We are officially in the midst of autumn and here in Scotland the colours are out in full force. With this in mind, I have collated a list of my top 5 autumn walks in Scotland to help you make the most of these colours while they are still here.

When is the best time of year to see autumn leaves in Scotland?

The Autumn Equinox officially begins on the 22nd of September. You will start to see a hint of change by mid-September, with the best colours being found from mid-to-late October. However, some years I have seen the autumn colours well into November. Each year is different so I aim to get out and into the trees as much as I can at this time of year.

Table of Contents

1. When is the best time of year to see autumn leaves in Scotland?
2. Table of Contents
3. What to know before you go…
4. 1. The Hermitage
5. 2. The Lost Valley
6. 3. The Linn of Dee
7. 4. Faskally Forest
8. 5. Glencoe Lochan

What to know before you go…

Before heading off on an autumn walk in Scotland, I would suggest you wrap up warm. Layers are key here. I typically begin a walk at this time of year cold but then quickly warm up as I get moving. As always with Scotland, it is best to pack a waterproof jacket and for all walks mentioned below I would recommend wearing a pair of walking boots. Paths are often muddy and uneven so suitable footwear is a must.

Now, let’s get into it…

1. The Hermitage

• Length: 1 – 3 hours (depending on whether you include Pine Cone Point)
• Elevation Gain: 186m (Pine Cone Point route)
• Parking: £4 charge
• Best time to hike: Early morning
• Mushroom rating: 8/10

The Hermitage of Dunked is a beautiful walk all year round. It is a walk I first discovered in 2014 and have returned to year on year ever since. However, autumn is definitely when the Hermitage is at its most impressive. The beauty of the forest at this time of year is magical. You are surrounded by tall tress all around; a canopy of colour.

This is a walk that can be made as short or as long as you like, with lots to discover if you wish to. Located just off the A9, the walk is easily accessible by car and clearly signposted. From the car park, it is not long at all before you reach Ossian’s Hall which offers an impressive view of Black Linn Falls. From here, you can carry on deeper into the forest and there is a 6.5 mile route which includes Pine Cone Point. This offers panoramic views over Strath Tay. The Walkhighlands’ route for this can be found here.

Places to eat and drink nearby

At the Hermitage itself, you will find Full Circle Donuts located in the car park. They sell some of the most delicious, freshly-made cinnamon sugar donuts I have ever had. Alongside this, they offer a range of hot drinks; perfect to help you warm up after a brisk autumn walk. Nearby, the town of Dunkeld is home to many cafes and restaurants. 

2. The Lost Valley

• Length: 2-3 hours
• Elevation Gain: 335m
• Parking: Three Sisters car park, free of charge
• Best time to hike: Early morning as the car park gets busy
• Mushroom rating: 3/10

The Lost Valley of Glen Coe is the longest and most technical walk on this list. However, it is definitely worth it. The path is steep and rocky in places with some mild scrambling required. Therefore, it is best to save this walk for a clear, dry day. The walkhighlands route can be found here.

You begin this walk at the Three Sisters car park. From here, you are already greeted with stunning views of the Three Sisters of Glen Coe. In autumn, the mountains are a beautiful burnt orange. You will embark on a rocky descent and then ascent deep into the valley. At the end of the walk, you will reach the Lost Valley of Glen Coe. This a serene spot, especially if you are lucky enough to get it to yourself.

Places to eat and drink nearby

The Glen Coe Mountain cafe and the Kingshouse hotel.

3. The Linn of Dee

• Length: 1 – 2 hours
• Elevation Gain: 42m
• Parking: Linn of Dee car park, £4 charge
• Best time to hike: Early-to-mid afternoon
• Mushroom rating: 6/10

The Linn of Dee car park is a great starter point for several different walks, hikes and wild camping locations. I recently visited the Linn of Dee to climb Càrn a’ Mhàim. This is a 14 mile hike that takes you deep into Glen Lui. If munros aren’t your thing, exploring the walk into Glen Lui is beautiful in itself. Here you are surrounded by native pinewoods and streams throughout.

There is also a Linn of Dee circular route; a tranquil walk through pinewoods with great views of River Dee. The walkhighlands route for this can be found here.

Places to eat and drink nearby

The town of Braemar is a short drive away with lots to offer; including shops, cafes and restaurants.

4. Faskally Forest

• Length: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Elevation Gain: 100m
• Parking: PH16 5JZ, £1 for an hour
• Best time to hike: Early morning to mid-afternoon
• Mushroom rating: 10/10

Faskally Forest may be best known for the Enchanted Forest; an after-dark light and sound experience. However, during the day this is a great place to experience the best that autumn in Scotland has to offer. There are several walking routes that you can take and this can be reached by foot from Pitlochry. From the car park, you can explore the rich mix of tree species along the Foresters’ Trail, or take the easy access Dunmore Trail around the loch. 

The Walkhighlands route can be found here.

Places to eat and drink nearby

The town of Pitlochry is close-by with plenty of cafes and restaurants.

5. Glencoe Lochan

• Length: 1 – 1.5 hours
• Elevation Gain: 100m
• Parking: Glen Coe Lochan carpark, £1 for an hour
• Best time to hike: mid-afternoon
• Mushroom rating: 7/10

Now, last but certainly not least! This is the second Glen Coe walk on this list and this is because autumn is the perfect time to visit this area. Not only for the beautiful colours but because the summer season begins to die down and things are (a little bit!) quieter. One of the best spots to take in the changing autumn colours is Glen Coe Lochan. A beautiful, short walk that is a great option no matter the weather. I would actually argue that it is at its best on a rainy day.

When you reach the Glen Coe Lochan car park, there is an information board with three separate routes you can take with different intensity levels. A standard Walkhighlands route can be found here.

Places to eat and drink nearby

The Clachiag Inn, possibly my favourite pub ever, is nearby. I would highly recommend for food and a hot toddy.

Conclusion

So, there’s five of my favourite autumn walks in Scotland! I have barely scratched the surface here and have focused on walks I have personally enjoyed and returned to over the years. There are so many beautiful spots in Scotland to enjoy the autumn colours; my suggestion would be to get out wherever and whenever you can.

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