillsides around them.
Stay at Callander Woods Holiday Park and much of it is right on your doorstep. You can set off on a walk from Callander, take a drive through some of the National Park’s most spectacular scenery or spend the day exploring its forests and lochs.
And with wildlife, whisky and a weekend of live music to add to the mix, there are plenty of reasons to plan an autumn break.
Here are ten of our favourite things to do in and around Callander this autumn.
1. Take an Autumn Drive over The Duke’s Pass
Sometimes the journey really is part of the day out.
From Callander, head towards Kilmahog and follow the A821 through Brig o’ Turk and over The Duke’s Pass towards Aberfoyle.
The twisting road takes you through the heart of The Trossachs, passing lochs, forest-covered hills and viewpoints along the way. In autumn, when the woodland begins to change colour, it becomes one of the most beautiful drives in the area.
Take your time, stop when somewhere catches your eye and make the day about the journey rather than simply getting from A to B.
If you’re staying during September, you can also detour onto the Three Lochs Forest Drive. This seven-mile route takes you past Lochan Reòidhte, Loch Drunkie and Loch Achray, with picnic spots and opportunities to watch for wildlife along the way. Just bear in mind that the drive closes to public vehicles from 1 October, although walkers and cyclists can continue to use it.
2. See the Autumn Colours from Loch Katrine
There’s something particularly special about seeing the Trossachs in autumn from the water.
At Loch Katrine, step aboard the historic Steamship Sir Walter Scott or one of the loch’s other cruise boats and watch the forests, hills and mountains pass by.
Cruises range from shorter sightseeing trips to longer sailings across the loch, and the Steamship Sir Walter Scott is scheduled to sail daily until late October alongside Lady of the Lake and Rob Roy III.
You don’t necessarily have to take the car either. The Trossachs Explorer bus now runs year-round, linking Callander with Brig o’ Turk, Aberfoyle and Trossachs Pier at Loch Katrine, making it an easy way to enjoy a cruise while leaving the driving behind.
Wrap up warm, find a good spot on deck and enjoy some of the best autumn views in The Trossachs.
3. Discover Bracklinn Falls & Callander Crags
Some of Callander’s best autumn scenery can be found without travelling far from the town.
Head first towards Bracklinn Falls, where the Keltie Water tumbles through a dramatic rocky gorge surrounded by woodland. Follow the path to the bridge above the falls and stop to watch the water rushing through the rocks below. After a spell of autumn rain, the falls can be particularly impressive. The full Bracklinn Falls Circuit is around 3½ miles, but you can also simply walk to the falls and back.
For views from a little higher up, Callander Crags rise directly behind the town. The route climbs first through woodland before reaching the crag tops and a cairn at 343 metres, with views across Callander and the surrounding countryside. The National Park even suggests combining the Crags with a visit to nearby Bracklinn Falls.
Choose one for a shorter outing or make time for both during your stay – they’re two very different ways to enjoy autumn right on Callander’s doorstep.
4. Explore Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
For a real taste of autumn in The Trossachs, head over The Duke’s Pass to Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.
At its heart is The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre, surrounded by the vast Achray Forest and a great starting point for exploring on foot.
Enjoy panoramic views across the forest before choosing from the trails through the trees. One of the gentler walks leads to a waterfall and passes the life-sized Lumberjills monument, commemorating the women of the Women’s Timber Corps who worked in Scotland’s forests during the Second World War. More strenuous routes lead through tall woodland towards rocky crags.
Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, then head back to The Lodge for a coffee and another chance to enjoy the view across a forest that looks particularly impressive once the autumn colours arrive.
5. See the Forest from Above at Go Ape Aberfoyle
If walking through the autumn forest isn’t quite exciting enough, how about flying above it instead?
Also within Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, just uphill from The Lodge, Go Ape Aberfoyle takes you high into the tree canopy with aerial obstacles and some seriously impressive zip wires.
Its Treetop Challenge starts with a 323-metre cross-valley zip before finishing with a 426-metre zip wire around 45 metres above the ground.
Make your way through the trees before launching yourself across the forest, with waterfalls, streams and autumn woodland far below.
It’s a very different way to experience The Trossachs – and when the forest is turning shades of gold and copper, the views from above are pretty special too.
6. Enjoy a Weekend of Jazz & Blues in Callander
Autumn in Callander comes with its own soundtrack.
The Callander Jazz & Blues Festival returns from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October 2026, bringing live music to venues throughout the town.
Spend the day exploring the autumn scenery before heading into Callander for an evening of good food and live music.
Why not start your evening with a delicious meal at Greg’s Bistro before enjoying some free live entertainment in the Dalgair House Hotel Back Bar?
And if you’re staying at Callander Woods Holiday Park, there’s no need to worry about taking the car – the Dalgair House Hotel also offers a taxi service for guests staying at the park.
It’s a great way to enjoy a completely different side of Callander during an autumn break.
7. Watch the Red Kites at Argaty
For a memorable wildlife experience, take the short drive towards Doune and visit Argaty Red Kites.
Argaty’s daily feeding experiences give visitors the chance to watch these impressive birds gathering overhead before swooping down towards the feeding area, while learning about their reintroduction and recovery in Scotland.
Autumn is actually one of the best times to visit. Argaty says the greatest numbers of red kites tend to be seen during autumn and winter, when natural food becomes scarcer.
Don’t forget to look around you too. Argaty is a working farm managed with wildlife in mind, so the red kites aren’t necessarily the only residents you might see.
8. Take a Drive into Rob Roy Country
Head north from Callander towards Balquhidder and you’ll soon understand why this part of Scotland has inspired so many stories.
The glens become quieter, the hills draw closer and, in autumn, the journey is filled with colour.
At Balquhidder Kirkyard you can visit the grave of Rob Roy MacGregor, who lived and died in the area around Loch Voil and is buried alongside his wife and two sons.
But don’t make the grave your only reason for going. Take some time to explore the glen, enjoy the scenery and make the journey itself part of the day.
It’s a quieter side of The Trossachs and one that feels particularly special once the summer crowds begin to disappear.
9. Slow Down and Enjoy Callander Itself
Not every day needs a long drive or a big walk.
Callander itself is well worth giving some time to, particularly when the wooded hills surrounding the town begin to change colour.
Wander through the town, browse the independent shops, stop for coffee or lunch and make your way towards the River Teith for an easy waterside stroll.
It’s also one of the pleasures of staying at Callander Woods Holiday Park – you can leave the car behind and simply head into town when the mood takes you.
Sometimes an autumn afternoon doesn’t need any more planning than that.
10. Take a Tour of Deanston Distillery
Not every autumn day has to be spent outdoors.
Just outside Doune, Deanston Distillery is housed in a former cotton mill on the banks of the River Teith and makes a great option when you fancy swapping walking boots for a whisky glass.
Take a tour behind the scenes to discover how Deanston single malt is made before finishing with a tasting. Tours and whisky experiences operate from the distillery visitor centre, and there’s also the Coffee Bothy if you fancy stopping for something to eat or drink.
There’s an extra reason to visit this year too. 2026 marks 60 years since the former Adelphi Cotton Mill was transformed into Deanston Distillery in 1966.
It adds a very different experience to an autumn stay in Callander – and a useful option to keep in mind when the Scottish weather has other ideas.
