Travel: The best glen walks in Scotland this autumn

Autumn is when we enjoy cosy nights cuddled up on the sofa but also for wrapping up in your winter woolies and heading out for a stroll.

From the changing landscape to the crisp leaves under your feet, it’s a beautiful time to be outdoors.

Visit Scotland suggest a few of their favourite routes for an amble this autumn…

Dawyck Botanic Garden

Scottish Borders

Take in the fiery colours at Dawyck Botanic Garden as well as the autumn fruits; from acorns to crab apples, maple keys to fir cones and everyone’s favourites, the conkers produced by the horse chestnut trees.

The Garden is a feast for all the senses; take in the gorgeous caramel scent of the large Japanese Katsura tree.

Glentrool

Dumfries & Galloway

Wanderers can get lost among the trees for an hour or two and gaze out across the tranquil waters of Loch Trool.

Part of Galloway Forest Park, the UK’s only dark sky park, stay until nightfall and wonder at the magic of a sky studded with thousands of stars.

Fairy Glen

Rosemarkie, Black Isle

If spotting dolphins at Chononry Point off the Black Isle wasn’t magical enough, “leaf-peepers” can indulge in the magic of autumn colours on a walk at Fairy Glen.

With two picturesque waterfalls, the Fairy Glen was once the scene of a well-dressing ceremony, where the children of the village decorated a pool, next to a spring, with flowers. This was said to ensure that the fairies kept the water supply clean.

The Hermitage

Perthshire

Take a wander around this almost cathedral-like, wooded grove of towering trees overlooking the spectacular falls of the River Braan.

Perched high above is the delightfully restored Georgian folly of Ossian’s Hall, it’s the perfect spot to spy red squirrels and leaping salmon.

Aberdeen Beach

Aberdeen

Spend the morning sightseeing in the city before heading to the sandy shores of Aberdeen Beach, just a short walk from the city centre.

With a range of cafes and restaurants, a fun fair and cinema, Aberdeen Beach makes for an excellent autumn afternoon outing.

Venture slightly further to take in the fresh sea air at Greyhope Bay, where visitors can make their way to the newly opened dolphin viewing centre at Torry Battery. Constructed from converted shipping containers, it operates completely off-grid.

Killin

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

The Falls of Dochart make for a sound and sight spectacular as the water cascades over the rocks.

Follow part of the 12-mile route from Killin to Ardtalnaig, along the famous Rob Roy Way, for views over the head of Loch Tay towards the Tarmachan Ridge and Ben Lawers range.

Haugh Nature Reserve

Motherwell, Saturday, 10-12pm

This is one of the most exciting seasons for RSPB Baron’s Haugh with plenty of visitors from far and wide descending upon the reserve.

Attend an organised autumn walk to learn about the birds that come to this wonderful reserve as the weather turns.

Grey Mare’s Tail

Moffat

Take a 10-minute walk and be rewarded with spectacular views of the magnificent waterfall, which cascades from Loch Skeen into the Moffat Water Valley from a rocky precipice 200ft above.

Or climb the steep slopes of White Coomb (2,694ft) for even more spectacular views.

Pollok Country Park

Glasgow

For family-friendly walks, look no further than Glasgow’s biggest green space, Pollok Country Park. There is so much to see and do for little explorers!

Start out at the world-class Burrell Collection. Head to the country manor, Pollok House, where you can enjoy a riverside stroll, mini maze and fairy garden. En route, be sure to snap some selfies with Highland cows.

Fife Coastal Path

Fife

The Fife Coastal Path gives visitors the chance to explore Scotland’s rich history while offering spectacular views of the coast and beaches.

Starting from Kincardine Bridge in the South to the Tay Road Bridge in the North, this 81-mile walk passes through a number of quaint fishing villages for a hot chocolate pitstop, behold historic castles and caves with an abundance of wildlife to spectate along the way.

If you fancy a walk across the water, try the Arran Coastal Way, which takes you on a 65-mile route around the island.

Visit scotlandsgreattrails.com for more ideas.