Scotland does autumn as if it invented it. The country has a knack for putting on a show the moment the air turns crisp and the midges retreat. Hillsides blaze gold, castles hide in seas of copper beech, and lochs turn into mirrors for whole forests of flame. You half expect the bagpipes to strike up a tune every time the leaves change. Here are 20 of the finest spots to catch the spectacle.
1. The Hermitage, Dunkeld
A cathedral of Douglas firs and swirling leaves, complete with a folly that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. The River Braan tumbles through the gorge, carrying a rainbow of leaves downstream.
Practical info
- Getting there: On the A9 near Dunkeld; parking at The Hermitage car park.
- Facilities: Toilets and café in Dunkeld village.
- Points of interest: Ossian’s Hall folly, Black Linn Falls, Dunkeld Cathedral.
2. Loch Faskally, Pitlochry
A man-made loch that feels older than time, wrapped in forests that catch every shade of orange, red and yellow. The reflections on still days are enough to make you wonder if the world has doubled.
Practical info
- Getting there: Just north of Pitlochry off the A9; parking at the dam visitor centre.
- Facilities: Visitor centre café, toilets, shops in Pitlochry.
- Points of interest: Pitlochry Dam, fish ladder, Festival Theatre.
3. Glen Affric, Highlands
Often called Scotland’s most beautiful glen, and in autumn it’s hard to disagree. Birch, rowan and pine glow under the first dustings of snow on the surrounding peaks.
Practical info
- Getting there: Access from Cannich, 12 miles west of Drumnadrochit. Car parks at Dog Falls and Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin.
- Facilities: Toilets at car parks, pubs and shops in Cannich.
- Points of interest: Dog Falls walk, Loch Affric, wildlife spotting.
4. Killiecrankie Gorge, Perthshire
This dramatic pass at Killiecrankie is famous for its Jacobite battle but also for its riotous autumn palette. Stand on the Garry Bridge and watch the colours pour down the gorge.
Practical info
- Getting there: On the B8079 between Pitlochry and Blair Atholl. National Trust for Scotland car park.
- Facilities: Visitor centre with café and toilets.
- Points of interest: Soldier’s Leap, River Garry bridge, woodland trails.
5. Loch Tummel, Perthshire
Queen Victoria admired the view at Loch Tummel so much it’s called “Queen’s View.” In autumn, it looks like the entire forest has been set alight for her benefit.
Practical info
- Getting there: Signposted from the B8019 west of Pitlochry.
- Facilities: Visitor centre with café and toilets at Queen’s View.
- Points of interest: Loch Tummel vistas, Schiehallion mountain, picnic spots.
6. Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire
A turreted fantasy surrounded by gardens that burst into russet and bronze. The 16th-century yews look like giant green sculptures against the fiery backdrop.
Practical info
- Getting there: Off the A93 near Banchory. Parking at castle grounds.
- Facilities: Tearoom, toilets, shop.
- Points of interest: Castle tours, walled garden, estate walks.
7. Glen Lyon, Perthshire
Often described as the loveliest glen in Scotland, Glen Lyon is a river of gold in October. Drive or walk its length and watch the light change with every bend.
Practical info
- Getting there: Accessed via Fortingall from the A827 near Aberfeldy. Narrow single-track roads.
- Facilities: Small tearoom in Bridge of Balgie; limited services.
- Points of interest: Fortingall yew tree, Bridge of Balgie post office café, scenic drives.
8. Loch Katrine, Trossachs
Rob Roy’s old stomping ground is no stranger to drama. Autumn turns Loch Katrine into a painter’s palette of russet hills and mirrored water.
Practical info
- Getting there: From Callander follow the A821 to Trossachs Pier. Parking available.
- Facilities: Pier café, toilets, boat cruises.
- Points of interest: Steamship Sir Walter Scott, cycle path around the loch, Trossachs viewpoint.
9. Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh
Even in the middle of the city you get a ticket to the autumn show. The maples and acers are especially flamboyant, as if competing for attention.
Practical info
- Getting there: 1 mile from Princes Street; buses from city centre.
- Facilities: Café, toilets, visitor centre, gift shop.
- Points of interest: Rock Garden, Glasshouses, Chinese Hillside.
10. Cairngorms National Park
Here the seasons arrive early. Birch forests turn saffron while red deer stride about the National Park looking as if they ordered the backdrop specially for the rut.
Practical info
- Getting there: Covering Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland, Angus, Perth & Kinross; main access via Aviemore.
- Facilities: Visitor centres, shops and cafés in Aviemore and Braemar.
- Points of interest: Rothiemurchus Forest, Glenmore, Cairngorm funicular.
11. Loch Shiel, Lochaber
Loch Sheil is one of the most cinematic spots in Scotland – you’ve seen it in Harry Potter – made even more magical when the hills flame red and gold.
Practical info
- Getting there: Glenfinnan lies on the A830, 17 miles west of Fort William.
- Facilities: Visitor centre café, toilets, parking.
- Points of interest: Glenfinnan Monument, Jacobite steam train viaduct, loch cruises.
12. Perth’s Kinnoull Hill
Easily reached from the city, this wooded hill serves up a view across the Tay that becomes a patchwork quilt in October.
Practical info
- Getting there: Just east of Perth, parking at Jubilee Car Park.
- Facilities: Toilets in Perth city centre; none on hill.
- Points of interest: Kinnoull Tower ruins, woodland trails, panoramic views.
13. Loch Maree, Wester Ross
A rugged, remote loch dotted with islands that blaze in autumn. Even the pines look warmer here, softened by the golden light.
Practical info
- Getting there: On the A832 between Kinlochewe and Gairloch. Parking laybys.
- Facilities: Shops and cafés in Kinlochewe and Gairloch.
- Points of interest: Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, Slattadale picnic area.
14. Drummond Castle Gardens, Crieff
One of Europe’s great formal gardens, its autumn tones make the avenues and parterres of Drummond Castle look as if they’ve been painted with a giant brush.
Practical info
- Getting there: South of Crieff off the A822. Car park near entrance.
- Facilities: Toilets on site, shops and cafés in Crieff.
- Points of interest: Formal terraces, clipped hedges, grand avenues.
15. Loch an Eilein, Rothiemurchus
A dreamy loch with a ruined castle on an island, surrounded by ancient pine forest. When the birch trees turn, the whole place looks enchanted.
Practical info
- Getting there: 5 km south of Aviemore; Rothiemurchus Estate car park.
- Facilities: Café, toilets, visitor centre at Rothiemurchus.
- Points of interest: Lochside path, castle ruin, red squirrels.
16. Benmore Botanic Garden, Argyll
Specialises in big trees – giant redwoods, towering conifers – but the Benmore acers steal the show in autumn, dripping scarlet into the mossy ground.
Practical info
- Getting there: 7 miles north of Dunoon on the A815. On-site car park.
- Facilities: Café, toilets, gift shop.
- Points of interest: Redwood Avenue, fernery, hillside walks.
17. Glenfinnan, Highlands
Glenfinnan viaduct may steal the limelight thanks to Harry Potter, but the glen itself is ablaze with colour in autumn, especially around Loch Shiel.
Practical info
- Getting there: On the A830, 17 miles west of Fort William.
- Facilities: Visitor centre café, toilets, parking.
- Points of interest: Glenfinnan Monument, viaduct viewpoint, Loch Shiel.
18. Loch Earn, Stirlingshire
The wooded shores of Loch Earn become a kaleidoscope of gold and russet, reflected in the water so perfectly it’s like stepping into a postcard.
Practical info
- Getting there: On the A85 between Lochearnhead and St Fillans. Parking laybys.
- Facilities: Cafés and hotels in St Fillans and Lochearnhead.
- Points of interest: Watersports, walking routes, art installations on the loch.
19. Pitmedden Garden, Aberdeenshire
A 17th-century formal garden with hedges and orchards that glow at harvest time. The fruit trees of Pitmedden in particular look as if they’ve been dipped in fire.
Practical info
- Getting there: Off the A920, 14 miles from Aberdeen. Car park on site.
- Facilities: Tearoom, toilets, shop.
- Points of interest: Orchard, parterre gardens, museum of farming life.
20. Glasgow’s Pollok Country Park
Even Scotland’s biggest city gets in on the act. Pollok Country Park has ancient woodland, Highland cattle, and acres of fiery leaves – and best of all just a short hop on the subway.
Practical info
- Getting there: 3 miles south-west of Glasgow centre; accessible by bus and train.
- Facilities: Burrell Collection café, toilets, picnic areas.
- Points of interest: Pollok House, Burrell Collection, Clydesdale horses.
