Autumn Looks Good From Here
There are few places that do autumn quite like Perthshire. As the leaves begin to turn, the forests and glens are transformed with shades of gold, copper and red, while the shorter days bring crisp mornings, tumbling waterfalls and plenty of reasons to pull on your walking boots.
With Blairgowrie, Corriefodly and Faskally Woods Holiday Parks all offering great bases for exploring the area, an autumn break can be as active or as leisurely as you like.
From spectacular viewpoints and colourful woodland walks to pumpkin picking and one of Scotland’s most magical autumn events, here are ten of our favourite things to do in and around Perthshire this autumn.
1. Experience The Enchanted Forest
An autumn visit to Highland Perthshire wouldn’t be complete without experiencing The Enchanted Forest at Faskally Wood near Pitlochry.
After darkness falls, the woodland is transformed by an incredible combination of light, sound and music reflected across the water and surrounding trees.
There is an extra reason to visit in 2026, as The Enchanted Forest celebrates its 25th anniversary. This year’s show, Stop The Clock: The 25th Hour, runs from 8 October to 8 November 2026. Tickets include shuttle bus transport between Pitlochry and Faskally Wood.
It’s always popular, particularly during the October school holidays, so booking ahead is recommended.
2. Take in the View from Garry Bridge
Sometimes you don’t need a long walk to find a memorable autumn view. Just along the road from Faskally Woods is Garry Bridge near Killiecrankie, where the B8019 crosses high above the River Garry. From here, you can look down through the wooded gorge towards the river and surrounding landscape – particularly impressive when the trees are changing colour.
If you have more time, make a walk of it. The nearby Linn of Tummel has a three-mile circular route through woodland and along the riverbanks which includes views from Garry Bridge.
The Pass of Killiecrankie itself is also well worth exploring in autumn, when the woodland takes on shades of gold, amber, burgundy and russet.
3. Walk to Pine Cone Point
For one of our favourite views around Dunkeld, pull on your walking boots and head into Craigvinean Forest.
The Pine Cone Point Trail winds through the forest before reaching its distinctive giant pine cone shelter and a wonderful elevated view across the River Tay towards Dunkeld and the hills beyond. The trail is around 2¾ miles (4.6km) and takes approximately 1½ hours.
It’s a beautiful walk at any time of year, but the view is particularly special when the Perthshire countryside begins to take on its autumn colours.
The route to Pine Cone Point was also resurfaced at the beginning of 2026, improving access to the viewpoint.
4. Stop at Queen’s View
There is a reason Queen’s View is one of Highland Perthshire’s best-known viewpoints.
A short walk from the car park opens out onto an expansive view across Loch Tummel, framed by wooded hills and mountains stretching into the distance.
Come autumn, those hillsides are scattered with colour, making this an easy stop to add to a day exploring Pitlochry, Killiecrankie or Blair Atholl.
5. Wander Through The Hermitage
If there is one Perthshire woodland made for autumn, The Hermitage near Dunkeld has to be a contender.
Follow the paths beneath towering Douglas firs and alongside the River Braan until you reach Ossian’s Hall, dramatically positioned above the thundering Black Linn Falls.
Autumn is particularly special here. The National Trust for Scotland describes it as perhaps the most spectacular time to visit, with the woodland filled with seasonal colour. You may even see salmon attempting to leap the falls as they travel upstream to spawn.
Add fallen leaves, rushing water and the smell of the forest after an autumn shower and you have all the ingredients for a great Perthshire walk.
6. Pick a Pumpkin at The Barrie Box
Nothing says October quite like choosing your own pumpkin.
Close to Blairgowrie, The Barrie Box at Kettins makes a lovely autumn stop. In October, wander amongst pumpkins of different colours, shapes and sizes before choosing your favourite to take home.
The pumpkin patch offers free admission with no pre-booking required, making it an easy addition to an autumn day out. There are lots of fun free activities to keep everyone entertained for a few hours.
Don’t rush away afterwards. The family-run farm shop is well worth a browse too, with a wide selection of Scottish and local produce as well as breads, cakes and other treats and the new cafe is a great addition to this popular farm shop.
7. Take a Drive Through Glen Clova
For a longer day out, venture east into the Angus Glens and follow the road into Glen Clova.
The journey is all part of the experience, with hills rising on either side as the road winds deeper into the glen. Autumn brings another layer of colour to the landscape and, as the weather cools, there is a particularly good incentive waiting at the end.
Stop for lunch at Glen Clova Hotel, where the Climber’s Bar offers somewhere warm to settle in after exploring the glen. On colder days, the fire is often lit – just the place for lunch or a drink after an autumn drive.
8. Chase a Waterfall
Autumn showers have an upside – they can make Perthshire’s waterfalls particularly impressive.
You have plenty to choose from depending on where you are exploring.
Falls of Bruar near Blair Atholl makes a great woodland walk through a dramatic gorge, while Black Spout is an easily overlooked gem close to Pitlochry and can be particularly impressive following heavy rain.
Or head towards Glen Isla for Reekie Linn, where the River Isla plunges dramatically into the gorge below. When the river is in spate after heavy rain, its two main drops can merge into one powerful waterfall.
Whichever you choose, take care around waterfalls and riverbanks after wet weather, when paths and rocks can be slippery.
9. Look for Red Squirrels at Loch of the Lowes
Finish your autumn list with one of Perthshire’s best-loved residents.
Just outside Dunkeld, Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve is a wonderful place to slow down and spend some time watching the wildlife.
Although the reserve is famous for its ospreys during spring and summer, it is open throughout the year and red squirrels are among the species regularly found here. Autumn and winter also bring a changing cast of birds and other wildlife to the loch and surrounding woodland.
Spend some time at the viewing areas, explore the woodland and see who appears. A red squirrel amongst the autumn leaves makes a pretty good ending to a Perthshire day out.
10. Spend an Autumn Afternoon in Dunkeld
Take some time to explore Dunkeld, one of Perthshire’s prettiest towns and particularly lovely when the autumn colours arrive.
Wander through the historic streets, browse the independent shops and cafés, and make your way down towards Dunkeld Cathedral and the banks of the River Tay. The riverside is a beautiful spot for a gentle stroll, with views across the Tay towards the wooded hills beyond – especially impressive when the trees are turning shades of gold, copper and red.
You can follow the paths beside the river, stop for a coffee or lunch in the town, and simply enjoy a slower autumn afternoon. With The Hermitage, Pine Cone Point and Loch of the Lowes all nearby, Dunkeld also makes a great addition to a full day exploring this part of Perthshire.
